See Serve Speak Youth brings together 16-18 year olds from across Ireland to work alongside communities in need in Romania.
This is a unique opportunity for young people from across Ireland to work together, to build relationships, change perspectives, provide cross-cultural learning and an understanding that housing is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty.
See Serve Speak Youth provides the opportunity for young people to BUILD:
- Build beside communities in need in Romania
- Understand poverty and global development
- Inspire long term support for social justice
- Learn about the ‘Home Equals’ campaign and become advocates for affordable housing
- Develop skills including teamwork, leadership and entrepreneurship
"I’m so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and volunteered with Habitat. I’d recommend everyone get involved in some way."Julie, Past Youth Volunteer
The housing situation in Romania is one of the most difficult in the EU with 5.5 million people are in need of renovating their homes and 42.5% of the population is living in houses without a bath and toilet with running water.
Habitat for Humanity Romania build and repair houses with low-income families who live in damaged or overcrowded homes. As well as supporting local communities by building or repairing multi-use centres in vulnerable communities, including community centres, medical centres and/or schools. Habitat Romania also intervenes in cases of natural disasters in vulnerable communities and supports prevention training to educate people on how to intervene or prepare in case of man-made or natural disasters.
Habitat co-ordinates everything that is needed for a safe and rewarding experience. The programme includes a compulsory training in February and a 1 week trip to Romania during the summer and a debrief on return. Participants will be expected to attend meetings (in person or online), raise or contribute funds within an agreed timeline and follow all Habitat’s policies and procedures.
There will be a range of dates for Romania available in June and July 2025. This will include at least 5 days in the community Habitat works. Participants will be serving alongside the community and local volunteers but also have the opportunity learn about the impact of Habitats work.
The budget to take part is £1,950/€2,300p/p (this includes a non-refundable deposit, all training, travel, in-country expenses, a debrief and a minimum £750/€875 donation towards Habitat’s work). Of the £1,950/€2,300, we ask volunteers to make a minimum personal/parental contribution of £/€500 towards logistics costs. If you are unable to make this contribution, get in touch.
There are lots of ideas and resources to support fundraising, including our fundraising pack. Volunteers must be open about what the funds raised will support.
"Habitat has shaped me into the best version of myself and I am so privileged to have been part of such an incredible project."Anna, Past Youth Volunteer
