We aim to organise activities that promote integration, enhance well-being and strengthen community cohesion both within Wales and across the UK.
The organisation is non - for - profit and operates solely for community benefit, ensuring that all resources are reinvested into our programs and services.
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Our core values include integrity, compassion and inclusivity. We believe that everyone has a role to play and can contribute to a united and stronger Romanian community.
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference. We are proud of our young volunteers, parents volunteers and collaborators from the wider Welsh local communities.
Your donation helps us run the weekend Romanian School, create meaningful events, celebrate our culture and build a stronger, connected community for everyone.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for being part of it!
Our Club Activities for Children age 2 or over are designed to preserve the Romanian heritage and assist children, especially those from mixed British-Romanian families. Our freshly decorated space consists of 2 large classrooms with interactive whiteboard, child friendly toilets, kitchen facilities and outdoor area for sunny days.
Parking on-site is free of charge.
Please visit us, we are open every Saturday from 9am-2pm (term time only).
We engage children through diverse activities that support their growth and learning, such as:
Additionally, we offer an afterschool Lego Lunch where children enjoy a provided lunch followed by two hours of club activities such as chess, draughts, aerobics, a reading club, sewing and outdoor games.
Our organisation launched GLOW Women of Romania, a women support network dedicated to uplifting, supporting and empowering women worldwide!
Recognising the unique challenges faced by women, particularly young mothers, our CIC provides a support network through social gatherings, parenting workshops and resources to help women feel connected and supported. By facilitating peer support, we aim to alleviate isolation and promote well-being.
Our mission is to:
Join our Crochet & Social Club
Looking for a relaxing break and a chance to connect with other Moms? Our Mom’s Crochet & Social Club at ROUCA School is the perfect place to unwind, share experiences and enjoy creative activities like crochet, knitting and embroidery. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, bring your project, have a coffee and make new friends in a warm, supportive environment.
Join us every Saturdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Our workshops are designed to assist the Romanian community in Wales with integration and accessing vital services. We provide guidance on navigating local resources, assisting with Life in the UK Test and guidance regarding Educational System in Britain, ensuring that everyone can thrive in their new environment.
We are hosting traditional events such as festivals, holiday celebrations and cultural exhibitions bringing the Romanian community together and introducing our rich heritage to the wider public. These events foster mutual understanding and respect between cultures, contributing to social cohesion.
We offer a Book Club for children and adults to facilitate access to literature in both Romanian and English, facilitating literacy and cultural exchange and opportunities for discussion, learning and community building.
Gabriela is the founder of ROUCA, a passionate community leader and dedicated educator whose vision has brought together generations of Romanians in Wales to celebrate their culture, language and identity.
Born and raised in a small village by the Danube in southern Romania, Gabriela grew up in a family of educators, instilling in her the
Gabriela is the founder of ROUCA, a passionate community leader and dedicated educator whose vision has brought together generations of Romanians in Wales to celebrate their culture, language and identity.
Born and raised in a small village by the Danube in southern Romania, Gabriela grew up in a family of educators, instilling in her the values of knowledge, resilience and community spirit from an early age. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and began her career working internationally in East Africa, gaining invaluable life experience and friendships across cultures.
After settling in the UK, Gabriela chose to return to her true calling: education. She earned a PGCE in Mathematics from University of Wales Institute Cardiff and has been teaching Mathematics at Llanishen High School for over 15 years, inspiring students with her enthusiasm, empathy and belief in every young person’s potential. Alongside her teaching career, Gabriela holds the respected role of Expert Examiner in Mathematics for Edexcel, contributing to the assessment and development of Mathematics education across the UK.
Deeply committed to education and community welfare, Gabriela has also served as a School Governor, advocating for inclusive, high-quality learning environments for all children. She is an active member of the National Education Union and the Women’s Equality Committee within the Trades Union Congress (TUC), promoting equity and fair representation in education and beyond.
A proud mother of two, Gabriela has spent years supporting the Romanian community in Wales, helping new families integrate, navigate local services, and find a sense of belonging. Her natural charisma, positivity and ability to bring people together have turned her ideas into lasting projects that enrich community life.
Motivated by a deep love for her heritage and a desire to preserve it for future generations, Gabriela founded the first Romanian Weekend School in Cardiff, providing a space where children can learn the Romanian language, culture and traditions. Through ROUCA, she has continued to build bridges between cultures, creating a welcoming, inclusive community where friendships are formed, memories are made and identity is celebrated.
Gabriela’s vision, leadership and tireless work have made her a cornerstone of the Romanian community in Wales and an inspiration to all who know her.
Iulia’s journey with ROUCA began like many beautiful stories do, as an involved parent, eager to keep her children connected to their roots and traditions. Over time, her passion for community, kindness and quiet strength naturally led her to take on a leadership role. Today, she serves as Director of ROUCA, guiding the team with warmth,
Iulia’s journey with ROUCA began like many beautiful stories do, as an involved parent, eager to keep her children connected to their roots and traditions. Over time, her passion for community, kindness and quiet strength naturally led her to take on a leadership role. Today, she serves as Director of ROUCA, guiding the team with warmth, sincerity and a deep love for people.
A mother of two, Iulia is a sociable and open-hearted person, though she admits to a touch of shyness. She finds joy in simple things: reading, nature walks, meaningful time with loved ones and the magic of music and dance.
Her professional path has been just as diverse and inspiring. Iulia once worked in a cake factory, later running her own successful cake business. Currently, she works as an Uber driver, a job that offers her flexibility and time to dedicate to her family and to community projects close to her heart.
With a growing interest in psychology, Iulia dreams of one day pursuing formal studies in the field. She’s a natural listener, always ready to lend a hand, to encourage and to bring people together. Through ROUCA, she’s found not only a community but a second home, a place where Romanian traditions, language and values stay alive for the next generation.
For Iulia, ROUCA means belonging. It’s the space where she reconnects with Romania, where she can give something meaningful back and where she continues to build bridges between people and cultures.
We’re grateful to have her at the heart of ROUCA’s story.
Warm, dynamic and always with a kind word for everyone, Laura is the driving force behind the team games sessions at our ROUCA Lego Lunch after-school club. With a natural ability
to bring people together, she creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere where children feel safe to play, connect and learn about teamwork.
A proud mother of two be
Warm, dynamic and always with a kind word for everyone, Laura is the driving force behind the team games sessions at our ROUCA Lego Lunch after-school club. With a natural ability
to bring people together, she creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere where children feel safe to play, connect and learn about teamwork.
A proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Laura balances family life with a background in recruitment and administration, but her heart has always been drawn to working with people. Her dream is to study psychology one day, following her calling to listen, support and be there for others in moments that matter.
At ROUCA, Laura channels this passion into the Team Games sessions she leads, where play becomes more than fun, it’s a way for children to bond, to learn about collaboration and to build lasting memories within their community. Her energy is contagious, her presence reassuring and her dedication to every child remarkable.
For Laura, being part of ROUCA is more than volunteering. It’s about belonging to something bigger, reconnecting with roots, celebrating identity and leaving a meaningful mark on the community. Through her work, she helps create those special moments where people feel at home, even far from home.
We’re proud to have Laura as a valued member of our ROUCA team.
Adelina is one of those rare people whose kindness radiates quietly, yet leaves a lasting impression wherever she goes. As our “Book Club” Leader, she creates a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe to dream, imagine and fall in love with the world of stories.
A qualified nurse and devoted mother to a beautiful daughter, Adelina b
Adelina is one of those rare people whose kindness radiates quietly, yet leaves a lasting impression wherever she goes. As our “Book Club” Leader, she creates a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe to dream, imagine and fall in love with the world of stories.
A qualified nurse and devoted mother to a beautiful daughter, Adelina balances her professional career, family life and academic journey with remarkable strength. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of South Wales, she’s an inspiring example of courage, determination and lifelong learning. Her journey from arriving in the UK with a suitcase and a heart full of hope, to building a meaningful career in healthcare and now leading community activities, is a story of resilience and heart.
At ROUCA, Adelina is cherished not only for her dedication but also for her incredible gentleness and patience with the children. She has a natural gift for making every child feel valued and heard, bringing books to life and inspiring a love for reading. Her calm presence and genuine care turn every Book Club session into a moment of connection and joy.
For Adelina, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about creating a place where culture, language and community spirit stay alive for future generations. We’re grateful to have her as part of the ROUCA family, and we celebrate both her academic achievements and the warmth she shares with us all.
Alina is a charismatic, intelligent and warm-spirited presence in our community, with a wonderful sense of humour that brings smiles wherever she goes. Her vibrant energy not only inspires, but also naturally mobilises those around her.
A devoted mother of two lovely children, Alina is a qualified therapeutic massage and physio therapist.
W
Alina is a charismatic, intelligent and warm-spirited presence in our community, with a wonderful sense of humour that brings smiles wherever she goes. Her vibrant energy not only inspires, but also naturally mobilises those around her.
A devoted mother of two lovely children, Alina is a qualified therapeutic massage and physio therapist.
Within ROUCA, Alina is one of our dedicated volunteers and a key figure in the school’s extracurricular activities. She leads the much-loved Șezătoarea ROUCA, a creative and welcoming space where women gather to honour traditions, share stories, and reconnect with the skills passed down through generations. Under her guidance, participants enjoy traditional sewing, crochet, knitting and crafts that celebrate Romanian heritage and craftsmanship.
We’re proud to have Alina on our team, she is a tradition keeper, community builder and a soul full of kindness and creativity.
“Keeping traditions alive, one stitch and one story at a time.”
Are you a young person looking to make a difference, gain valuable experience and have fun along the way? Our school is offering exciting volunteer opportunities for enthusiastic individuals who want to help with our arts and crafts workshops, team games, reading and writing activities.
By joining us, you'll have the chance to inspire young minds, develop leadership skills and contribute to a positive learning environment. Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about shaping your own future, building confidence and gaining experience that will benefit you in any path you choose.
If you’re ready to be a role model and help children learn in a fun and engaging way, we’d love to have you on board!
We are a group of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact in our local community. By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Fundraising is a critical part of our organization's efforts. We need volunteers to help plan and execute fundraising events, as well as to reach out to potential donors and sponsors.