HOW WAS MY VOLUNTEERING IN MAY?

 

Hello!

I am Veronika and I come from Slovakia from small city Pezinok, near the capital city Bratislava. Now I am volunteer for two months in amazing Ankara in Turkey. I can describe my first month in Ankara in the following words: A Dream Come True and a New Beginning.

May 2025 will forever remain in my memory as the beginning of one of the most beautiful and transformative chapters of my life. After years of dreaming, wishing, and imagining myself walking through the streets of Turkey, I finally made it here – not just as a tourist, but as a volunteer ready to contribute, learn, and grow.

Arriving in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, I was filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and pure joy. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with warm smiles and open hearts. Our first days were spent in the organization’s office, engaging in team-building and orientation activities. These sessions helped break the ice, and I was fortunate to meet fellow volunteers from various parts of the world. It was amazing how quickly bonds started to form – everyone had a unique story, a common goal, and an eagerness to make a difference.

Exploring Ankara soon became a regular part of our daily routine. One of our first visits was to the historic neighborhood of Ulus, a charming district with cobbled streets, traditional houses, and small shops that seem untouched by time. The Atatürk Statue, standing tall and proud, reminded me of Turkey’s rich and complex history, while the impressive Ankara Castle offered panoramic views of the entire city. It was up there, surrounded by ancient stones and the breeze of early summer, that I realized how far I had come – not just geographically, but emotionally too. I was living my dream.

One detail that stayed with me from the very start was the presence of so many street cats and dogs. Far from being stray or neglected, these animals are beloved by the local people. You can see food and water bowls left out for them, and many have even been adopted informally by neighborhoods. As an animal lover, this touched my heart deeply.

In the middle of the month, we had the opportunity to travel to Bursa, a city full of natural beauty, culture, and history. The road trip itself was filled with laughter, music, and shared stories. Once in Bursa, I was captivated by its green landscapes and mountainous surroundings. We visited several historic mosques, wandered through the vibrant local bazaars, and climbed up to the iconic Clock Tower, which offered breathtaking views of the city below. The visit to the Panorama 1326 Fetih Museum was particularly powerful – the 360° visual storytelling brought the city’s past to life in an unforgettable way. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the famous Iskender kebab. The flavors were rich and savory, a true culinary highlight of the trip.

Returning to Ankara, our focus shifted back to volunteering. One of the most meaningful aspects of my stay has been participating in non-formal English education programs. We visited both private and religious schools, where we worked with children and young students to improve their English skills in a fun and engaging way. The school environments in Turkey are different from what I was used to in Slovakia – there’s a certain warmth and energy that I found both refreshing and inspiring. The teachers we met were deeply committed and incredibly welcoming. It was a privilege to be part of their classrooms and to witness their dedication firsthand.

In addition to school visits, we also organize conversation clubs every Friday and Saturday. These informal gatherings are one of my favorite parts of the week. We create a space where people of different ages and backgrounds can come together to practice English in a relaxed and playful way. Through games, role-plays, group discussions, and storytelling, we not only improve language skills but also build connections and share cultures. Every session is different, and I love how these meetings turn strangers into friends.

Another important part of our routine has been our Turkish language classes, which are not only educational but also incredibly fun. These lessons give us the chance to better understand the culture and communicate with locals more confidently. We’re guided by an amazing and kind teacher, who makes every session enjoyable and supportive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our progress each week, and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to deepen my connection to the place I now call home.

A deeply emotional experience this month was our participation in the Ankara Disabled Festival. It was a celebration of inclusion, diversity, and community. Watching the performances, meeting participants, and simply being part of such a powerful initiative was truly moving. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their abilities.

In our free time, we also explored more of Ankara’s historical and cultural landmarks. Visiting Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was a solemn and awe-inspiring experience. The architecture is monumental, and the energy of the place is filled with respect and reverence. We also spent time at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses incredible artifacts from ancient times and gave me a deeper appreciation for the complex history of this land. One night, we attended a cultural evening with live traditional music, which turned into a beautiful celebration of life, dance, and human connection. Music really is a universal language.

Later in the month, we traveled to Gaziantep, a city known for its culinary traditions and historical richness. The Şahinbey Mosque took my breath away with its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The panorama museum offered vivid visual narratives that helped us understand the region’s past more clearly. One of the most unforgettable moments was visiting Rumkale, a fortress perched above the rivers, where history and nature blend into one majestic view. In one of the local schools, we tried traditional Ebru painting with the children – a delicate and colorful art form that was as fun as it was mesmerizing. And, of course, we tasted delicious local specialties like lahmacun and dürüm, which instantly became some of my favorite dishes.

Another activity that’s very close to my heart is our Friday food-packing initiative. Each week, we prepare and distribute food to people in need, and every time I leave with a full heart. It’s a small action, but it reminds me of how important solidarity is. Being able to give back to the community in this way is one of the most fulfilling parts of this experience.

Comparing Turkey and Slovakia, I see many differences – in culture, rhythm of life, communication styles – but also many similarities in values such as family, hospitality, and respect. While Slovakia feels more quiet and familiar, Turkey is vibrant, layered, and full of surprising contrasts. What strikes me the most is the generosity and openness of the people here. Even in a big city like Ankara, I feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated.

This first month has been intense, enriching, and unforgettable. I’ve made new friends, pushed my own boundaries, and felt inspired every single day. Most importantly, I’ve discovered how much beauty there is in stepping outside of your comfort zone. A dream I carried for so long has become reality – and it’s more meaningful than I ever imagined. I can't wait to see what the next chapters in this Turkish journey will bring.