I’ve been volunteering in Krakow since September. Here I am working in a special school, and this experience is an important part of my life at the moment. The school is for children and teenagers with disabilities. Every day, I support the teachers during lessons and help the students with simple activities. I also spend time with the students during breaks, playing with them or staying with them to make them feel calm and comfortable.

At the beginning, everything was new and not always easy. Some students have difficulties speaking or understanding words, so communication can be challenging. For this reason, I am learning to communicate in different ways, using gestures, facial expressions, and a lot of patience. Step by step, I am building a connection with the students. Some days are more difficult than others, but there are also many positive moments. Small things, like a smile, a laugh, or a moment of attention, make my day better and give meaning to my work. These moments help me understand that even small actions can be important.

This volunteering experience is helping me grow as a person. I am becoming more patient, more open-minded, and more aware of other people’s needs. Working in a special school is teaching me to respect differences and to be more understanding. Krakow is a beautiful city, and living here is also part of my experience. However, the school is the place where I learn the most. Being here since 2nd September, I can already see how much this experience is changing me.

In conclusion, my volunteering experience in Krakow is still in progress, but it is already very meaningful. Every day I learn something new, both about others and about myself.

Article by  Mario

European Solidarity Corps volunteer

Point of view of European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 13/02/2026