The Beginning

My name is Erin Colshan. In 2008 I spent the summer in Moigrad-Porolissum, Romania, working with the Porolissum Forum Project [PFP], an archeological field school, along with 14 other students from North America and Australia. The PFP dig season runs 5-6 weeks each summer where Western archeological and anthropological students come to learn the ins and outs of archeology. The PFP also employs local juniors and adults from the two nearby cities of Moigrad and Jac, in order to give back to the local community. Porolissum Forum Project employs the workers for circa 6 weeks each summer, earning money for themselves and their families. In addition to a job, they also gain valuable, deep and sincere friendships with the Western team members. After the Project in 2008, I chose to stay in the area for 5 more weeks to work on other excavations. During this time, I got to know the people of Moigrad and Jac intimately. I had a previous impression of the economic condition of most of the people, but during this time, I learned about several specific situations. This had a deep impact on me and I became motivated to help the children and families that needed an extra hand. When I returned to the USA, I e-mailed the students who participated on the archeological program with me, as well as past participants and received an overwhelming response from those who also felt a strong bond with the locals and wanted to help make a difference. Click here to read about some of the local families we are helping.

With Porolissum Prietenie and through the help of the Porolissum Forum Project and continuing students, I am hoping that this initiative significantly improves the lives of people in the community of Moigrad and Jac. Porolissum Prietenie is looking for several kinds of help. Monetary help is, of course, very important, but other forms of aid, such as care packages containing "old" clothes or supplies for school are also needed. I hope that our efforts will assist those families who desperately need money for food, medication, and education.

Annual Scholarship

Currently we have 1 annual monetary scholarship that goes to a local family or individual who has or has previously had an affiliation with the Porolissum Forum Project. Workers of the PFP are made known of the availability of the scholarship, and are encouraged to nominate a worker whom they feel is advantageous of assistance. At then end of the dig season one name is chosen based on several criteria. The most notable being the urgency of the situation. If health is involved, this falls heavily on the recipient decision.

In the future I am hopeful that we will be able to set up scholarships for higher education of students. Many of our young friends have dreams of going to college. Given the financial means, these bright young students would often be the first in their families to attend college. Some even dream of coming to the United States to attend university.

What We Need

Porolissum Prietenie is looking for help in many ways. First and foremost is monetary help, but other help such as care packages, sending "old" clothes, or supplies for school are all needed. For more about what you can do, click here.