The power of love: A volunteer’s Journey hand in hand with resilient young souls

Ahojki dear reader!

My name is Klaudia, and I am spending one year volunteer service at NZDM in Mesto Albrechtice. A club, dedicated to welcome and nurture children, who are survivors or ongoing survivals of adversity.

Traumas, silent specters of our past, linger in the recesses of both childhood and adult life in every human being. The impact of early wounds can shape our emotional landscape, influencing relationships and well-being. Acknowledging and addressing these traumas is vital for fostering resilience and building a foundation for healing and growth.

Each child possesses unique talents and an innate lovability that unfolds in our shared moments. Time may fly, but the impact lingers—a testament to the enduring power of genuine connection and the joy of shaping young lives.

 As a volunteer, as a parent, a sibling or a friend- your role mirrors mine —nurturing and loving the resilient spirit in children.

Together, we can empower and arming them against life's challenges.

Let me have you take a look in journey, where every moment is a treasured gift for me.

Home is where you are

A year-long journey away from home can be daunting, but for me, it's been a heart-warming adventure filled with acceptance and laughter. Thanks to incredible colleagues—Martina, Krystina, and the ever-wholehearted Honey alias Hanka, and the amazing children I can work with—I feel like I am home. From the moment I arrived, greeted by a sign with my name, I sensed a belonging that surpassed language barriers. The camaraderie extends to other volunteers too, genuine souls I now call friends. Whether making pumpkins, exploring new cities, or celebrating birthdays, their warmth makes every moment feel like home. As volunteers, we shape our projects with the guidance of well-trained colleagues, fostering a creative environment that feels liberating. This journey isn't only about giving; it's about finding oneself while creating a place of acceptance and joy.

The day I will never forget

The first couple of weeks were dedicated to building connections with the children at the club. Small activities, like creating jars to share favourite hobbies and playing with balloons in the colours of the Hungarian flag, helped the way for trust and openness. Our shared laughter and daily rituals, like listening to music, created an atmosphere of joy and familiarity. The day i felt like I’m accepted and involved by them was one of the happiest days in my entire life.

It made my day

I had an opportunity one day to visit one of our club, farther away from Město Albrechtice. The generosity of these children touched my heart deeply—they willingly shared their snacks, strengthening my belief in the boundless nature of children's love. Their readiness to share, even when they have little, and their unconditional acceptance reaffirmed that children see with hearts untainted by judgment.

Throughout the day, we played card games, painted, played jumping rope, and engaged in a series of spontaneous races. When exhaustion set in, a young boy who effortlessly understood my words intuitively, gently took my hand, leading me to sit beside him outside our club's window. In the comforting silence, a wave of inner peace washed over me. Together, we simply appreciated each other's presence in that fleeting moment.

It dawned on me: a supportive presence holds immense power in a child's journey of self-discovery. And, in these moments, words become unnecessary to convey the profound impact of someone's capable, lovable, and enjoyable presence.

 

Insights Unveiled

Navigating the uncertainties of our own capabilities is a common human struggle. Yet, within the embrace of the children I've had the privilege to work with, I've found resounding answers to my doubts—a resounding "YES" echoing through every question. Only you make corridors for your achievements and capability.

1. Embrace your perfect imperfection

In the beginning, nerves gripped me at work, even in the nurturing environment because of the uncertainty of my own capabilities. However soon I learned by the genuine acceptance of the children that authenticity is the key to connection. Therefore, a profound truth emerged in my mind: We are all perfectly imperfectly perfect aren’t we all? :)

2. Without words: Vibing Through Life with Melody

The language barrier is one of the main obstacles you will have - is what they said, but i discovered words are not the sole bridge to understand one another.

In our club, age and language dissolve as we unite in the universal language of music. Whether you're 8, 17, or 50, dancing solo, with a partner, or in groups, the melody brings us together. Music isn't just a stress reliever; it's the vibrant heartbeat that fills our club's silence. Shared musical interests become our common ground.

Each soul in this planet hold a different story, therefore words might feel tricky; -words can mean different things to different people, and some feelings are beyond linguistic expression. In the absence of words, connections blossoms through games, smiles, listening to music together, hugs and by cherishing each other presence.

In those quiet moments without words, something special happens. The longing of connection with one another opens and fills up the space in the heart where words can’t go.

3. A strength that no one asked for, but we have!💪

Witnessing the resilience of the children in the face of adversity is not merely a trait but a testament to the in dominatable human spirit.

Each child I interacted with showcased an incredible ability to bounce back from challenges, their smile is unbroken by the hardships they are enduring. Although, this is an unwanted strength. This is a strength that no one asked or choose to get, but  are forced to experience. It's a strength we should work collectively to transform, breaking the cycle of generational trauma and fostering high self-awareness. Because they are not alone, we are not alone, we are all together in this as a humanity

 

A Call to Action: Protecting the new generation

Acknowledging that 9 out of 10 children endure abuse in their childhood, we are grasping for change. Trauma survivors are our parents, our neighbour, our classmate, our teacher, our collage, boss, our friend and maybe us.

The responsibility lies with every individual to care for and love the new generation. It's not only about recognizing the signs but acting on them—creating a world where every child feels safe, loved, and successful by gaining a better understanding about treating ourselves and our emotions.

The Infinite Power of Love

For everyone who heard, seen, experienced abuse, we must ask ourselves, "If not me, then who?" The answer often echoes: "No one." Each one of us can be the catalyst for change, offering love since it is an infinite resource. Creating safe spaces, providing guidance, and showering them with love—these are not luxuries but essentials for a growing child.

A Plea to Humanity: Work as One Team

The journey to heal and protect the young generation is a collective effort.

Even though abuse may happen in plain sight, it's time to break the silence!

Act now! It's everyone's responsibility to create a world where every child feels safe, loved, and successful. Work with the boundless love within you—offer a safe space, share healthy information, lend a listening ear, and most crucially, give them extra love.

Be the change, be the one who cares, because not a single soul in this planet deserves to be wounded by one another. He didn’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve it. They didn’t deserve it We didn’t deserve this. We deserve better.

So, let's unite as humanity and ensure no one, especially not children, feels alone. This word is for everyone, we have space for everyone. Let’s do this in the right way, and let’s work as a team!

It's time for us all to make a difference, together. Don’t be silent. Speak up! Protect! Act! Help yourself! Help them!

 

Be the light in the dark

As I reflect my three-month journey, the transformative path I'm walking hand in hand with these resilient young souls is both inspiring and heart-warming. The drawings on my wall by the children gives me an indescribable happiness that fills my heart with warmth and gratitude.

Working with children is a profound responsibility—a mirror reflecting both our flaws and the potential for personal growth. It's an opportunity to make peace with every mask of our personalities. Whether you're a curious reader or a prospective volunteer, the message is clear: children are not the problem; they are the solution!

In the midst of a world haunted by traumas, the new generation is intuitively highly self-aware, whom holds immense potential to end generational traumas. Our duty is to educate and shield them from the demons that lurk in our collective past and to nurture their knowledge and understanding. By giving more than we received, we pave the way for a more peaceful, safe world that humanity deserves. The power to make a change lies within each of us, in our own worlds.

The personality you see in a child reflects the environment they experience.

So, let's pledge to create a healthy, non-poisonous environment for the new generation—a space where they can thrive, be themselves, and, above all, be loved. The love I feel for these children knows no bounds, and if you sense a similar calling, you could be the perfect next candidate for this meaningful journey.

In a world where loneliness and confusion often prevail, observing a child being themselves, secure and carefree, reveals our inherent goodness. We all have a pure heart, yearning for love until our last day. Let's collectively strive to make this world a little less dark and painful for the new generation by treating them—and each other—with mutual respect, love, and understanding.

Let’s cherish the new generation, by making them recognizing their potential to reshape our world. Let’s start with taking one of our collective generational traumas out for the next generation by not screaming them over a spilled milk or broken toy. We are all collectively put our shoulders up and be ready for something to happen as adults, like someone would come and get us. See, we affect each other by small things, but it takes minimum one person to make change. You are the change. Maybe you are the first change in your environment. Be that change!

With love and hope,

Klaudia Kertész