Open Doors: ACET volunteers in Romania

In July 2014, 4 young Togolese volunteers embarked on a journey to Romania as part of the Erasmus+ project "Open Doors". This project consisted of volunteers from Togo and Italy and was focused on awareness campaigns, pre-school non-formal education, and working with disabled individuals.

Empowering communities through health awareness campaigns

One of the main objectives of the “Open Doors” project was to raise awareness about the consequences of drugs and smoking. The volunteers organized public presentations on the risks of these substances. The presentations were delivered to many high schools and bars. Through these activities, the “Open Doors” project helped to spread important information that is necessary for a healthier lifestyle.

Supporting disabled individuals through inclusive activities 

The volunteers also organized activities to support disabled individuals in the DDAC center from Arad. These activities included musical activities, such as learning how to play the djembe traditional West African percussion instrument, and singing. These events created a space for individuals to connect, and to discover new talents. They also promoted inclusion and increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.

Enriching young minds through non-formal activities

Another key focus of the “Open Doors” project was enriching the lives of kindergarten children through creative and engaging activities. Volunteers led sessions that included games, dancing, and drumming, creating a fun and stimulating environment for young children. These activities were designed to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. The main objective was to support early childhood development through teamwork, communication, and emotional expression.

Conclusion

The Open Doors project is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through passion and commitment to community development. The volunteers made a profound impact on the communities they worked with and gained insights that will shape their personal development and understanding of diverse social issues. This project demonstrates how targeted community engagement can lead to meaningful and lasting change.