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.
Support Lizuca's Friends
Help us keep a safe place for children, with materials, therapy, games, workshops, and people who show up consistently.
Donate with Stripe
Your donation supports activities for children in the community.
At Dumbrava, we felt there was someone who cared. Our children come home happy.
Mother taking part in the program, 2024
Events and blog
Blog
Duolingo competition
On June 15th, seven children from Dumbrava started a summer-long Duolingo challenge. Until September 15th, they will compete for the longest streak, the largest XP gain, and the biggest language-level improvement. The goal isn't just learning a foreign language, it's learning consistency, one lesson at a time.
Read
Blog
May 2026
From Children’s Day preparations that doubled our expected attendance to rescuing 14 abandoned animals in a single day, May was full of moments that tested our resources and strengthened our community. Here's what happened at Dumbrava lui Patrocle in May. 🌳💚
Read
Blog
Children’s Day at Dumbrava 2026
We planned Children’s Day for around 50 participants, there were almost 100. Between chasing balloons through the village, redesigning sports courses on the fly, and activities that never quite fit into the schedule, the children gave us the best feedback we could have hoped for: “Are there more activities?” The story of a chaotic, exhausting, and absolutely wonderful day.
Read
Blog
April at Dumbrava
April was a month full of involvement, emotion, and hope at Dumbravă. From community events and activities for children and seniors, to sterilizations, rescues, and inspiring recovery stories, every day reminded us how much good we can build together. ❤️🐾
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