Stela: "The sense of community among volunteers has become a support network"

Steluta came from Romania and she's been volunteering in low-treshold club in Karviná. How is she doing? Let's read her story...

"I am thrilled to contribute to the INTERVIA WEBPAGE by sharing my experiences as a volunteer in Online-Klub, Karviná. This opportunity has not only enriched my life but has also allowed me to witness the transformative power of engagement in a community of warm and welcoming people. Below, you'll find a glimpse into my daily routine, favorite activities, challenges, and memorable moments during my time as a volunteer.

My days as a volunteer are dynamic and socially charged. The "Online-Klub" serves as a hub for youth engagement and discussions, where I spend two days each week. Our daily routine involves a mix of interactive sessions, creative workshops, and open discussions. I've had the privilege of working closely with an enthusiastic group of young individuals, fostering connections and providing a safe space for expression.

The essence of my volunteering extends beyond the Klub through street work. Twice a week, I join social work colleagues to reach out to children in their living areas. This approach allows us to connect with the community on a deeper level, playing games🎲, offering quizzes❓, and engaging in simple but heartfelt conversations with a wide range of clients. These interactions have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the impact of small gestures in the lives of these children.

Undoubtedly, volunteering comes with its set of challenges. Balancing the demands of the Klub, street work, and additional tasks requires careful considerateness and adaptability. However, these challenges have become for me opportunities for personal and professional growth, especially since I plan to work with people and I usually have a hard time “coming out of my shell”.🦪Some challenging I’ve encountered are opening up to strangers and being more extroverted than usual. The locations where we do our streetwork are also a bit scary at first since those are most of the time the disadvantaged areas of Karviná but in time I got more used to them. I've learned 💡 to navigate the complexities of volunteering in social work, developing a deeper understanding of the community's needs, and of course breaking some languages barriers by learning czech everyday!

My favorite pastimes since coming here are playing football and Dobble during Streetwork with the small children, it is a fun way to bond and understand them better. Which also made me discover that most of them want to become⚽ football players! And they look up to figure such as Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar and love to talk about them. Equally rewarding is the time spent with the older clients at the Klub. Engaging them in culture quizzes, table-football games, and collaborative decoration projects.

The chance to embark on mini projects within the Klub was another pleasant way of bonding with the clients. These projects not only enhance the variety of activities offered but also allow us to tailor our engagement to the unique interests of the youth. Witnessing the excitement and creativity that these projects spark in both me and the clients is truly heartwarming.❤️

In the spirit of fostering a sense of joy and community, our volunteering efforts extended to the celebration of special events. Scary Day became an opportunity for the Klub to transform into a festive space, with themed activities, costumes, decorations, films and spooky games 🕸. As the holiday season approached, our focus shifted to Christmas activities. 🎄⛄🎅🏼🤶🦌❄We engaged the teenagers in crafting decorations, organizing holiday-themed workshops, and spreading the spirit of generosity through the community. There have been countless moments that have brightened my days✨—laughter echoing through the Klub, the joy on a child's face during the Street work, and the camaraderie among colleagues🤝. These moments remind me of the positive impact we can make by investing time and energy in the lives of others.

The Karvina Klub also served as more than a workplace; it's a community hub where I can feel understood and have a sense of togetherness. My coworkers, from mentor to fellow volunteers, have embraced me with open arms since my arrival, creating an environment of collaboration, understanding, and shared purpose. The streetwork team, with whom I venture into the neighborhoods to engage with the community children, exemplifies dedication and compassion. Our collective goal 🎯 is not just to offer support but to genuinely connect with the individuals we encounter. The team spirit that is shown in our street work efforts reflects our shared commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those we try to help.

Another highlight of my time in Karviná has been the weekly Czech lessons that have become an integral part of my routine. These lessons, coupled with the Duolingo app, Czech films and music ♫ have been my companions in unraveling the intricate threats of the Czech language. Learning the language has been a labor of love, and each new word or phrase feels like a step closer to better understand our clients.

Also, the forest-park in Karviná has become a regular retreat for me. Simple walks along the trees offer a peaceful break, and the discovery of a reserved space for deers and even a friendly sheep adds a touch of charm to the natural surroundings.

A surprising find in Karviná is the local "sea." ༄ While not a vast expanse, it provides a quiet space for daily walks. This unexpected sight serves as a reminder of the town's ability to offer subtle surprises.

My engagement with the Czech language intertwines with a growing appreciation for the local culture. The warmth and openness of the Czech people have made cultural integration a seamless part of my volunteering experience.

Across the landscape of my volunteer work in Karviná, an unexpected joy has been the camaraderie with fellow volunteers from various corners of Europe. So I hope I can offer a glimpse into the unique experiences shared with volunteers stationed in Český Těšín, Bohumin, Trinec and Krnov.

The volunteer network has provided an opportunity to connect with individuals contributing their time and efforts in neighboring towns. Regular meetings offer a platform to share experiences, strategies, and the common aim of making a positive impact. The diversity in our backgrounds and perspectives adds richness to the collective volunteering experience.

Birthdays 🎂🎉🥳 within our volunteer community become a cause for collective celebration. Whether it's a surprise cake in Bohumin or a spontaneous gathering after a day of volunteering, these moments foster a sense of shared joy and help us be more connected to one another.

Occasionally, we come together for larger group gatherings and parties, creating an atmosphere of group-unity among us. These events serve not only as opportunities for relaxation but also as occasions to strengthen the bonds made during our volunteering journeys and not feeling like we are alone.

The sense of community among volunteers goes beyond the confines of our individual placements. It has become a support network, a source of shared fun, and a reminder of the broader impact we collectively make. In the diversity of our backgrounds and experiences, we find a common ground that unites us in our mission here.

Also, our shared enthusiasm for exploration extends beyond volunteer duties. In our free time, we often go on journeys to neighboring countries and creating memories. The shared curiosity for new cultures and experiences unites us, turning each trip into a mini-adventure. An example of such experience was traveling to the captivating cities of Vienna and Prague. These experiences not only offered a welcome change of scenery but also added a layer of fun and gratitude to my volunteer journey.

These travel experiences🌎 had a profound impact on my volunteering adventure. The exposure to diverse cultural landscapes and the exploration of historical landmarks enriched my understanding of European heritage. Beyond the educational aspect, the travels were a source of joy and rejuvenation, allowing me to return to my volunteering role in Karvina with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and gratitude for the peace of a quieter city.

The shared adventures with fellow volunteers during these trips created a lot of shared memories. Exploring Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and strolling through Prague's charming streets became stories that strengthened our camaraderie and added a sense of shared joy to our everyday routine.The impact of these travels on my life experience is not forgettable. The exposure to different cultural landscapes allowed me to bring fresh ideas, perspectives, and a renewed energy to my conversations with friends and family. The experiences gained from Vienna and Prague, and also Czech Republic, the conversations with locals, and the exploration of historical landmarks all became valuable experiences and information that enriched my cultural understanding.

The involvement of Slezská Diakonie has been instrumental in shaping my experience. From day one, they extended a helping hand, offering language lessons, comfortable housing, and necessary information.

The provision of comfortable and well-equipped housing by Slezská Diakonie has been a crucial aspect of my positive experience. Knowing that there's a secure and welcoming place to return to after a day of volunteering adds a layer of stability. Additionally, the organization has been proactive in providing practical information about the local area and even  a mentor that helped me with the integration in the city and who also gave me some ideas for activities to do in my freetime.

The on-arrival seminar at the beginning of the project stands out as a pivotal moment. Filled with engaging activities, team-building games🤼, and, of course, delicious food, the seminar set the stage for a cohesive and supportive volunteer group.

The seminar was more than just a formality; it was an immersive experience that incorporated games and activities designed to bring us closer. These activities encouraged team building but also created an environment where we felt comfortable expressing our ideas and concerns. The shared meals during the seminar became opportunities for casual conversations, breaking down barriers and forging genuine connections among volunteers.

The organization's commitment to the well-being 🤗and integration of volunteers creates a foundation of support that allows us to focus on our mission without unnecessary worries.

Navigating a new language and culture can be a daunting task, but with the assistance of the organization and the people around me, the journey has been significantly smoother.

In conclusion, my volunteering journey in Karviná has been a transformative experience. The intersection of the Klub, Street work, and collaborative projects has shaped my understanding of community, resilience, and the profound impact of collective efforts. The moments spent working with children had been particularly cherished by me. Engaging in fun football matches has not only been a form of physical activity but also a medium for building connections and bringing joy in someone’s life.Through this article, I hope to extend an invitation to potential candidates and friends of the INTERVIA program, encouraging them to explore the enriching world of volunteering in Karviná!" (Steluta  Lionte)