Education for 50 disadvantaged Romanian children

Panciu isn't on the map of destinations desired by those who dream of "leaving to change the world." It's a small town in eastern Romania, among vineyards and bumpy roads, where time seems to flow differently. Here lies the Pinocchio Center, a place where children from difficult situations find listening, welcome, and normalcy. But this space wouldn't exist without the people who bring it to life every day. Among them is Alexandra, a 24-year-old French volunteer who arrived thanks to the European Solidarity Corps program.

Alexandra studied law and is completing a course in mediation. Her education, however, only reveals part of her personality.

"I like playing music, dancing, writing, drawing, cooking, and going to the mountains. I like expressing myself in many ways, feeling free."

She decided to leave for Panciu at the end of a work experience.

"My contract was about to end. At that moment, I was looking for something that would allow me to go abroad and do something meaningful at the same time. I received the offer from the association and accepted. I knew it would be challenging. And indeed, it was, and still is. But now things are a little better.”

Her choice wasn't a coincidence. During the Covid-19 pandemic, forced to study from home, Alexandra discovered the European Solidarity Corps portal.

"I signed up and participated in a two-month project in Krakow, to help young people re-socialize after isolation. Then I discovered I could also participate in a longer experience. So I chose to leave for Romania.”

A country she wasn't familiar with, but that surprised her.

"I knew nothing about Romania. The landscapes are wonderful. And I was really struck by the way people make do, repair, and find solutions even with limited resources.”

The impact of the center wasn't immediate.

"I thought I was among the most experienced, since I had worked before. Instead, I discovered that working with children is something completely different. At first, it was difficult. But then I learned. Now I feel more connected, and every day is a satisfaction."

Children are at the heart of her experience.

"Seeing them run toward you, hug you, trust you... it's something deeply touching. I still remember when, after the holidays, one of them – G. – came up to me and hugged me. Those are moments you never forget."

But there are also harsh images.

"It's painful to see small children wandering around alone late at night. You wonder where the adults are, who takes care of them. And you understand how important what we do is."

For Alexandra, the Pinocchio Center is a special place.

"Not just for the children, but also for the people who work there. It's a human, welcoming, and dedicated environment. And the children sense it. I feel like I'm growing. This experience is teaching me so much. And I'm grateful to be able to do something meaningful, every day.”

Alexandra's story reminds us that there are still unconventional choices, made in silence, away from the spotlight. Not to advance a career, not to be noticed, but to be there, alongside those who have no voice.

The Pinocchio Center in Panciu is not just a place. It is a haven of humanity where every day children in need find a point of reference, a smile, a hope. It is silent, daily, often invisible work. But precisely for this reason, it is essential.

Volunteers like Alexandra choose to get involved, but their commitment, however immense, is not enough. To continue offering welcome, education, a listening ear, and dignity, the Center needs everyone's support. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference in a child's life.

Whoever can, whoever wants, whoever believes it is worth caring for the future: now it's time to do it!