Hi! I’m Valeriia, and since February 23 I have been volunteering in Trnava through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Looking back at these past three months, I can honestly say that this experience has already changed me in many ways.
When I started volunteering, I was excited but also unsure about what my role would look like and whether I would be able to adapt quickly enough to new responsibilities and activities. Step by step, through different projects, workshops, and community events, I started building confidence and finding my place within the team and the local community.
Art Club: Sharing Creativity Through Youth Work
One of the activities that felt especially meaningful to me was organizing an Art Club focused on multiple art techniques and activities, such as beading, painting, drawing, collages and many more. This activity was particularly personal because creativity and art are very important to me, so I was happy to bring this idea into our youth activities.
This experience also taught me that art can be a powerful tool in youth work. It creates a safe and comfortable environment where participants can express themselves without pressure or fear of making mistakes. Through this activity, I improved my confidence in leading creative workshops and supporting participants with different ideas and skill levels.
Learning Through English Club
Another regular activity I helped organize was the English Speaking Club. During these months, we organized multiple sessions and even experimented with a new format, which turned out to be very successful.
This experience helped me learn how to work with bigger groups and manage group dynamics more confidently. I also started experimenting with new methods and energizers to make sessions more interactive and engaging. We used activities such as Taboo, speed dating conversations, describe-and-draw exercises, and different icebreakers.
It showed me how important atmosphere and interaction are in non-formal education. At the same time, I learned that keeping everyone engaged can sometimes be challenging, especially in larger groups, and that flexibility is one of the most important skills in facilitation.
Creativity, Community, and New Experiences
Another memorable part of my volunteering experience was participating in public events and festivals together with the team, including the Day of Europe and Den Zeme (Earth Day).
During the Day of Europe, we prepared workshops and activities for young people focused on Europe, European values, and cultural diversity. At Den Zeme, we organized workshops for school children about ecology and garbage sorting. Through these events, I learned how to adapt activities for different age groups and how important interactive learning is for keeping participants engaged.
Working at festivals and public events also helped me improve my teamwork and adaptability skills, especially in dynamic and fast-moving environments.
Nature, Teamwork, and Informal Learning
Not all learning happened inside classrooms or workshops. During these months, we also organized hiking activities several times. I really enjoyed these experiences because they created a relaxed environment where people could connect naturally outside of structured activities.
We also had a team-building trip to Modra, where we painted vases and cups together. Even though it was a simple activity, it reminded me how important informal connection and positive team atmosphere are in volunteer work.
At the same time, we started preparing activities for the upcoming City Health Week, which gave me more experience in planning larger events and cooperating as part of a team.
Developing New Skills Through Social Media
Alongside all these activities, I continued working on social media promotion and outreach. I created posts, stories, and promotional materials for Instagram and Facebook, and I am still learning how to use Canva more effectively.
Through this work, I have been improving my creativity, digital communication, and visual design skills. Although social media work can sometimes feel repetitive or time-consuming, I also enjoy seeing ideas slowly turn into finished content that helps reach and engage more young people.
What These Three Months Have Taught Me
Looking back now, I realize how much I have grown in just three months. I became more confident working with groups, more flexible when things do not go according to plan, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.
I also learned that youth work is not only about organizing activities – it is about creating safe spaces, encouraging participation, building trust, and learning from the people around you.
These months taught me the importance of communication, teamwork, creativity, and adaptability. They also showed me that growth often happens in unexpected situations – when you try something new, make mistakes, and continue learning through experience.
And this is only the beginning of my ESC journey.
