Volunteering at Waldorf school and its Hort (after-school care) was an important and unforgettable chapter of my life. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with children, participate in creative activities, learn about Waldorf pedagogy, and grow both personally and professionally.
During my volunteering, I spent time with children at the school and in the Hort, where we participated in many different activities, including drawing, dancing, singing, and other creative projects. These activities allowed me to experience how creativity, imagination, movement, and play can become meaningful parts of children’s everyday learning and development.
Through this experience, I learned a great deal about Waldorf pedagogy. I discovered the importance of supporting children as individuals and creating an environment where they can develop their creativity, independence, social abilities, and emotional well-being. I came to understand that education is not only about gaining knowledge but also about helping children develop their personalities, express themselves, and build relationships with others.
This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the role of creativity and human connection in education.
One of the most valuable aspects of my volunteering was the wonderful team at the Waldorf school and in the Hort. From the beginning, I felt welcomed, supported, and included. My colleagues were kind and helpful, and they made me feel that I was not alone in a new environment.
Their support meant a great deal to me, especially while adapting to life in Germany and facing the challenges that come with living in a different country. Being part of such a warm and encouraging community helped me feel more comfortable, confident, and at home.
The people I met during this experience made my time there truly special. I am grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and positive atmosphere they shared with me.
My volunteering experience helped me grow in many ways. One of the most important changes was the improvement of my German language skills. Through everyday communication with colleagues and children, I had many opportunities to practise German in real-life situations. Gradually, I became more confident expressing myself and communicating with others.
Beyond language learning, I also developed important soft skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, patience, and confidence. Working with children taught me to be attentive to their individual needs, approach situations with understanding, and appreciate the importance of cooperation.
I also had the opportunity to participate in different projects, some of which I continue to be involved in. These experiences encouraged me to remain active, explore new opportunities, and become more engaged in the community around me.
Looking back, I can see how much I have grown. My volunteering experience has helped me become more independent, open-minded, and willing to take on new challenges.
Moving to and living in Germany was not always easy. The cold weather was one of the challenges I had to get used to, but I discovered that the warmth of people can make even the coldest days feel brighter.
The friendships, kindness, shared moments, and welcoming atmosphere at my volunteering placement helped me overcome many of the difficulties I experienced. What could sometimes feel unfamiliar gradually became more comfortable, thanks to the people who surrounded me and made me feel accepted.
When I think about my volunteering experience, I remember not only the activities we did or the things I learned, but also the everyday moments that made this period meaningful: spending time with the children, creating things together, sharing laughter, learning from my colleagues, and feeling that I was part of a community.
These memories remind me that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Sometimes, it is the people we meet and the way they make us feel that turn an ordinary experience into something truly unforgettable.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone who made this experience so positive and meaningful. I will carry the knowledge, skills, friendships, and warm memories from this period with me into the next stages of my life.
This volunteering experience has shown me that growth does not happen only through formal learning or professional achievements. It also happens through shared experiences, the challenges we overcome, the people who support us, and the moments in which we discover a little more about ourselves.
For me, this chapter will always remain a special reminder that even in a new country, far from what is familiar, human warmth can create a sense of belonging and turn a temporary place into a place filled with beautiful memories.
Gulchin has done her voluntary service at Waldorfschule ; her project was co-financed under the European Solidarity Corps program.
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