During this last week Romanian schools run a special programme of extra curricular activities instead of usual lessons. This week Nightingales has offered activities ranging from dance and games to cooking and arts and crafts. The activities were designed and run by a group of 8 of the girls at risk.

The girls spent the 2 weekends before this week devising a list of activities and getting eveything for the week. To be honest those of us supervising their sessions did not have faith that it would run smoothly, that they would be there on time or that sessions would captivate the children’s attention. How wrong could we of been?

On Monday morning, having been told they should be there at 7.50, they were all there ready to go. The first group came and went, no problems all very smoothly. After 4 hours and over 120 children the girls were exhausted, so much so that one even feel asleep that afternoon at school. They did it, they ran engaging, fun and well run sessions all week. Children left saying it was the best time of their life. Teachers talked for hours about the value of what their children had just done. Mothers of pupils asked how they could engage more with the charity. None of this was down to the charity, the staff or the volunteers it was down to this group of 8 girls who showed that although they struggle in areas of life, they have such huge potential.

These girls have taught us a lesson this week, never underestimate anyone and we all have such great potential if only we have somewhere we can show it!