From March 11th to 15th, 2025, I took part in the On-Arrival Training in Terchová as part of my European Solidarity Corps journey, and it was an inspiring experience.
One of the highlights for me was the beautiful surroundings. We went for a walk to Terchovské Srdce and visited Jánošíkove Diery, a place full of waterfalls, wooden bridges, and stunning mountain views. Being in such a peaceful town made the whole experience even more special.
During the training, I joined workshops on conflict resolution and teamwork, which helped me understand how to work with others in an international environment. We also worked in teams to create videos about important people, events, and moments in Slovak history, like the Slovak National Uprising and the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. It was a creative way to learn and explore history.
What I enjoyed most was connecting with people from all over Slovakia. Sharing experiences and ideas with other volunteers made the journey really meaningful. We also explored Terchová by talking to locals about traditions and typical Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky, which gave us a deeper sense of the culture. In the evenings, we had film nights where we watched historical movies about Slovakia, which helped us understand the country’s past in a more engaging way.
I especially liked the open space activity, where we could develop and present our own ideas. It was a great chance to be creative, collaborate, and learn from each other.
It was also a great opportunity to present our organization, Youth for Equality, and share the volunteering work we do.
Overall, these few days were full of learning, connection, and inspiration. I’m really excited to continue my volunteering journey and contribute to the local community.
