Janka Becsey, our youth worker colleague from Szécsény, participated in a three-day job shadowing at Smokinya Foundation, Bulgaria, from 13–15 January. The experience offered an overview of their work with European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteers and Erasmus+ programs, as well as practical youth work strategies.
She chose Smokinya because both organizations share similar visions, activities, and rural environments. During her visit, Janka learned about Smokinya’s history, methods, and volunteer management, emphasizing open communication, responsibility, and ownership.
Supported by Tihomir, the organization’s leader, she participated in planning, coordination, and hands-on activities. She joined online morning meetings with volunteers and youth workers, which help daily alignment and follow-up. She also visited both the Plovdiv office and the village of Mrachenik, where a youth center is being developed in a former school building.
In Mrachenik, Janka engaged in practical tasks such as chopping wood, moving equipment, and maintaining shared spaces. These everyday activities are integral to volunteer learning, building teamwork, responsibility, and ownership.
Her main takeaway: strong onboarding, consistent routines, and regular check-ins are essential for motivated, structured, and sustainable youth work.
Challenges were also discussed: rural areas often lack support for volunteering and non-profits, and youth workers frequently move between projects. Despite this, Smokinya continues to grow steadily.
Overall, the job shadowing showed how structure, trust, and responsibility can produce visible results and sustainable youth programs.
