Alexandra about volunteering

When we were told we would go to the “Solidarity  of Hope’s Association”, which is a nursing home, I thought that this time we would do some kind of physical work for the old people, such as cleaning their rooms or dusting the furniture. But it was totally different. We did nothing of the kind.

Instead, we spent some time with them. After we introduced one to each other we started to interact, being helped by the manager of this institution. She made us understand that the thing they mostly need is our presence, to keep them company, to tell them stories to read for them or play games with them.

I think I have understood why: they miss their families and we can – in a way – make up for their absence. Being with them is nothing exciting because most of them are suffering, they are ill and depressed. Still, while I talked to them or I helped one of the oldest “grannies” in the home to eat, I had the feeling that I was doing the right thing. Therefore, I was happy.

 

Leea about volunteering

Our last volunteering activity for the 2013 – 2014 school year was a trip in the neighbourhood  of Baia Mare, together with some elderly from “Rivulus Pueris” day centre. Our task was to collect healing plants for tea, but the real purpose of this outing was to learn from the seniors which these miraculous plants are and particularly what they are good for (what can be treated with them). It was an interesting experience because I really found out a lot about this topic, apart from what I used to know and because I felt like in the presence of my grandmothers who are always so loving and nice. 

While walking with the seniors we had to slow our rhythm because they couldn’t keep up; sometimes I had to repeat things because one of the grannies can’t hear very well.  Ever since I have given more thought to the idea that getting old is changing, a change which alters not only the physical capacity but also the senses. And I also realized that we are not too eager to think about it too much. It’s not comforting.

 

Teodora about volunteering

In February 2014, I was part of the group of volunteers who had a new “appointment” with the elderly from “Rivulus  Pueris” Centre. We played together games: chess, scrabble or rummy. We intended to teach them how to do this but we discovered that they also knew these games. The grannies from my group were good fun, young in spirit and we laughed a lot with them.

These activities with the elderly help us win at a personal level, especially in patience and understanding. When I join the seniors I am not in a hurry anymore, I am in “slow motion” and this helps me think more deeply and clearly. I value these moments because they are a proof that we can always learn from each other.