https://svitac.org

My name is Pia, I’m 21 years old and from Germany. For the last six months, I volunteered in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a European Solidarity Corps project, Volunteerism to Solidaritry. I worked with the organization Omladinska organizacija Svitac, helping out with youth groups and children. Our main goal was to create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere at the youth center by planning fun and engaging workshops. This experience has been truly special. On one hand, it boosted my social and personal skills, like time management, discipline, and communication, even when language barriers got in the way. On the other hand, I learned a lot about the cultural diversity of the Balkans, especially Bosnia. Discovering the differences compared to other European countries made me realize what I miss about home and what feels completely new.

The first few weeks were incredibly interesting. I experienced so many new things. Even though traveling was exhausting and challenging due to the language barrier, I had a great start with the project. Meeting the other German volunteers and seeing the children for the first time was truly exciting. I built many strong relationships with my coworkers, the kids, and the youth groups we worked with, and I will definitely miss them.

I quickly got to know Brčko. There are plenty of cozy cafes for coffee or tea lovers, great restaurants with tasty food, and parks with stunning views. Bosnia and Herzegovina has much more to offer than you might think. The country boasts beautiful mountains and charming small towns with unique histories. Overall, volunteering opened my eyes to life. I learned how to adapt to a work environment, live independently, manage my finances, and figure things out on my own. This experience has prepared me for my next adventure and sparked my interest in learning more about the Balkans and other cultures.

Even though engaging in social settings might sound boring to some, I can assure you that no matter your age or where you volunteer, it is a blessing to have these opportunities. Helping others while exploring a country’s special features and getting to know its culture is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. If I could, I would do it over and over again to see more of the world, not just as a vacation, but by truly experiencing different cultures.

facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/omladinska.svitac
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Svitac_BiH
Instagram: omladinska.svitac
YouTube: Svitac Firefly Bosnia

See you around,

Pia Sophie Jonas, Svitac’s (Firefly in Bosnia’s) ESC volunteer October 2024-April 2025

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