ACTIVITIES 2024
As part of the Active Villagers with Volunteers project, four community festivals were organized in 2024 in the localities of Brebu, Văliug, Carașova, and Dognecea, Caraș-Severin County, Romania. These events aimed to promote physical activity, community spirit, and intercultural cooperation in rural areas, with the active involvement of volunteers from Romania (Nevo Parudimos), Spain (Euexia), and Turkey (Kargenc Club).
In preparation for each festival, volunteers carried out cleaning and setup activities in the villages to ensure a welcoming and organized environment. They dedicated an entire month to planning and working closely with children and local adults, in order to deliver engaging and well-structured events.
The festivals included a wide variety of sports and recreational activities for both children and adults. Participants enjoyed classic sports such as football, volleyball, badminton, and bowling, as well as less familiar or “exotic” activities in the Romanian context, including bocce and American football. These activities provided children with the opportunity to explore new forms of physical engagement and test their skills in a fun and motivational environment.
In addition to children’s sports activities, the festivals offered relaxation spaces and wellness opportunities for parents and local adults. Pilates sessions, led by trained volunteers, and table games were made available to create an inclusive atmosphere for all age groups.
Participation extended to children from neighboring villages as well, who were brought to the events by dedicated volunteers actively engaged in local outreach. The festivals not only encouraged children to embrace physical activity but also recognized and rewarded their performance through symbolic prizes and awards.
Each festival concluded with an outdoor film screening, hosted on symbolic village buildings – such as the local school in Brebu or the historic church in Văliug – offering the community a memorable and meaningful closing experience.
Through these festivals, the Active Villagers project successfully created an active, inclusive, and intercultural environment, contributing to the revitalization of rural community life in the Caraș-Severin region.
