A group of students from Redcar & Cleveland College have returned from an overseas trip with more than just souvenirs and memories after they decided to sponsor an orphan who they met on the trip.

 

The 20 students, who are all studying for qualifications in Childcare or Health & Social Care at the college, along with three members of staff were making their annual trip to the Caminul Felix Project in Oradea, Romania as part of their courses. 

 

The Christian charity provides a home for abandoned and neglected children in two purpose-built villages under the care of adults who act as their ‘family’. Children are provided with basic needs such as food,love and shelter which they wouldn’t have ordinarily received.

 

The students and staff decided to sponsor one of the charity’s children, after spending time with her and the family who look after her as part of the long term links and commitment they have to Caminul Felix. 

 

11-year-old Mihaela, who has been living at the project’s village since March last year, was chosen after they met her and the family who care for her. The college’s support will provide Mihaela with some of the basic items she needs for the next year including new clothes and school books. 

 

Claire Barwick, a tutor on the college’s Health and Social Care courses, lead the organisation of the trip. She said: 

 

“We have been making our annual trip to Romania for the past four years, but this year’s trip was very different in that we participated in new activities alongside maintaining links already fostered on previous trips.  

 

“Our strengthening relationships with Caminul Felix are an important aspect of the trip and made even stronger this year by Redcar and Cleveland College’s sponsorship of Mihaela”.

 

Gillian Morgan, a tutor on the college’s Health and Social Care courses said:

 

“The students are looking forward to staying in touch with Mihaela and her family as part of their studies over the course of the next year and we’ll be meeting up with her to check on her progress when we make our next visit to the project in 2012.”

 

This year’s activities included gaining access to a state psychiatric hospital in Nucet to visit patients transferred there from the previously visited Bratca Hospital Orphanage. 

 

Tess Ivison, a tutor in Early Years courses at the college said: 

 

“The visit to the psychiatric hospital was a particularly challenging part of the trip for students who took clothes, activities and equipment for the patients who aren’t ordinarily used to receiving the levels of attention we were able to give them.

 

The visit gave out students the opportunity to experience a differing approach to dealing with mental health issues that we have in the UK and helped them to develop the skills they have been learning as part of their courses at college.”

 

Ellie Smith, who is studying for a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, said of the trip: 

 

“The whole week has been so inspirational and eye opening.  The work that is done by Caminul Felix in Romania is fantastic and I’m hoping that I can make the trip again next year.”

 

Kieran Williams, a Year 2 Childcare Student, said:

 

“Overall this has been an eye opening experience and its helped me value my own life.  All in all I had a great time.”

 

Planning is already underway for the student’s 2012 trip to Romania with sponsors and supporters being sought. Anyone interested in supporting the trip should contact Claire Barwick or Gillian Morgan at the college on 01642 473132.