The tasks I had were mostly focused on assisting instructors who are professional circus artists. The organization functioned as a kind of school where children of different ages, as well as adults, attended their courses once a week. These circus courses focused on training participants in various circus and artistic skills, such as juggling, tightrope walking, trapeze, and more. We also often prepared performances that members of these groups performed in front of an audience, which was mostly made up of their parents and friends.

My main task was to help during the preparation of these workshops. I worked with children as young as five years old all the way up to adults. What I learned through this experience is that working with children requires specific skills. It is necessary to develop a feel for it, because sometimes it is not easy—especially with children who have a lot of energy and can lose focus on preparations and tasks. At the beginning this was very difficult, especially since all the children spoke exclusively French, which I did not know at that time. Over time it became easier, and in the end I felt comfortable enough to even lead a workshop independently.

In addition, it is important for me to emphasize that I also learned some French, which is an excellent investment in myself. What I would particularly like to highlight as valuable from this experience are the various circus skills; I am especially fond of juggling, which I can now do while moving at the same time on a large ball.

When I was not working at the organization, I spent my free time with friends I met there, exploring the beautiful nature of southern France. The weather was wonderful, and I often went to the local market that was held every week. The town where I stayed was a medieval town called Joyeuse, and during the spring I truly enjoyed walking around and observing the old medieval walls.

In conclusion, I would like to send a message to everyone who is thinking about embarking on such an adventure: do not hesitate—you will not make a mistake. On the contrary, this kind of experience will certainly change your life, and the experiences you gain cannot be paid for with money. I can say with certainty that I developed greatly as a person during these seven months, and I am truly grateful to the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre for the opportunity and support throughout the entire engagement. They truly made this period of my life unforgettable.

You can read more about international volunteering at this link.

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Agapedia was a very fun and pleasant place. On one occasion, a colleague from the centre mentioned that we never truly know how much our words or a single action can mean to a child, especially since we do not have full insight into what is happening outside the centre. I often guided myself by that sentence. I made an effort, with dedication and curiosity, to prepare interesting activities for the children and to connect with them. I led workshops independently, learned to play the guitar, improved my balloon modelling skills, and came up with new ideas on how to use the numerous creative materials available. I gained many new pieces of knowledge and skills, including some I did not expect. We performed circus acts, during which I helped the children learn to ride a unicycle, balance on balls, and create their own costumes and props.

This was not my first encounter with life in another country, so I was prepared for certain things, but of course it was still a step into the unknown: a new country, a different work dynamic, and cultural differences.

The small details we notice in a new daily routine often prompt us to reflect on cultural differences, and I found it particularly interesting to learn more about social norms and customs. Along with cultural integration comes language learning. I previously had a basic level of German, but improving my knowledge and communication skills was an important goal for me during this engagement. Daily communication with children and staff in German was challenging, especially since children are extremely honest and direct when even the smallest mistake is made. Speaking in front of a larger group was an additional step outside my comfort zone, but sometimes I used the opportunity to ask the children to help me, which allowed me to connect with them even more.

I am grateful for this opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Meeting different people, exploring beautiful places, and gaining additional insights about myself made this experience truly valuable.

You can read more about international volunteering at this link.

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The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre invites young people aged 18 to 30 from Bosnia and Herzegovina to volunteer in Aachen (Germany) as part of the European Solidarity Corps program!

About the project

Solidarity with People with Disability
The volunteering takes place within the organizations Pax christi Aachen and Vinzenz-Heim Aachen, which support the inclusion and independence of persons with disabilities.

What do volunteers do?

You will be part of a team that:

• assists with daily activities (e.g., setting the table, making coffee)
• organizes leisure time and group activities
• provides support with shopping, cooking, and travel
• assists persons with disabilities in mobility and communication
• participates in team meetings and idea exchanges

Duration and conditions

• The volunteering period lasts a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 months and begins once the preparation process and visa arrangements are completed.
• Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory (but is desirable).
• All costs are covered – language course, health insurance, accommodation, transportation, and pocket money!
• Throughout the entire process, you will have the support of a mentor from the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre.

How to apply?

Applications are open until all positions are filled, so don’t wait!
Send your CV and motivation letter to: azra.halilovic@prevencija.ba

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, followed by preparation for departure and the start of your European adventure!

Would you like to hear about the experiences of other young people?

Read the stories of our former volunteers – they might inspire you to take your first step!

*The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program offers young people the opportunity to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across Europe. The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre has been accredited for sending and hosting volunteers within the ESC program since 2014.

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While scrolling through social media, an unexpected opportunity opened up for me. Without a big plan, without much overthinking – I simply decided to go. I left the serious thinking for later.

My volunteer year began in October 2024 and lasted until September 2025. It feels a bit unusual to look back at the beginning and realize how many new life experiences I gained.

I volunteered in Halle, at a cultural workshop called Grüne Villa. There, I made many friends and took part in numerous creative workshops. That green place is full of laughter, play, and fun—and you never know who might drop by that day: a child, a teenager, a student, or some new and interesting person.

Completely by chance, a new world opened up for me. The world of theatre. When I arrived, acting classes for schoolchildren had just started. Soon after, I became involved in a theatre project. That’s when my own life story gained a new stage.

I was often a “master in the making” – from assembling cabinets to handling various small repairs. What stands out the most is the wall cabinet for sanitary pads that I installed with the help of my mentor. In addition, I experienced my first camping trip and canyon ride – memories I will carry with me for a long time.

I learned German spontaneously, through everyday situations. I discovered the city of Halle through walks, photographs, and small street discoveries. Finding discarded items on the street that often become new “treasures” was a real cultural shock for me – and then it turned into a hobby.

Through the Weltwärts project, I attended a total of five seminars. There, I met other volunteers from different countries, each with unique experiences and stories. The exchange with them was especially enriching.

Being a volunteer in Germany was an unforgettable experience for me—one I would gladly repeat. Besides volunteering, I also had the opportunity to travel. Thanks to affordable tickets, I visited Leipzig, Magdeburg, Berlin, and many other cities.

In the end, I realized: if you don’t try, you will never know what you might experience, learn, or what stories you will carry with you for future generations.

——-

*The Weltwärts program is a development policy volunteer service of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It enables young people from Germany to volunteer in developing countries, as well as young people from the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, to complete a one-year volunteer service in partner organizations in Germany. The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre currently cooperates with the organization Friedenskreis Halle.

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Greetings to everyone, my name is Leonardo, and this is my volunteering story.

In June last year, one evening, I came across an article titled Volunteer in Germany quite by chance. The title sparked my curiosity, so I decided to click and open the article, not realizing that this single click, this one coincidence, would change my entire year and fill it with wonderful experiences..

At that time, I didn’t know that behind that one click was an opportunity that would shape me, teach me so much, and change the way I see the world.

Volontirao sam u periodu od augusta 2024. do maja 2025. pri organizaciji Pax Christi u Aachenu te u ustanovi Vinzenz-Heim.

As a volunteer, I had the honor and pleasure of working with people with developmental challenges, supporting them through their daily activities. At the same time, I had the chance to explore my own creativity through graphic design and promotional tasks, learn about democracy and German ways of life, and improve my photography skills.

Through the project, I met a large number of people, mostly peers my age, who had also decided to invest a year of their lives volunteering in another country. We socialized together at seminars in Cologne and Hamburg and exchanged information about the projects we were involved in. I met people working in radio stations, kindergartens, theaters, circuses, and clothing shops producing items made by refugees living in Germany. I can truly say it was a real privilege to be surrounded by such people and hear their interesting stories and experiences.

I cannot conclude this story without mentioning all the wonderful opportunities I had for spending my free time meaningfully. During my volunteering, I visited more than 20 cities, thanks to the excellent rail system. I was able to take all these trips completely free of charge, using the monthly travel pass provided through the program. In Aachen, I formed a small but close group of friends with whom I played board games almost every weekend – an activity that became our favorite way to socialize. Since I love nature and walks, every other Saturday I organized trips around Aachen. These trips were one of my favorite ways to recharge, get to know the area where I lived, and connect with nature.

This volunteering experience was much more than just “ten months abroad.” It was a space for growth, discovery, connection, and learning – about others, but even more about myself.

One accidental click opened the door to a world full of meaningful experiences and encounters that I will never forget. I realized that the courage to “click,” to take the first step, can set off a chain of events that change your life.

If you ever get the opportunity – take it. You never know where a single click might lead you.

—

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an initiative of the European Union that creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects in their own countries or abroad that benefit communities and people across Europe. NARKO-NE is an accredited organization for sending and receiving volunteers within the ESC program.

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The project title is Solidarity with People with Disabilities.
Volunteering placements are at Pax Christi Aachen and Vinzenz-Heim Aachen.

Volunteers support the inclusion of persons with disabilities through daily activities and tasks, including:

-Support with everyday activities (e.g., setting the table, making coffee)
-Organising leisure time activities
-Assistance with cooking and shopping
-Support during trips and holidays
-Assistance with mobility (e.g., pushing a wheelchair, walking with a blind person)
-Participation in team meetings

The volunteering engagement lasts 12 months, from August 2025 to July 2026. The preparatory process (documentation, visa arrangements, etc.) begins immediately after the volunteer is selected.

Knowledge of German is not mandatory, but it is desirable. All costs are covered (one level of language course, health insurance, accommodation, pocket money, and travel expenses). Before departure to Germany and throughout the volunteering period, the selected volunteer will receive continuous support from a mentor from NARKO-NE.

Applications are open until June 29, 2025. 6. 2025. Please send your application (CV and motivation letter) to: azra.halilovic@prevencija.ba
For more impressions about the volunteering experience, read the stories of volunteers Silvana and Amela.

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an initiative of the European Union that creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects in their own countries or abroad that benefit communities and people across Europe. NARKO-NE is an accredited organization for sending and receiving volunteers within the ESC program.

The post Call for Young People from Bosnia and Herzegovina for One-Year Volunteering in Germany appeared first on Prevencija.ba.

A suitcase in hand, a heart full of expectations, and a ticket to Germany. That’s how it all began. Honestly, if someone had told me what awaited me when I packed my suitcase and headed to Germany, I probably would have just laughed. You know that feeling when you’re convinced you have a plan and think you know exactly what lies ahead? Well, forget about that. This volunteer year? It showed me that life has a way of surprising you just when you least expect it. But here I am, writing about a year that brought me more than I could have ever imagined.

It was September 2023 when I arrived in the city of Halle (Saale) with a huge suitcase (which, believe me, I didn’t even manage to pack properly) and excitement that is hard to describe. A girl from Bosnia, with roots in Ukraine, in Germany – that fact alone sounds like a story to tell, but the real challenges were just beginning.

The first few days were as I had imagined – new people, new culture, a new language, and a city full of hidden beauty. Everything was going according to plan – at least at the start. But, in reality, life liked to throw a few surprises my way. My knee. Yes, you heard that right. Very soon after my arrival, I started feeling pain in my right knee.

Who would have thought that a small joint could be so persistent in causing problems? At first, it was a slight pain, then it became ibuprofen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with occasional extras, of course), and then, suddenly, the doctors said, “surgery.” And so, while everyone else was volunteering, running to seminars and projects, I, with my leg in the air, worked on my little project called “walking without pain again.” Yes, surgery wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s exactly what life brings – unplanned adventures.

But let’s talk about what truly marked my time in Germany – the organization where I volunteered, Kulturwerkstatt Grüne Villa. This isn’t just a place where work is done with children and young people; it’s a space full of life, laughter, and creativity. I had the chance to organize workshops, music projects, and even theater performances. Every day brought something new. But what was truly special were the children. The children who come to Grüne Villa are little wonders – full of energy, ideas, and boundless curiosity. I learned from them every day. Their patience while helping me with the German language, their creativity as we created together… those are moments I will remember for the rest of my life.

I didn’t expect that these children would change me so much. But every smile, every creative idea, every moment when they taught me German words (and laughed at my mistakes) – all of that shaped me. Grüne Villa was a place where, day by day, I also learned about myself. Every moment was unforgettable, and there I didn’t feel like a volunteer – I was part of a community, part of a team.

My life in Germany was full of challenges, like learning the German language! Let’s just say that my first weeks felt like watching a movie without subtitles. But you know how it goes – when children teach you their favorite German words, things start to look a lot easier! My German gradually, but surely, improved with daily practice.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the most unexpected part of the whole story – love! Volunteering was an opportunity to connect with others on so many levels, but I didn’t expect that, here in Germany, I would find love that would later turn into a wedding! Yes, you read that right. I never thought my time abroad would end like that. I got married and started a completely new chapter – yet another proof that you never know what the future holds. Did I plan that? Of course not! But life, as I said before, has a way of surprising you. This was the moment when my volunteer year became a year of new beginnings.

But I don’t want to end my story just there. My year in Germany brought me so much, and volunteering gave me more than I expected. I learned so much about myself, about other cultures, and about how important it is to be open to the world. New opportunities are waiting for you, as long as you let them surprise you.

What I really want to say to everyone considering volunteering is – don’t be afraid of the unexpected. Volunteering isn’t just an opportunity to help others; it’s a chance to grow, to develop, and to discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed. Every challenge – whether it’s a language barrier, cultural shock, or even an unexpected surgery – carries with it an opportunity to learn and a chance to become stronger. Every volunteer year is unique, just like every person who goes through it. Yours will be completely different, and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

In the end, I want to say that this year of mine is just one of many, and it’s special in its own way. I hope you liked my story, and I can’t wait to hear yours! Because every story is unique!

My message to future volunteers? Pack your suitcases, get ready for new challenges, let life surprise you, and don’t be afraid of what you can’t predict. Sometimes the most beautiful things come from the unplanned – whether it’s a new skill, new friendships, or even love.

My name is Sanela Ramović, and this was my volunteer story.

I volunteered during the year 2023/2024.

I send you all my warm regards, wish you incredible adventures, and good luck in writing your own unique stories!

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From August 12, 2023, to August 11, 2024, I joined a wonderful organization, BirdLife Malta, as part of the European Solidarity Corps program. I became a member of the nature reserve team, where I was responsible, alongside the main manager, for engaging and informing visitors and assisting in managing the reserve.

During my stay, I primarily worked at the Ghadira Nature Reserve, known as Malta’s largest salt marsh. My duties and activities included conducting daily bird counts, informing visitors about the fauna, flora, and reserve management, guiding small groups on tours of the reserve’s facilities, and recording visitor numbers and gathering feedback. The volunteering experience was one of the most relaxing yet also one of the most stressful in recent times, but I managed to avoid any problems. During the autumn and spring seasons, we mainly focused on visitors, while in the summer, we concentrated on managing the reserve. So, it was a good balance of physical and intellectual work.

I gained fascinating experiences, learned a lot about myself and others. My team was exactly as you read in exaggerated job descriptions—perfect—and I had constant support throughout the volunteering period.

The seminars organized for us volunteers were phenomenal. We received a lot of useful information about various activities we could do in Malta, from links to all useful organizations with different activities to recommended places to visit and more.

I made friends who will stay with me for years or even decades, and I met locals who amazed me with their kindness and life stories.

I highly recommend any young person who wants to work in nature and for nature to give BirdLife Malta a chance. It will be an unforgettable experience, especially if you love birds and habitat management as much as I do.

European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative that creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects in their own countries or abroad, benefiting communities and people across Europe. NARKO-NE has been an accredited association for sending and receiving volunteers within the ESC program since 2014.

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My name is Amela Nevaljalović. I am 24 years old and I come from a small town called Breza, close to Sarajevo.

From October 2023 to the end of May 2024, I had the great opportunity to join the European Solidarity Corps as a volunteer in Aachen, Germany This period was filled with wonderful experiences and personal growth, and one of the aspects I especially enjoyed in Aachen was its unique blend of history and modernity. The city impressed with its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage and vibrant student life, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. I enjoyed exploring the old town, visiting the beautiful Aachen Cathedral and enjoying the local cuisine in the tucked away cafes and restaurants.

My volunteering took place at Vinzenz-Heim – Center for people with disabilities. In the beginning, it was challenging to adapt to the new environment and the specific needs of the people I worked with. However, as time went on, I was happy to acquire new skills and overcome these challenges. The experience was extremely rewarding and gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, patience and resilience. Working with dedicated staff and the positive impact we had on residents’ lives was truly fulfilling.

The peacekeeping program itself was extremely fulfilling. However, there were also challenges. The language barrier was sometimes difficult to overcome, especially in bureaucratic environments. Regardless, I was able to significantly improve my German language skills through the course organized by the hosting organization, which eased my adjustment period.

Overall, my volunteer experience in Aachen was transformative and definitely broadened my horizons, improved my cultural understanding, and left me with lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

A big thank you to everyone who was part of this adventure and made me feel at home.

….

*Volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an initiative of the European Union for young people aged 18 to 30 who want to help, learn and develop in another country.

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My name is Silvana, I am 23 years old, and I performed my volunteer duties from August 2023 to May 2024. Looking back, these 10 months of volunteering went by in the blink of an eye, but they were filled with many memories, new friendships, laughter, tears, and travels. For me, this was a new chapter in life, as I moved to another country, separated from my family, learned something new about the culture, and most importantly – the language.

At first, the arrival seemed stressful because I didn’t know anyone, but everything turned out well. I was warmly welcomed, settled into an apartment, given three days to rest, and then I met the staff at Pax Christi (the coordinating organization in Germany), who explained my duties to me again. In those first days, I went on my own to enroll in a German language course and register at the foreigners’ office. My prior knowledge of the German language greatly helped me in communicating with others, but of course, most people know English, which makes it easier to explain things when you don’t understand something in German.

My volunteer experience began at Achterstraße Vinzenz-Heim in Aachen, where I met eight residents with special needs. My duties included making them tea or coffee, helping with laundry, spending time together, taking walks, playing board games, cooking, and having fun. They became my little family here, as I spent the most time with them. Everyone was very kind from the start, and they were glad that I came to work with them. My colleagues were also fair, and I had no problems; we always coordinated everything, and I was satisfied with the arrangements. After a while, I began assisting with the residents’ care, which was something new for me since I had never done it before. What I liked the most was that every month there was a different festival or an important date for them. We celebrated Christmas together, and we had a party where everyone bought small gifts for each other. We went together to the Tivoli stadium for an event, which is their tradition where everyone lights candles and sings Christmas songs, with about 25,000 people attending. In the winter, the city was in a Christmas frenzy. The city is always full of people walking around, whether it’s raining or sunny, and cafes and restaurants are always packed. The cinema, theater, zoo, Aquis Plaza shopping center, Elisenbrunnen, Aachen Cathedral, and the market are the most visited places in Aachen.

In addition to volunteering, I attended two seminars, the first in October and the second at the end of February. There, I met many people from different countries, and it was very fun to learn something new about each country, as well as about their experiences as volunteers. At the seminars, we could discuss any problems we had in the organization or anything we were interested in. At the first seminar, I met a volunteer named Sema from Azerbaijan, with whom I stayed in contact, and we traveled together to Luxembourg and Maastricht in the Netherlands. We have the advantage of being able to travel to Belgium and the Netherlands because the border is near Aachen, and France and Luxembourg are not far either. So, anyone who loves to travel and see something new has that opportunity with the DB card, which is paid for by the organization.

In addition to all that, I found a side activity: I started carnival dancing. I even had my first performance in February, and with the other girls, I celebrated the carnival, which I recommend to everyone who loves a good time. They should visit Aachen or Stolberg in February because it’s an unforgettable experience that you can’t experience in Bosnia.

In the end, we held a farewell party for my departure, where I cooked for all the workers and residents. The girls from the dance group made a video that brought me to tears.

It was a beautiful experience that I would repeat without hesitation. My emotions were mixed—I was sad because everything ended so quickly and because I wouldn’t see them as often, but also happy and proud because I proved to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to and that nothing is difficult if you have love, respect, and a smile on your face. I am grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who supported me during my volunteering. They gave me the wind at my back and believed in me, seeing that everything I do, I do to make others happy but also to further develop myself both mentally and physically as a person and to reach my goals.

___________

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative for young people aged 18 to 30. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn, and develop in another country.

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