Društveni atelje i Osijek su na nešto više od dva tjedna postli dom za 11 mladih volontera iz Gruzije, Portugala, Italije, Albanije, Moldavije, Španjolske i Grčke koji su stigli kroz program Europskih snaga solidarnosti.

Tim je u periodu od 13. do 28. svibnja 2025. godine organizirao i sudjelovao u brojnim aktivnostima: radionice za učenike i bojanja ograda uz uređivanje dvorišta po školama, međugeneracijske radionice i aktivnosti u Domu za starije i nemoćne osobe Osijek i u udruzi "Aktivni umirovljenici" Osijek, poput izrade nakita, kuhanja i raznih igara, do radionica, plesa i pjevanja, zatim volontiranje na Norijadi u organizaciji Gradskog društva Crvenog križa Osijek i naposlijetku aktivnosti digitalnog volotniranja (promocija volontiranja na otvorenom u izravnom kontaktu sa slučajnim prolaznicima) u svrhu promocije programa Europskih snaga solidarnosti, grada Osijeka i važnosti volontiranja za dobrobit zajednice.

Volonterski tim doprinosio je razvoju lokalne zajednice i zagovaranju vrijednosti interkulturalnosti i solidarnosti organizirajući i realizirajući volonterske akcije u zajednici. 

Kod samih volontera, sudjelovanje u projektu donijelo je vidljive promjene u njihovom samopouzdanju, komunikaciji na engleskom jeziku, građanskim vještinama i stavovima, pružajući inspiraciju za daljnji angažman u njihovim zajednicama. Projekt je dodatno potaknuo suradnju s lokalnim organizacijama i javnim ustanovama, od kojih je sedam izravno uključeno u aktivnosti, čime je proširen doseg volonterskih inicijativa.

Volonteri su ostavili trag u Osijeku i Društvenom ateljeu. Vaša predanost i energija inspirirali su nas.
Hvala vam što ste podijelili svoje vrijeme, znanje i entuzijazam s našom zajednicom.

U nastavku donosimo dojmove tri ESS volonterke:

 

Have you ever thought there’s no kindness left on Earth? Because I have - until recently. The reason I now speak in the past tense is hidden in a small town called Osijek.

Before this experience, I could never have imagined how two-sided volunteering could be. I pictured the whole process as giving everything and expecting nothing in return. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Our volunteer group was diverse, made up of young people from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Albania, Moldova, and Georgia. Despite age gaps, different backgrounds, cultures, and interests, I didn’t experience any culture shocks - only curiosity and understanding. We quickly discovered that we all had something in common. We bonded through shared values, laughter, and a desire to contribute to something meaningful: kindness.

With the help of Dkolektiv members, we had a precious space and supportive atmosphere to work, grow, and share. Beyond professional collaboration, we became a little family. I can proudly say I’ve visited six countries without ever leaving Croatia - just by learning about their traditions, foods, and values from my teammates. And now, I genuinely want to visit each of them.

Croatian people are generous in every sense. They bathe you in love, guide you through everything, and make you feel at home. Their culture shines brightly in the streets, shops, public transport, schools, elderly homes, and especially in Dkolektiv’s Atelje. We were even invited to a local family gathering, where we witnessed firsthand how tolerant, welcoming, and warm-hearted Croatian people are. It was more than hospitality - it was love.

These 17 days in Osijek were a journey of personal growth. Meeting and working with such incredible people reminded me that I’m not alone - and that even my presence can make a difference. I learned that the energy you give never disappears - it comes back to you. That’s what volunteering truly is: a mutual exchange of effort, empathy, and growth.

Most importantly, the RISE project gave me something I had started to lose - hope. If you don’t feel kindness in the world right now, try volunteering. It will not only change someone else’s life - it will change yours. You’ll become the source of the kindness you once doubted.

Mariam Sakandelidze

 

 

Start your volunteering journey in… Osijek!

When we think of volunteering, our minds often drift toward large international organizations, global missions, and cross-continental humanitarian work. While these initiatives are essential, they can make us overlook something just as valuable: local volunteering actions with a real and tangible impact on communities. As the saying goes, “think globally, act locally.” And there’s no better place to witness this than in Osijek, Croatia.

But why should you volunteer in Osijek? Well, to begin, Osijek is a charming city defined for its peaceful and safe atmosphere, beautiful green spaces, and long paths along the Drava River where you can stroll while watching the sunset or even exercise. This city has a warm, small-town feel but, at the same time, it’s surprisingly dynamic with different festivals and cultural activities happening all the time. However, what truly makes Osijek special is the warmth of its people! The local community is very welcoming, and residents genuinely value the presence and contributions of volunteers. Besides, thanks to its universities and international projects, Osijek is home to a growing number of international students, which adds a youthful and multicultural dimension to the city’s daily and night life.

Volunteering in a local community such as Osijek truly allows you to connect with people on a human level. Whether it’s offering assistance and companionship to the elderly, supporting educational projects with children and teenagers in order to inspire their futures, or helping to organize and promote local cultural events with the help of extra hands and creative ideias, your efforts won’t go unnoticed. In fact, you’ll often feel the impact of your work immediately, through a smile, a thank you, or a stronger bond with the population.

By volunteering here, you’re not just spending your time helping the people and the environment around you, you’re also gaining a unique opportunity to be a part of a community, learn a lot from it and grow as a person. Yet perhaps most importantly, you discover that true change often starts small, with actions rooted in a sense of proximity.

Osijek offers not only a beautiful city, but also the perfect reminder that global change can start right where you are. So, make sure to remember that next time you take voluntary action! 

Joana Ramos

You Will Never Walk Alone: Finding Strength and Purpose Through Volunteering in Osijek 

While the lines of relationships and mutual assistance seem to have faded in the rapidly changing world, when each of us is focused on the realization of personal aspirations and we often forget the local and international communities that need help even with the simplest acts, volunteering is an opportunity that leaves an indelible mark not only on society, but also on individual volunteers. When I got approval from the coordinator of the volunteer program in Osijek, I was afraid of what was coming.  New experience, first trip abroad. It turned out to be a big challenge indeed. But if there's one thing I'm grateful for, it's above all that I made it a point to notice people outside of my comfort zone and make my voice heard where it's needed. 

Osijek is neither a small city nor a big one. There are many initiatives and opportunities both from the state and with the involvement of non-governmental organizations, but the cozy atmosphere of the city seems to connect everyone together and no one is a stranger. What struck me immediately were the people. There's a kind of calm warmth in the way locals greet you - not rushed or overly expressive, but genuine.

During my time in Osijek, I had the privilege of being involved in a variety of volunteering projects, each one leaving a unique imprint on me. Two of the most meaningful areas I worked in were with the elderly and children — two generations separated by time, but both deeply in need of connection.

I saw that volunteering doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s just showing up with your heart open.

These moments with the elderly in Osijek reminded me that age does not dim the desire to connect, to give, and to be seen. And as much as I came to give, I received so much more: stories, wisdom, laughter – and, of course, earrings I will treasure forever.

Among the many unforgettable moments I experienced while volunteering in Osijek, one day stands out for its sense of shared purpose and community: the day we supported the Red Cross during a graduation event for local students. As volunteers, our role wasn’t huge or glamorous. But even in those small tasks, there was a powerful feeling that we were part of something bigger. What touched me the most was the cooperation between us - volunteers from different countries, working hand in hand with the Croatian Red Cross team.

One of the most beautiful parts of my volunteering journey in Osijek was being part of a team -  not just working side by side with others, but truly growing with them. We came from different backgrounds, countries, and experiences, but from the very first day, it felt like we were united by something deeper: a shared desire to give, to connect, and to belong.

In a world that often feels divided, volunteering in a team reminded me how powerful unity can be. In Osijek, I realized something deeply beautiful — in volunteering, just like in life, you will never walk alone.

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Europske Snage Solidarnosti (ESS) je program Europske Komisije koji financira razne projekte i inicijative. Program je sufinanciran sredstvima Europske unije.