La Povesti

At the end of 2017, our community welcomed a new group dedicated to families with young children, called "La Povești în Limba Română".

It all started on the Doina Association’s Facebook page, where we discussed how to help our children learn Romanian while being surrounded by English. We wondered if children might learn best from other children through play, songs, and stories told in a group that primarily uses Romanian. The conclusion was simple: we needed to meet!

Initially, around 40 members joined (now we are 125) in a dedicated Facebook group. We found the perfect location: a wonderful kindergarten called Takapuna Playcentre, with a beautiful yard full of greenery. The Doina Association provided much-needed financial support to get started, and we decided to meet monthly, on the second Sunday of the month.

Over the past six years, we’ve enjoyed many wonderful gatherings filled with play and storytelling. Some children have grown up and left the group, and some families have moved away from Auckland. Fortunately, new families are constantly joining us! We are growing and cherish every meeting.

Some notable events in our calendar include the *Mărțișor* gathering, *Dragobete*, Easter, Children's Day, and, of course, the Christmas meeting with Santa Claus. Occasionally, we welcome guests such as the seniors’ group, young Romanian women’s group, and individuals like Bianca, who teaches us how to make beaded jewelry; Călina, who teaches sewing; and Irina, who shows us some dance steps. We also go on outings, such as trips to the Zoo, boat rides to Goat Island, or visits to the Winter Gardens in Auckland Domain.

We are grateful to the Doina Association for their support and to our volunteers, who contribute so generously and passionately to the group’s success. We invite you to visit us and join in the storytelling fun.
Useful Links:
- La Povesti in Romanian:https://m.facebook.com/groups/LaPovesti
- Romanian Mothers in New Zealand: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3272074079709391