NOTHING IS LOST, […] EVERYTHING IS TRANSFORMED, as Antoine Lavoisier once said. In December 2012, I discovered a new way to use my knowledge of Romanian language, history, geography, economy and culture, in a broad sense. More specifically, in spring 2013 and 2014 I gave lessons of “Romanian language and culture” to Dutch people. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? It all began with an e-mail from my former boss at Sara Lee in Amsterdam. A couple of weeks before Christmas, he send me information about a major fund raising event at his daughter’s high-school. Several sportive and commercial activities were being organized, in order to collect money “for the street children in Romania”. In order to better understand what was going on, I went to see that fund raising event. There were many young people involved in activities within and around the high-school buildings. Tens of pupils were running a marathon, while others were buying different drinks, food products or tickets for playing bingo. Most sellers and activity coordinators were kids, but there were also some teachers involved, including the project leader. SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION - THE PROJECT That Christmas event was merely one out of several fund raising activities, which were organized throughout the school year. All money was meant for “the street children” in Constanta, Romania’s largest harbour-city at the Black See. Later on, I learned that the beneficiaries were not only homeless children, but also other underprivileged children living in poor conditions in Constanta. Every year, two teachers and 8 carefully selected pupils initiate and coordinate various activities for raising money. At the end of the school year, they spend two weeks in Romania, doing charitable work for the benefit of “street children” in Constanta. For instance, they go together in a children’s camp (in Romanian “tabara de copii”) where they play games and do other nice things. Children love attention. Not surprisingly, the Romanian kids are very happy when the Dutch visitors come. They like activities in the camp and at “Casa Sami” in Constanta. In addition, a dinner to a restaurant is a special treat not only for the Romanian kids, but also for the Dutch pupils. ROMANIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE LESSONS Being able to understand the menu card and order in a restaurant in Romania is a learning objective of the 10 lessons I’m giving to each Dutch group who participate in this project. As agreed with the project leader, those lessons provide an opportunity for the students to learn a few useful words and some basic aspects about the Romanian cuisine and way of life, in general. Such knowledge facilitate cross-cultural communication and contribute to a pleasant experience in Romania. At the same time, the lessons help the Dutch youngsters to place their experience in a historical, socio-economic and cultural context. Last, but not least, they provide an opportunity for the participants to appreciate THE BEAUTIFUL SIDE of Romania, including its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. As we all know it, Romania has not only problems, but also positive aspects. I’m very grateful for my education in Romania. It provided me with a very broad general knowledge, which I’m happy to share for a good cause. I believe knowledge sharing is the right thing to do. Because in the universe “NOTHING IS LOST, EVERYTHING IS TRANSFORMED”.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:15:09 +0000
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