The first days of volunteering at the Autism Center were a bit scary since I felt a bit underqualified, even though I have theoretical knowledge about the autism spectrum. The center is big , and navigating an unfamiliar building proved to be a small challenge I had to overcome on my first day. The teachers were lovely ; they made sure to introduce me to every kid and took an interest in my country and culture. I usually work with five different teachers, and even though sometimes the language barrier gets in the way, we always find ways to communicate. For that, we usually use either Google Translate or try to find different descriptions of unfamiliar words.

The kids in the center are all unique and different from one another, which, of course, was to be expected. After all the time I spent with them, I learned their individual preferences and needs. For example, some like to be left alone , while others always want or need attention. It took them some time to get used to me and the fact that I don’t speak Polish fluently, so I sometimes have a bit of a hard time understanding them . Thankfully , the teachers always make sure to translate their words to me.

My work in the center usually consists of assisting teachers and helping kids. Generally , I help them with writing homework or with their other daily activities, like going outside for a walk or lunch. I feel proud that after some time, they trust me enough to ask for my help when they need it, and they remember my name ; some even gave me a nickname and call me Pani Tekunia, which I find adorable.

As someone who is interested in psychology and wants to pursue it professionally, observing teachers and kids’ behavior is not only fascinating but also invaluable experience. Their interactions, the way they divide class time, and methods of teaching are intriguing. I have little knowledge of how Georgian autism centers work. I know that they are very different from Poland.

Working hours are different depending on the day, but I believe that they fit me perfectly. I usually start early at 7:25, but I also finish early, which gives me the opportunity to spend the day the way I want to.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my volunteering experience and the opportunities that I have in Poland. It makes me happy that I can help them in any way, even if my communication skills are limited due to the language barrier, and I hope time will pass very slowly so that I can enjoy my stay in Kraków as much as I can.

Article by  Tekla,

European Solidarity Corps volunteer

Point of view of European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 05/02/2026