In the last week of June, Oana Asaftei, Romanian language teacher, and Octavia Paul, Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Leader, set off with four high school students to foster a partnership between Avenor and Tășuleasa Social. Their train journey to Bistrița would immerse them in the world of volunteerism and reveal the Via Transilvanica project, which Avenor has supported since 2020 by sponsoring a milestone placed in Agârbiciu, Sibiu County.
We spoke with those involved in this inspiring story, filled with many lessons, to understand what this escape from daily routine meant for the students.
THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THE INITIATIVE
Upon recognizing that our school’s values align with the mission and vision of Tășuleasa, we decided to collaborate and support each other. In a constantly changing world, we are committed to staying grateful and mindful of everything around us.
During these days together, our students engaged in various household activities, such as setting and clearing the table, washing dishes, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness and order in shared spaces, and painting the wooden houses in the Tășuleasa campus. These tasks taught our students about responsibility and the significant impact of fulfilling their roles in society. Managing daily chores helped them develop a sense of order and organization. Although painting houses is challenging and can be risky, this task highlighted the importance of following safety rules to prevent accidents and complete the work successfully.
Driven by love and respect for nature, the students climbed Tășuleasa Hill, where they prepared wood from a tree damaged by a recent storm. Collecting wood from a fallen tree confronted the students with an unexpected situation and demonstrated the importance of creative problem-solving and critical thinking. They realized that natural resources could be used responsibly.
Their hands-on work in the Tășuleasa campus provided the satisfaction of a job well done. Most activities took place outdoors in a beautiful landscape, offering the students peace and relaxation through direct contact with nature.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS LEARNED
Our students had the chance to socialize and participate in activities with students and volunteers from schools in Cluj, Bistrița, and Germany. During this time, they shared common values and saw through the eyes of the project founders the importance of community contribution and respect.
In two days, we covered about 30 kilometers, part of the route through the „Ținutul de Sus” and the other through “Terra Saxonum.” Walking the Via Transilvanica routes fostered a deep appreciation for the country. The beauty and diversity of the places we visited often made the students exclaim, “How beautiful it is here!” We believe this experience nurtures a love for heritage. Preparing for the journey taught the students what to pack in their backpacks and showed them that the journey itself is a source of joy.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Here, we had the opportunity to meet Tibi and Alin Ușeriu, learn the history of the ‘Tășuleasa Social’ project, and hear about some future plans. We were invited to visit two houses in Copșa Mică, which Tășu volunteers will renovate.
After leaving the Tășuleasa campus, we visited Copșa Mică and the future fort to be built there. One house will serve as a resting place for Via Transilvanica hikers, and the other will display handcrafted products made by the local Roma community, available for purchase in the online store alongside ‘Via Transilvanica’ branded products.” said Mihai from 11 Delta.
The students described their time at the Tășuleasa Campus as “a fun and exciting experience” (Ana – 11 Omega), “these days helped us discover the uniqueness of the surroundings, and we want to continue the adventure” (Horia – 11 Alfa), “completing the volunteer days left us fulfilled” (Sonia – 11 Delta), “we shared our gratitude for this place and these warm people who welcomed us with open arms” (Mihai – 11 Delta).
We eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with Tășuleasa Social, contributing to the development and promotion of the Via Transilvanica project, traversing this “road that unites,” and supporting their future projects.
