Trips
We take children beyond the village and bring the world closer: Baia Mare, Sighet, Săpânța, the planetarium, and other places where curiosity has room to grow.
About this project
Lizuca's Friends is the program through which children in the community find a safe, steady, lively place at Dumbrava. Here they can learn, play, ask for help, and discover, at their own pace, that education also means empathy, confidence, communication, boundaries, and responsibility.
About 15 children come regularly. We help with homework, read, practice languages, cook, build, play, go on trips, organize events, care for the animals, and offer emotional support when it is needed.
We are not chasing only better grades. We want children who feel safe, dare to ask questions, know their limits, notice the people around them, and grow with the feeling that they belong to a community.
What have we done so far?
Events
Children have prepared and enjoyed Children's Day, holiday activities, games, and competitions. They learn to collaborate, suggest ideas, and carry things through.
Workshops
We do crafts, painting, seasonal activities, and practical work. Children can try, make mistakes, repair, and feel the joy of something made with their own hands.
Animal care
Children walk dogs, help with feeding, socialization, and daily care. They learn responsibility through concrete, repeated gestures, not only stories.
Photos from activities
What do children gain?
Confidence
Children discover that they can try new things, ask for help, and succeed without always comparing themselves to others.
Belonging
Dumbrava becomes a place that feels like theirs, with friends, trusted adults, and experiences that stay with them.
Positive role models
They see people who keep showing up, take responsibility, and show care through what they do.
Nature and animals
They spend time with animals, movement, fresh air, and activities that connect them to the place they live in.
You are not alone
You Are Not Alone fights period poverty and the shame that appears when hygiene products are missing. We bring menstrual pads to schools and open natural conversations about the body, care, and dignity.
- 8 schools supplied
- recurring hygiene product distributions
What do animals teach children?
Empathy
Children learn to notice fear, joy, the need for space, and the different ways each animal asks for help.
Responsibility
Feeding, walks, and socialization show them that care means consistency, not only good intentions.
Patience
A frightened animal does not become confident overnight. Children see safety being built one step at a time.
Emotional support and therapy
Some children need more than activities. For them, we offer emotional support and, when needed, access to therapy. We approach grief, anxiety, emotional regulation, attention challenges, neurodiversity, and moments when the whole family needs support with care.
Help with a specific need
Help us keep a safe place for children, with materials, therapy, games, workshops, and people who show up consistently. Choose a specific need you can support. This is a donation to Dumbrava's work; you will not receive a product.
One therapy session
One session · monthly need: 16 sessions
This contribution covers one therapy session for a child in our community. Approximately 16 sessions are needed each month.
An outing for one child
Estimated cost for one child
This contribution helps cover transport and outing costs for one child. The amount is indicative and may vary depending on the destination.
Menstrual products for schools
Support for supplies in 8 schools
Your contribution helps supply the 8 schools where we provide free menstrual hygiene products. Choose the amount you can give.
At Dumbrava, we felt there was someone who cared. Our children come home happy.
Mother taking part in the program, 2024
Recent updates
Blog
September at Dumbrava: treatments, repairs and everyday life
September brought the loss of Mădă, ongoing treatments and rehabilitation, vehicle problems and another burst water pipe, but also the joy of Theo’s adoption. Care for m…
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Blog
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
We're not teachers, and we certainly don't have all the answers. But that doesn't stop us from helping children with homework. A little about learning together, patience…
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Blog
August at Dumbrava
Trips, tennis, meetings between generations, two adoptions and around 80 animals to care for. August seemed like a relatively quiet month. At least until its last day.
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Blog
When It Rains, It Pours: September at Dumbrava
Treatments, medical investigations, orthopedic horseshoes, a broken water pipe, a cracked windshield, veterinary bills, dog food and three prizes promised to the childre…
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Blog
Trip Bistrița – Bârgău – Colibița
10 children, 3 adults, two rainy days, and a plan that had to change as we went. Our Bârgău–Colibița trip took us through Bistrița, up Căsaru Mountain, to Sărita Waterfa…
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Blog
July at Dumbrava
July was one of those months when, if someone asked what we did, the answer was simple: we kept going. With rescued animals, treatments and adoptions; with dog walks, b…
ReadHow can you get involved?
Volunteering
You can help with homework, trips, sports, crafts, transport, photography, mentoring, or animal activities.
Become a volunteer
Donations
Your support covers school supplies, games, snacks, trips, workshop materials, and therapy sessions.
Donate
Materials
Books, school supplies, craft materials, games, sports equipment, and useful workshop materials are always welcome.
Write to us