Building Brighter Futures at Vodafone

Wherever you join the Vodafone team, you can help us help the communities around us.

Our Brighter Futures and Guide Me programs in Romania, run by _VOIS volunteers, help students in underprivileged rural areas overcome challenges to their education: we address both the physical learning environment and the aspirations of the learners themselves to create a positive and encouraging environment, with the goal of driving higher retention rates and brighter futures.

Brighter Futures focuses on creating comfortable, well-equipped spaces that allow students to learn more effectively. We fix leaky roofs and crumbling walls, replace uncomfortable furniture, and build up supplies currently lacking for things like textbooks and pens, which affects the students’ motivation. GuideMe looks more at the aspirations and dreams of teenagers. We help students see beyond their current circumstances, and the career paths, different learning styles, and higher education options available to them. We love enabling them to discover their passions and connecting them with the resources to pursue them.

Brighter Futures and Guide Me leader Cristina, and her colleague Irina who has been actively involved since the programs’ beginnings, tell us more about their experiences as volunteers. Hear all about how it’s changed their own lives, as well as the lives of the many they have impacted.

Cristina Gabara - Team Leader

I love the collaborative culture at _VOIS, the support to keep learning and growing, and the constant stream of new technologies we get to work with. It’s always exciting. But beyond the technical side of my role here, I have always been particularly drawn to Vodafone’s commitment to not only diversity and inclusion, but sustainability and corporate responsibility too.

Since 2015, my involvement in Vodafone’s social initiatives has steadily grown. In 2020, I became a volunteer in the GuideMe program, holding motivational sessions for students and coordinating volunteer tutors. This ultimately became connected to the more recent Brighter Future program, and I became the leader of both in 2023.

It’s been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the positive impact we can have at Vodafone, beyond the core business purpose, adds a whole new layer of meaning to the work we do. I've gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that young people face and the importance of providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed. This experience has not only enriched my life but also shaped my future career aspirations and personal goals.

Right now, I’m really excited about our school renovations project. We're searching for schools in need, and volunteers get to be part of a hands-on transformation. They'll be painting classrooms, laying tiles, and beautifying schoolyards. We will also be providing new school supplies, furniture, and technology upgrades. It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children and their families, and I can't wait to be a part of it!

Irina Monea - Manager, Testing

I've been involved with Brighter Futures and GuideMe since they launched.

Initially, the idea was to build IT labs for schools in rural areas. After assessing some of the schools, the management team came to the conclusion that we need to renovate the schools physically. The rest, as they say, is history!

So far, I’ve held interactive sessions with middle-schoolers, helped renovate schools, and been a Geography teacher for high schoolers for three years. You cannot imagine how proud I felt when students who started out unable to identify European countries on the map managed to get very good results on their exam! The feeling is like no other in the world: being able to give another human being a better chance in life. 

In a nutshell, I feel that being part of these programs has made me a better person. I’ve been able to give back to the community, and I have learned from each and every student I’ve met.

These programs are helping to make the world a better place by empowering the students of today to become the best versions of themselves tomorrow. The projects we undertake, like the school renovations, are certainly hard work but they are also a lot of fun. We are really giving back to the community at the same time as bonding with each other as colleagues and fellow volunteers. All of it really comes from the heart.

Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in our mission

Last year, over 250 people joined us on Brighter Futures and GuideMe! Aurelia and Lucian are two of the enthusiastic volunteers who wanted to help us make a positive impact, and their advice to anyone considering getting involved? Don’t hesitate!

Aurelia Dumitru - Technical Hub Lead

Volunteering for me was a powerful way to explore creativity, have an adventure, and have fun while doing good for others. It's so overwhelming to know that with just a click, you can make an amazing change for future generations.

I was a Romanian language tutor for teenagers preparing for the maturity exam. On the day of the exam, I cannot describe in words the emotion and satisfaction I felt receiving the messages of thanks and delight from my students. Volunteering has not only been fulfilling, but it has also allowed me to develop new skills, build relationships, and make a positive impact in the community. I strongly recommend it to anyone, even if it’s just for one day. You connect with people from all areas of the business, and the vibe is extraordinary. 

Lucian Vilcu - Agile Project Manager

 When you see those smiling faces, those teenagers with new confidence who have never had the opportunity to talk about their future, or fears, or ambitions before, or had support to work towards them - the rewards of volunteering with Brighter Futures are undeniable.

I have learned a lot about giving and accepting, and a lot about myself, through my experience as a volunteer. I would recommend anyone reading this to get involved without hesitation! I think all of us would be happy to play a part in creating a better society.