My ESC volunteer experience started two weeks ago when I arrived in Maribor. I was welcomed by Urška, who was very kind and helped me with my suitcases and with settling into the apartment. My first impression upon arrival was very warm and welcoming. I am staying close to the city center and the Daily Centre of Slovenska filantropija, which is an ideal location. I already had free time to walk around Maribor and the city left a warm and pleasant impression, making me feel that the next 10 months are going to be very rewarding.
My first day at the organisation went great. I was welcomed by Urška, Žiga, Suzana, and Tjaša, who kindly explained their work and daily routines. I learned more about their food programme initiative (“Viški hrane”), learning assistance, and various programmes and workshops organized for visitors and local youth. During the first week, current volunteers took me on a tour of Maribor. They showed me essential locations (police station, health center, clinic, etc.) as well as cultural spots. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other. In those first few days, I also visited partner organizations connected with Slovenska filantropija, such as Zveza prijateljev mladine Maribor and Pekarna Magdalenske Mreže, which was a fantastic experience. The first week was also dedicated to getting to know the organisation and its activities: I participated in the “Viški hrane” programme and an art workshop led by one of the volunteers. I started my Slovenian language lessons, and I hope to pick up the language quickly. Every day, I get to meet more volunteers, children, and teenagers at the Daily Centre, which has been the best part of the experience so far. Observing the atmosphere and interacting with them helps me to define and plan ideas for my own projects within the organisation.
For these first two weeks, my role has been mostly observational. I am focusing on learning the language as fast as possible to feel more confident in my daily interactions. Even though I am mostly observing, I have already had the chance to help with assignments and activities. In my third week in Slovenia, I will attend the On-Arrival Training in Rogla. My plan is to start implementing the project ideas I’ve discussed with the team as soon as I return.
I am enjoying my time in Maribor so far and can’t wait for what’s ahead 😊!
