Всем привет! Меня зовут Елена, мне 38 лет и я волонтер Республиканского Центра! Позади у меня два высших образования: журналистика и психология. После них я долго работала в банке и лизинговой компании. На сегодняшний день работаю над собственным онлайн-проектом по эко-сумкам. В свободное время я танцую, рисую и медитирую.Как я стала частью РВЦ? Еще два года назад я организовала мероприятие по уборке столичного парка. На уборку пришел Павел, который на тот момент был волонтером в РВЦ в проекте “Чистый Кишинев”, именно он и познакомил меня с Центром. На протяжении двух лет я принимала активное участие в проекте “Чистый Кишинев”, а в период пандемии решила подключиться к развозу пакетов/продуктов для пожилых людей. В Центре я нашла единомышленников, которых не находила в своем окружении. Я убеждена, что сделать мир лучше гораздо проще всем вместе, командой, нежели в одиночку. Также мне очень нравится работать с координаторами РВЦ, им удается всех собрать и организовать, это мотивирует и вдохновляет. Да и девочки, работающие там, сами по себе очень классные и задорные. Для меня все, что происходит в Центре — это что-то совершенно удивительное, поэтому не могу отметить какую-то одну историю.

My Jewish history began with my great-grandmother, who was a Polish Jewess. When they moved to live in Ukraine, all documents indicated that they were Ukrainians. However, they did not forget about their traditions and kept them, which was passed on to my family. My husband has Jewish roots and is an Israeli citizen. For him, the traditions and culture of his people are very important, and he introduces our family to Jewish holidays and traditions. I am originally from Ukraine, but due to the war in my home country, I had to move to Chisinau with my two sons Roman (16 years old) and Maxim (11 years old). At first it was very difficult - a new city, everything is new. But I managed, and for almost a year now we have been living in Chisinau. Looking back, I remember how difficult, difficult and dangerous our departure was, since my city of Kherson was at that time, and there were battles. Immediately upon arrival in Moldova, I began to look for the Jewish community, as it was important for me to learn more about Jewishness, which would help me continue to live in Israel, because it is not in vain that they say that all Jews return to their native lands in Israel. Attending a Hebrew course was my first step in introducing and getting to know KEDEM. I began to learn about the projects and activities that exist there. Our whole family became actively involved in the life of the community, trying to attend all the events. My children are involved in many projects according to their age - Roman is actively involved in Haverim projects, and Maxim attends meetings within Haverim Junior, and they are delighted. I can say that the RVC Volunteer Center gave us life back! I am an RVC volunteer because I love people and I love helping! I learned about the volunteer center back in the summer, at the ANAVIM festival, and began to get acquainted with projects, choosing activities that were interesting for me. Now I'm part of a volunteer center. Since I don't currently have a full-time job, I have started to devote more time to RVC projects. As a professional psychologist, I chose to volunteer with the elderly and demented people because I understand how to work with them. In addition, I help to organize women's groups within the framework of the project "About self-love", so that every woman can feel confident and love herself. I want to express my gratitude to KEDEM and the Republican Volunteer Center for the opportunity not only to help people and make them happy, but also to develop myself and learn new things.

Hello, my name is Maria Barmina.

My desire to develop myself and interact more with people led me to volunteering, and the first step was participating in the "Bring a Smile" project, where I was invited by a friend. That's when I got acquainted with the Republican Volunteer Center and realized that it was the place where I could express myself and learn something new. The first experience turned out to be successful, so I decided to continue my volunteer activities.

In six months of volunteering, I have had the opportunity to participate in various projects. Within the "Call Center" project, we called elderly clients, communicated with them, and found out what assistance they needed. I also worked with children in a kindergarten and continued active participation in the "Bring a Smile" project. Each project requires deep immersion and encourages the discovery of new talents.

In addition to participating in projects, I attended a seminar for volunteers at the Volunteer School Hub, where we were taught how to launch and implement new projects. I am grateful to the center for giving me the opportunity to discover new facets of my personality by participating in various volunteer initiatives. For me, RVC has become a home where I am awaited by close friends and like-minded people. Together, we are capable of a lot, capable of changing people's lives for the better, and we do it every day! Now I can proudly say "I am a volunteer" and invite everyone to become part of our friendly team!

Привет! Мне 20 лет. Я студент, UTM, электроэнергетика. Об РВЦ узнала от молодого человека, который уже был активным волонтером центра. Детяльность свою начала с июля 2020 года – доставляла одиноким малоподвижным пожилым горячее питание На сегодняшний день является активным волонтером CALL CENTER – занимается информированием пожилых Кишинева и регионов о проектах РВЦ и эпидемиологической ситуации в стране, помогает с доставкой продуктов одиноким пожилым и поздравлением из с праздниками. Волонтерская деятельность привлекает ее разнообразием историй, судеб пожилых людей. При обычном плановом информированием пожилых познакомилась с историями десятков башек и дедушек. Слышать разные интересные истории от пожилых – это один из основных мотиваторов ее деятльности. К примеру, бабушка, при обзвоне, рассказала про свой род деятельности ещё при Советском Союзе. О том, как она была механиком, насколько сильно завораживала её эта профессия и как сильно она скучает по тому времени. Такие короткие и незначительные, на первый взгляд, вещи, но они заставляют задуматься Леру о своей профессии, о том, как важно любить то, чем занимаешься и по истине увлекаться своим ремеслом и постоянно профессионально расти и развиваться.

Меня зовут Анастасия. Мне 26 лет. Я учусь в "UTM" или в Техническом Университете Молдовы, на маркетолога - логиста. Об RVC я случайно узнала. Мой знакомый работал координатором в RVC. Он пригласил меня в волонтёрский центр. - Занимаюсь волонтёрской деятельностью 6 месяцев. - - Участвовала в развозах подарков, на мастер-классах, а также - в "Global Day" и в акции "Принеси радость!". - - Моим основным родом деятельности является обзвон пожилых и волонтёров. В волонтёрской деятельности я вижу массу приятного и полезного! Например, у меня есть возможность применять свои навыки и знания для благих целей, знакомлюсь с очень интересными людьми, тем самым, расширяю свой кругозор и др. Пожилые люди, в основном, очень одиноки...У меня не было бабушек и дедушек, а теперь у меня их много!(happy) Стараюсь поддержать их, выслушать. Я всегда испытываю счастье, когда на том конце провода, слышу смех! Пожилые люди - это взрослые дети. Милые и в то же время мудрые! Этим они мне очень интересны. Однажды, я позвонила одной пожилой. По голосу, я ошибочно подумала, что это моя учительница по географии, но оказалось, что эта интересная дама проработала 30 лет сапожницей. Удивительно, ведь это тяжкий труд, не для женщины! А также, это очень нужная профессия. Но зачастую людей не привлекает становиться мастером...

My name is Elizaveta, or Liza for short.

In 2022, due to a chain of random events, I joined the Republican Volunteer Center as a volunteer for the "Call Center" project due to the military crisis in Ukraine, and this moment significantly influenced my life thereafter.

After completing work with clients from Ukraine, I also began participating in projects aimed at interacting with various age groups from our country. Throughout the summer of 2022, I taught drawing lessons to children from the Jewish kindergarten, and besides that, I had the opportunity to participate several times in the "IT-Grandparent" project aimed at increasing technological literacy among the elderly. I also participated as an interviewer and copywriter in the "20th Century Kishinevians" project, and later became part of the initial composition of the Jewish youth theater "Dor." Among the recent projects, I can mention "IMPRO-media," where, under the careful guidance of Viki and Nata, a large team of volunteers created an animated film dedicated to the holiday of Purim, which gave me the opportunity to try myself in various production formats: dubbing, script writing and editing, as well as recording musical accompaniment.

Honestly, now it's difficult for me to remember all the projects in which I was involved in one way or another, but I can confidently say that all of them had an undeniable and extremely significant influence on me and my personal development.

I am very glad that I became a volunteer at RVC, because it was here that I got acquainted with Jewish culture and unexpectedly discovered the presence of Jewish roots on my father's side, which I had not suspected or thought about before.

Thanks to RVC, I attended the wonderful family Jewish festival "Anavim" and subsequently began attending the Jewish youth platform "Haverim," which gave me a huge boost in understanding my Jewish identity.

If not for all these elements, I would hardly ever have had the opportunity to participate in organizing and conducting large-scale events such as Community Shabbats, Avdalas, or off-site events, such as the volunteer conference in Ukraine or the "Generations Shabbaton: Festive Tishrei" as a madrich.

In conclusion, I can only say that I am very happy and grateful to fate for introducing me to such a wonderful community and such wonderful, friendly people who have truly become close friends to me and my loving family. I like "KEDEM" because here you are accepted as you are, and all your skills find application in the most suitable and interesting format, including for yourself. As a teenager, I was able to acquire a huge amount of skills and knowledge necessary for the future, and I really feel that I am developing my potential, so I want to express my immense love, respect, and gratitude to all those whom we encountered in one way or another on this path!

My name is Alyona, I'm in the 12th grade at the "Petru Movilă" lyceum. I have always been interested in volunteering, because I wanted to help people, and I had always possessed the most important resources for this: time and desire. I started looking into volunteer centers and came across the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). By the end of the summer, I filled out a registration form and was invited for an interview. This is how my volunteer journey began. At the moment I am participating in a project for children "How does it work?". In the classroom, I talk in a manner that is interesting for children about the work of the human body. I also work with older people in the "IT POP" project, which aims to teach mobile literacy to Hesed's wards. What I like about RVC is that absolutely everyone can find an outlet of expression for themselves here, as there are many projects for different age groups and interests. Volunteers are also not forgotten, for whom many educational seminars, training and master classes are held. I also want to note the coordinators who are always ready to help and make you feel at home as much as possible. I really enjoy being a volunteer and I'm glad to be a part of RVC!

Hi all! My name is Victoria, I am 28 years old. For more than 8 years I have been a volunteer in the Republican Volunteer Center. There was a time when I came here from time to time, but in 2019 I returned to volunteering in full force by participating in the Good Deeds Day. I believe that such large-scale events are a very convenient and suitable opportunity for those who want to try their hand at volunteering. I do volunteer work in my free time from my full-time job and other hobbies. I love creativity and I coordinate 2 wonderful projects: "IT Grandmother", where my friends, colleagues, and I teach older people computer skills, and "Our hands can do everything" - art workshops where everyone can try new techniques or remember what he once knew. Master classes are held online for both volunteers and elderly clients of Hesed. For me, volunteering is not only mutual assistance, but also an opportunity for self-development and communication. Everyone can share their knowledge and skills, even if they are not an expert or a master. Every contribution is important, no matter how small it is. I believe that such an atmosphere reigns in the Republican Volunteer Center, and this is one of the reasons why we all love this organization so much. The second reason is the connection with Jewish traditions, culture and community. This is exactly the place that allows me to be closer to my roots! Grow and help make this world a better place!

My name is Emiliya Chernyavskaya, I'm 32 years old. I came from Russia. In the early part of 2022, my family repatriated to Israel, but I couldn't go with them and immigrated to Moldova. Currently, I live in Chisinau and am glad to have ended up in this city, which allowed me to get acquainted with RVC.

I'm quite new to the volunteer center, having joined after a volunteer vacancy fair, and I immediately started my activities. For me, RVC is an opportunity to find a new circle of friends and look at life from a different perspective, to prove through my own actions that there is goodness in life.

I try to get acquainted with all the projects and participate as much as possible in various activities, but most of my time as a volunteer is directed towards the Call Center, communicating with the elderly over the phone. Currently, I call elderly people living in Israel who need communication and support. Along with other volunteers, I gather information about those who need help and talk to those who lack communication. I am glad that I can provide some support to these people even from a distance.

Recently, I was able to join the "Volunteer School" seminar, which allowed me to get to know participants from other RVC projects and gain useful knowledge that will help me in my volunteer activities.

Why did I choose RVC? Because I knew it was associated with KEDEM, and that means there is a part of Jewish life there. My family lives in Israel, and for me, it's an opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Jewish people. And since the current activity of the Call Center is focused on calling the elderly in Israel, it brings me even closer to my loved ones, allowing me to support everyone there.

My name is Victoria Koval, and I am a student at the "Raisa Pekalo" Medical College. For me, volunteering is not just an activity; it's a way of life. I have many hobbies, and I find joy in creating various things with my own hands: painting, sculpting, and weaving – these are all my passions.

About six months ago, I joined the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). I learned about it by chance through TikTok and decided that this was exactly what I wanted to be involved in. It offered a new experience, new acquaintances, and the ability to manage my time. I was drawn to the friendly and supportive atmosphere at RVC, as well as the opportunity to be inspired by this experience and attend educational meetings with various specialists.

Currently, my activities are focused on working with elderly people through online projects and socializing with the elderly. This allows lonely individuals to feel less isolated. I am also actively involved in the "Bring a Smile" project, where we hold interactive meetings for children in hospitals. Additionally, I participate in environmental projects because this topic is close to my heart.

I am ready to respond quickly to tasks, learn, and adapt. My goal is not just to participate but also to contribute to new projects. After all, the RVC team is always ready to help with the implementation of new ideas.

What do I gain from volunteering? One volunteer hour a day may seem small, but in the end, it adds up to 365 volunteer hours a year. For me, these aren't just numbers; it's time invested in good deeds and supporting those in need. For me, the Republican Volunteer Center is a large and friendly family that inspires me every day.

Hello, my name is Nikolai Lovin. I am a cadet at the Military Academy of the Republic of Moldova. Summer vacation has given me free time, and I decided that I want to use it wisely. My goal is to leave a mark in this world that I could be proud of, so I decided to try myself in volunteering. I chose to volunteer at the Republican Volunteer Center RVC. Coming here, I learned that RVC is located in the building of the Jewish Community Center KEDEM, and I understood that this is what I need. The historical connection with my great-grandfather, who was a Jew from Odessa, reinforced my confidence in this choice. This decision promised me the opportunity to get closer to Jewish values and continue their development within myself. My first steps in volunteering turned out to be very interesting and important. By participating in various events, I gradually integrated into the team. The triathlon championship particularly stood out to me, where I got to see how events are organized from the inside, and the "Origins of Mercy" seminar, which expanded my horizons and provided valuable skills in working with the elderly. The project with children at the "Sévivon" kindergarten impressed me especially. It was an opportunity to immerse myself in Jewish culture and bond with the children. Volunteering not only gave me new knowledge and skills, it changed me. I realized that doing good is not only important but also truly simple. Every time I participate in projects, I find meaning and joy in this time, improving the world around me and bringing smiles and happiness to people.

My name is Oleg Zaharia. My wife Elena and I have been volunteers at the Center for two years now, participating in the "Healthy Vitamin Box" project. Within the framework of the project, we deliver food packages to elderly individuals in need.

It can be said that our daughter led us to volunteering. She attended children's programs organized by RVC volunteers. We were grateful to the volunteers who were willing to share their time and knowledge with the children, and we decided that we could be useful too.

Volunteering brings us immense pleasure. We deliver food packages to elderly people for whom both material and moral support are important. Our beneficiaries willingly share their thoughts with us, talk about their hobbies and interests. After such visits, we feel that we are doing something very important and we experience joy in improving the lives of elderly people.

Some of our beneficiaries have become our regular clients, and we have established truly friendly relationships with them. From them, we learn a lot about the history and traditions of the Jewish people, which helps us remember our roots.

For us, volunteering is an opportunity to make the lives of other people better, to help and support those in need. Moreover, it sets a great example for our children, who, by looking at their parents, learn kindness and compassion towards others. Additionally, volunteering helps strengthen and maintain connections within the community. We are very glad that we once chose this path for ourselves!