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Friendship Camp: An Educational and Fun Success Concluding with Ukraine Day Celebration

From June 1 to August 23, 2024, REF Romania, in partnership with the School of Values, successfully organized the Friendship Camp, an educational and recreational project for children and young people from the One Stop Shop Center. Over 60 participants, aged 6 to 17, enjoyed a unique experience that combined educational activities, personal development, and entertainment. Through these activities, the children learned new skills and explored various fields of knowledge.

“For Ukraine Day, I drew a sunflower and prepared a dance with my friends here. I loved the summer school games, playing outside, and dancing.” – Milana Parapir, 8 years old.

The camp offered a wide range of activities blending education with fun. Some highlights included:

“My favorite activity was playing ‘Ducks and Hunters.’ We had to eliminate the ducks with a ball. We played, drew, and we visited alot of places.” – Roman Zabarevski, 13 years old.

Among the most memorable activities were:

The camp concluded with a celebration dedicated to Ukraine Day, an event that highlighted Ukrainian cultural traditions. The children participated in activities that emphasized the importance of solidarity and respect for cultural diversity.

“The Friendship Camp gave Ukrainian Roma refugee children and youth an unforgettable experience. Through recreational and personal development activities, the participants had the chance to discover new skills and form valuable friendships. Counseling sessions were also provided for both children and parents, ensuring emotional support and guidance during this challenging time. All of these efforts contributed to creating a safe and friendly environment where hope and joy could be found again. Thank you to the team that made this extraordinary initiative possible, bringing smiles to the faces of these young people and their families!” – Monica Călin, REF educational expert.

Loredana Dinu, the coordinator of the Friendship Camp, emphasized the transformative impact of the experience:

“This camp was more than just a holiday; it was a transformative experience. Over the eight weeks, the children formed friendships and learned to support one another. We succeeded in creating a vacation atmosphere where they could explore the world around them and discover important lessons about respect and collaboration. Each day spent together was a lesson in friendship, and the memories made here will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Opened on April 25, 2023, the One Stop Shop Center supports Ukrainian Roma refugees and is funded by grants from the Migrants and Refugees Fund of the Council of Europe’s Development Bank (CEB). The project provides a safe and educational space for children affected by the refugee crisis, helping them grow and adapt to their new living conditions.

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