2024 Oct 2/ Day 4: Rebuilding the Community of Haranglab and visiting the Maltese Charity Services, Beregovo

One of the recurring discussions we have had throughout this trip is around the purpose of volunteering - why do we do it? Why do we feel compelled to help? What is more important - achieving a goal or just feeling good about doing something? Sometimes volunteering is tough. Sometimes it involves working in situations that are hard to improve, aiming for results that are hard to measure, and making progress that can feel invisible - a drop of water in a giant ocean. 

And sometimes, volunteer work can bring pure and simple joy to those who volunteer, while also achieving a tangible result. Today felt rewarding in a visceral sense because we could see the results of our labor appear before our eyes as we assembled dozens of Ikea chairs and tables to create a new community center. 

Visiting the Malta Charity Services offices and therapy center for kids

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This initial meeting was about two possible cooperations:

1) To help the local charity service upgrade it's facility, so they can serve children better. They run a small rehabilitation unit, treating up to 25 children a week. This could be increased. Also, they are in need of replacing their old toys and therapy tools for kids.

3) To talk about a possible cooperation to help renovate the "boys' wing " of Nagydobrony Children's Home.

We had a very pleasant meeting also learnt a lot about their international aid work.

After a morning visit with the Maltese Red Cross - a local partner - we spent the day in Harangláb, a small village of about 200 people, where we transformed an empty room next to the town’s church into a brand new community center and haven for local kids. It was magical to see what a dedicated group of no more than twenty volunteers can accomplish in less than four hours, with a budget of less than $10,000. Pictures speak more than a thousand words, and this day is best captured with photos. Here is a collage of the work we did - and the smiles it has created on the faces of the children and the community we have helped. 

The community put a lot of work into this community space (Before us)

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Interior design plans

by Éva Kecskés and Zsuzsanna Bozo

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The work begins.

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And continues.

The handover

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And somehow, in four hours, an empty room is magically transformed into a vibrant and cozy community center - and gets immediately claimed by the children. 

A huge thank you to everyone that contributed to making this magical day happen in the middle of a trip that has seen both uplifting and tough volunteer moments. 

Program

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Our gratitude board for this community project

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On behalf of Team DIRECTAIDFORUKRAINE.ORG 

How can you help?

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If you are in the States, please contact Alex Davern, he is managing the collection for those who feel they need a shopping assistant. We are happy to do the purchases on your behalf! alexdavern@gmail.com 

If you are in Hungary or Europe: Please contact Zsuzsanna Bozo here: directaidforukrainecharity@gmail.com