📍 ARAO |  Miercurea Ciuc, 🇷🇴

ARAO is a non-profit organization headquartered in Miercurea Ciuc, Harghita County. Our mission is to use grassroots sports and outdoor activities as a non-formal learning tool to foster skill development of youth while fostering solidarity among individuals from various backgrounds. 

At ARAO, we also have a passion for NATURE, aiming to create an environment that nurtures skill development among young people and participation in health-enhancing physical activities, thus improving their wellbeing.

OUR VISION

Step outside and feel alive! 

At ARAO,  we love spending time outdoors. It benefits both physical and mental health by providing natural light, fresh air, opportunities for exercise, and helps reduce daily stress. Nature can be a great non-formal educator.

Discover your inner athlete!

We believe that health-enhancing physical activities are for everyone! Whether a seasoned athlete or just starting, there's an activity out there that you'll enjoy and become fully immersed in. With ARAO, you may discover the one that's right for you. 

Unlock new skills! 

Whether you prefer individual or team sports, indoor or outdoor activities, you can gain new skills that will benefit you in all aspects of life. At ARAO, we believe sports are great methods of non-formal education.

Bridge cultures and generations!

Grassroots sports and outdoor activities are a universal language that unites diverse cultures and ages through a shared passion. ARAO's team is an example of this, as it brings together teenage volunteers and experienced seniors. 

OUR TEAM

Our team comprises individuals who are not only passionate outdoor enthusiasts but also experienced youth workers. We have professionals adept at working with young people, including those facing unique challenges and fewer opportunities. Additionally, we have dedicated members responsible for ensuring the safety of all participants. Our commitment extends to delivering high-quality learning activities as well. 

Andreea Garbea

Andreea Garbea serves as the legal representative of the ARAO Sport Club, with a background in public relations and project management. Her interest in sports and outdoor activities was sparked during a kayak expedition along the Danube River from Bratislava to Sulina, leading to the establishment of the ARAO club and a commitment to promoting outdoor leisure activities among young people.

With experience as a kayaker, Andreea has led expeditions on the Danube and Mures rivers. Currently pursuing paragliding, she is undergoing training to become a licensed pilot. In addition to her role in the ARAO club, Andreea volunteers at the Mountain Rescue Center in BALAN, demonstrating her commitment to community service.

Andreea's involvement in youth work traces back to her student years, engaging with various youth organizations. She has participated in multiple stages of youth exchange projects under the Erasmus+ framework, taking on roles as a participant, group leader, and organizer, accumulating experience in over 10 Youth Exchanges (YEs).

Known for her empathetic nature, patience, and ability to work with youth from diverse backgrounds, Andreea has completed a Ministry-certified course on socio-educational animation and youth work. In her role as a youth worker, she aims to expand the participation of young people with fewer opportunities in the organization's activities. Recognizing the positive impact of sports and outdoor pursuits on empowerment, Andreea is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for all youth to engage and flourish.

Pavel Rancz

Pavel Rancz is the vice-president of ARAO Club and is an infinite source of energy and joy. At 72 years old, Pavel continues to practice paragliding, skiing, kayaking, swimming and hiking proving that age is not an impediment to practicing sports. In fact, his conviction is that this active lifestyle and spending time outdoors nurtured his good physical condition and well-being.

 

Pavel is an experienced paraglider with over 30 years of activity, being one of the first promoters of the sport in Romania. In the field of kayaking, he paddled in 2018 the entire course of Danube: from Ingolstadt to Sfantul Gheorghe branch and in 2019 from Bratislava to Sulina. He loves to spend time in nature; camping is one of his favourite activities. Connected to the Erasmus+ programme, his experience consists of leading and guiding the young participants as the group leader. Has experience in working with young people and always finds communication bridges to reduce the age and cultural distance between him and young people.

Laszlo Rancz

Laszlo Levente Rancz assumes the role of secretary within the organization. Rooted in a family ethos that places high value on certain principles, Levente draws inspiration from his upbringing as the son of Pavel. 

Levente is not only a dedicated administrator but also an avid sports enthusiast, actively engaging in the practice of paragliding. His commitment to the sport extends beyond casual participation, as he frequently competes in a variety of competitions dedicated to paragliding. This active involvement showcases his passion for sports and his desire to contribute to the community within this niche. 

Having spent many years navigating the intricacies of the commercial landscape, he has honed valuable skills in document administration. This expertise positions him as a reliable and detail-oriented asset, essential for the effective functioning of the organization's administrative processes.

Bianca Joca

Bianca is our dedicated Social Media Specialist, overseeing the comprehensive online and offline visibility of our organization. With academic credentials in applied modern language, she is fluent in both English and French, bringing a linguistic finesse to her role.

Driven by an innate curiosity to explore and comprehend the world, Bianca has actively participated in student exchange programs in France, enriching her cultural understanding. Additionally, she has volunteered in diverse environments, including India and Turkey, showcasing her commitment to global engagement and community service.

Presently, Bianca is employed in the IT sector, where she specializes in personnel recruitment. Her role in talent acquisition adds a strategic dimension to her skill set, complementing her proficiency in communication and cultural awareness. With a holistic background that spans linguistics, international experiences, and IT, Bianca is a valuable asset to our team, contributing to the organization's growth and outreach.

Dumitru Siriteanu

Dumitru is our organization's seasoned instructor with over 40 years of extensive experience in mountain climbing and utility alpinism. His wealth of knowledge includes instructing beginner climbers and leading the national contingent of climbers. He has been a certified Mountain Rescue professional for many years, bringing a high level of expertise and safety awareness to our team.

His invaluable support extends to providing training sessions for both our team and volunteers, enhancing their skills and ensuring a strong foundation in mountain-related activities. Dumitru's dedication and extensive background contribute significantly to the overall competence and preparedness of our organization.

Tudor Ursu

Tudor Ursu is a valuable addition to our team, contributing extensive experience as a facilitator and animator within youth exchange programs. In his role, he not only manages the coordination of volunteers but also meticulously guides and monitors their activities. His expertise significantly enhances the effectiveness of our youth initiatives, guaranteeing a positive experience for all our participants.

Tudor's specialization lies in non-formal education, where he skillfully employs methods such as outdoor games, music tools, theater to unfold socio-educational activities for youth. His innovative approach creates dynamic and engaging learning environments, fostering personal and collective development among participants.

Diana Joca

Diana is our first aid expert. She describes herself as a person driven by action, excitement, and compassion. She started her journey with Erasmus+ in 2016, and since then, she has been part of many projects that helped her grow in the fields of entrepreneurship, green actions, and environmental education. These experiences ultimately led her to her current profession: nursing.

Diana works as a nurse in the Harghita County Hospital after undergoing a prolonged learning process, during which she had the opportunity to gain insights into practices from Great Britain and Italy.

As an individual, she likes to consider herself empathic and positive. She strives to keep a smile on her face regardless of life's challenges. Most importantly, Diana loves to socialize, be active, and experience a diverse way of life.

Victor Caldare

Victor Caldare brings a wealth of expertise in graphic design and photography to our team. In his role, he plays a crucial part in documenting ARAO's activities through captivating and visually engaging photos and videos. His keen eye for design and storytelling enhances the overall representation of our organization, ensuring that our initiatives are not only well-documented but also visually compelling.

Additionally, Victor is currently in the process of graduating from high school with a focus on socio-animator education. He actively applies the knowledge gained through his studies in our organization's activities, contributing practical insights to further enhance our initiatives. Victor's dual commitment to academic growth and hands-on application underscores his dedication to both his education and the enrichment of ARAO's endeavors. 

NETWORK

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We are part of ASEY, a European Network of youth organisations that aims to provide excellent non-formal learning activities for young people all across Europe. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

If you find our projects interesting, we may be able to collaborate regardless of your location! 

If you're keen on volunteering with us, you can find us on social media or reach out to us via email.