Our amazing time on mercy mission Moving experience as pupils volunteer in Romania
Big-hearted pupils from a Perth secondary school gave up their October holidays to help children in a Romanian hospital – and raised more than £10,000 in the process.
Eight youngsters from St John’s Academy spent six days volunteering at the Budimex hospital and St John’s Recovery Centre in Bucharest last month.
Religious education teacher Francis McGuire and social studies teacher Teri Sinclair took what was the seventh group of pupils from the Fair City school to the eastern European country.
Mr McGuire said: “Taking part in the Romania Mercy Project 2017 was a moving and lifechanging experience for all of us.
“Pupils expressed interest earlier in the year and after an interview process, eight were selected.
“We were the seventh group since 2013 to take part in the project, which started in honour of the work of the late Sr Mary Aloyisus, a Sister of Mercy and co-founder of the Dundee-based Lawside Romania Fund.
“During our time there we helped in the play rooms of the hospital, as well as with ergotherapy and arts and crafts, building relationships and playing with children who were in for long-term treatment or recovery.
“Having the opportunity to interact with such amazing children during a vulnerable time of their life was truly incredible for everyone and gave us insight into their world where many are very ill and only able for limited activities.
“The moments when we were able to put a smile on their little faces is something truly unforgettable.
“The language barrier made it a bit of a challenge to speak and interact with the children on our first day, but we quickly overcame it!
“We also enjoyed getting to know some of the young Romanian volunteers, many aspiring to the medical profession, and to spend a day exploring Transylvania together.
“In the course of the week we had the opportunity to see how the money we raised in school helped the children in Bucharest. The playground, which we helped raise funds to construct, was complete. The weather was sunny and warm and so the park was often full of kids playing and parents getting some fresh air and enjoying the sun. St John’s Academy pupils and staff enjoyed the experience in Bucharest “Thank you to everyone who attended our fundraisers or donated towards the £1200 we took to support the work of volunteers in Romania and thanks to all who made donations.”
Head boy Albert Krakowski