Read about personal experiences from volunteers themselves as they share the life-changing moments they’ve encountered.
Lorna
On my way to Romania, I already knew I would love my time volunteering at Little John’s House and I was so excited to be making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged young people. However, I didn’t quite anticipate what a profound and personal effect the experience would really have on me. From the minute I arrived at Little John’s House the love there was palpable. The charity has worked so hard to create a supportive and loving environment and you could really feel the warmth and care for the residents there. Instantly, I recognised the vitality of the work that Little John’s House carries out and I felt so happy to be a part of it.
Throughout my week in Romania, the connections I formed with the young people attending the summer school will stay with me forever and the experience moved me in so many ways. From the very first day, it felt so important to create the best possible experience for the children and ensure they felt happy and carefree. Creating activities and tasks that the children would enjoy and find enriching, whilst being able to work past communication and language barriers was extremely inspiring and fulfilling. Although I cherished my time with all the attendees of the summer school, I felt a particularly strong connection with the adults there with special educational needs. Getting to know their amazing personalities and learning how to communicate with them in the best way was incredibly meaningful. Seeing them enjoy themselves and fully engage in the experience brought me so much joy. Watching them express happiness, through a smile, laughter, or a gesture, made every moment feel so worthwhile. I still wear an anklet every day that one of them made for me a year and a half ago—it meant so much to her to create and gift it to me that I’ve never taken it off. It’s difficult to put into words just how much volunteering at Little John’s House meant to me and how it reshaped my perspective. Even writing this evoked a lot of emotion in me. Working directly with the children was not only insightful and rewarding, but also a powerful reminder of my own privileges. The feeling that you provided children with incredibly difficult lives some good memories to hold on to is absolutely priceless. My time at Little John’s House will always stay with me, and I am so grateful for everything it taught me.
Jonny
Volunteering at Little John’s House is an incredibly unique and eye-opening experience that is very hard to come across nowadays and I consider myself extremely lucky to have discovered it. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed by the residents of the home. Costica will be eagerly waiting to carry your bags up to your room and maybe Iulia will invite you to join in on her rendition of Row, row, row your boat. The residents are all incredibly unique and friendly and they are what makes Little John’s House so special.
The most exciting part of volunteering at LJH is the summer school and there are so many amazing children to meet and play with. The mornings of summer school fly by as you are always kept very busy!. On my first morning of summer school, the children all rushed off the bus and came up to me and I wrote them all a name label each. Then I was dragged out to the garden to make bracelets with them. I have met so many incredible children at the summer school throughout my years at LJH. Some of them have been coming to summer school for most of their lives and some, you will see once and never again. Hearing some of their stories is heartbreaking but it makes it more special when you can put a smile on their face. Someone I have a special bond with is Ionut. He’s a bit of a gentle giant! He will always follow me around and hug me and fist bump me whenever he gets a chance. He is non-verbal but this is what makes our bond so special as it shows that you don’t even need to speak to each other to make a friend at summer school. Having the opportunity to make these children smile despite all they have gone through is incredibly fulfilling and its what makes the LJH experience so special.
Katie
Little John’s House is such a special place run, and home to, such special people. Their Summer School in particular provides an invaluable opportunity for local children to have fun and be creative in a supportive and welcoming environment. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to be part of the Summer School in 2023 as not only were we able to facilitate a great week of activities for some amazing children, but I got the chance learn more about the origins of Little John’s House, explore Sibiu and make so many lovely memories with friends, both old and new.
Caitlin
Volunteering at little Johns is a wonderful experience, for anyone seeking to give back to this world in an authentic, heart warming and rewarding way. It has changed my life for the better. I’ve volunteered for the summer school twice now, and plan to head back out in the summers to come. It is a place where magic happens for children who have so little. Playing with them at the summer school and organising the activities brought me so much joy, and hearing their stories reminded me of my own privileges. Each time, I have volunteered with friends, and made many new ones, which made the experience even more memorable. The food cooked by the incredible house chef, and the ability to explore the beautiful local area, is the cherry on top of this experience. Everyone at Little Johns is kind and welcoming, wanting the best for the children who visit.
Hettie
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Little John’s House twice, and both experiences were nothing short of transformative. While I had heard countless stories of the remarkable work being done there, it wasn’t until I got there that I truly understood the depth of the impact they have—and the extraordinary people behind it all. The heart-breaking stories of the children who attend Little John’s House linger in my heart. I will never forget hearing of their struggles, and those memories will stay with me always. But what has stayed with me even more is seeing their faces when they were at Little Johns House —seeing the familiar faces of others they know, their laughter as they let go of any worries they might have, even if just for a while. It is in those moments, that you realize just how important it is for all children to have the opportunities to play, laugh and be themselves and Little Johns House provides that for them. All of those who help and work at Little John’s House are nothing short of extraordinary. Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing the best care and support for those they help is awe-inspiring. They give so much of themselves to create a safe, nurturing environment where those they care for can experience the joy and freedom they deserve. It is their tireless work that makes all the difference, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of witnessing it first-hand. While we can never undo the hardships these children face, I hope that my time at Little Johns House, no matter how brief, offered them a moment to simply be children—to laugh, to play, to forget. And that, in itself, is invaluable
Olivia
It’s such a privilege to have been able to volunteer at the Little John’s House Summer School. It’s such a special place full of laughter, acceptance and love where I feel so grateful to have been able to spend time with the amazing young people who visit. When thinking of Little John’s House it fills me with overwhelming memories of fun, happiness and gratitude, but also of the challenges that come with a place like this. These conflicting emotions remind me of the ever-present need for this amazing charity to continue helping the children and young people who need its support the most.
Neve
I am lucky enough to have been going out to Little John’s House in Romania since 2017. From the moment you arrive, the love, support, and acceptance from everyone at Little John’s House is evident. Whether you’re playing table tennis, having your face painted or making bracelets, LJH caters for and appreciates everyone who attends and volunteers. One of my favourite things to do when volunteering is taking the boys down to the swimming pool and seeing their utter joy at going in the water and down the slide. It’s the highlight of their week and mine too. There’s too much to write about this amazing charity, you’ll have to come and see it yourself!
Ellie
The times I have spent at little johns house have been invaluable experiences that I’ll never forget. The connections made within such a short time are so precious and the work that goes into this charity is amazing to see. To be a part of a team that make the children’s lives just a little better momentarily is so rewarding and it is something I know I want to continue to do every year.
Carrie
Little John’s House is the most magical place on earth! It is full of warm smiles and love! You can be whoever you want to be and you will be welcomed with open arms! I have been to LJH twice and I will plan to go every year from now onwards as it is my absolute favourite week of the whole year! The love you feel from the children and adults is so pure! The whole experience is so precious and I will always cherish every memory I have made from my experiences! I highly recommend everyone comes to volunteer🌈
Henry
Little John’s House provides you with a truly unique and comprehensive experience which you cannot procure elsewhere. Memories are created not just for yourself but also for the people you get to meet and connect with during your stay. You have the pleasure of hosting a summer school for a number of orphans, an experience which is clearly cherish by them each year. Even in a short time period the experience highlights the innocence and talents of the children. Real bonds are created for all parties to remember. I would highly suggest everyone to apply for this since it is easily the most memorable experience I have ever had.
