Krása dobrovolnictví není vázaná na místo a čas. Je to i možnost poznávat nové země, kultury a nové přátele. International cooperation RADKA v Kadani je akreditovanou vysílající a hostující organizací Evropského sboru solidarity. V rámci individuálního dobrovolnictví lze vycestovat krátkodobě či dlouhodobě. Zrovna v Kadani je dobrovolníků několik během celého roku a další přijíždějí na letní prázdniny. Jejich pracovní náplň je různorodá. Pomáhají např. v mateřském centru, ve školce nebo s mládeží.
O všem možném, co přináší život dobrovolníka v zahraničí, si vedou blog. Jako malá ochutnávka je tu článek od Salmy dobrovolnice z Maroka.
Sharing My Journey: Bringing Moroccan Culture and European Solidarity to Czech Schools
Volunteering with RADKA organization through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. As part of this journey, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several schools in the Czech Republic, where I shared not only my Moroccan culture but also my personal story — how I decided to volunteer abroad, how it’s going, and what I’m learning along the way.
Standing in front of young students, I began by taking them on a journey to Morocco — describing our traditions, family life, festivals, languages, and food. Their curiosity was immediate. Many of them had never met someone from Morocco before, and it was a joy to watch their faces light up as they discovered a new culture. These moments of connection, through storytelling and shared laughter, reminded me of the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of human connection.
But I didn’t just talk about Morocco. I also shared how and why I joined the ESC — what motivated me to take this step, what fears I had to overcome, and how I’m growing through it all. I spoke honestly about the challenges: adapting to a new country, stepping out of my comfort zone, and speaking in front of groups in a new language. These were not easy tasks, but each one has helped me become more confident, open-minded, and resilient.
More than anything, I wanted to inspire the students to dream bigger. That’s why I also introduced them to the European Solidarity Corps and other EU programs — explaining how they too could apply, travel, volunteer, and gain meaningful life experiences just like I did. Many of them had never heard of these opportunities before, and their excitement made me realize the impact that a single conversation can have.
This experience has not only allowed me to give back, but also to grow. I’ve gained practical skills in communication, leadership, public speaking, and intercultural understanding. I’ve learned how to engage diverse audiences, build trust quickly, and turn challenges into personal growth. These are lessons I’ll carry with me far beyond this project — into future academic paths, international collaborations, and a career centered on making a positive impact.
I’m incredibly grateful to Radka for supporting this work and creating spaces where young people from different cultures can learn from each other. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s about building bridges — between people, between cultures, and between dreams and action.
If you’re a young person reading this — curious about the world, eager to grow, or wondering where to start — I invite you to explore the opportunities offered by the European Solidarity Corps and by organizations like Radka. You might be surprised how much you’ll discover — not only about the world, but about yourself.
SALMA EL AZZOUZI
Pokud vás zajímá více ze života zahraničních dobrovolníků v Kadani, můžete zavítat na jejich blog na adrese: https://radkainternational.wordpress.com/