In this blog post, Mariam shares her personal experience as a participant in the Seeds of Solidarity program.
She reflects honestly on how the experience shaped her from engaging in community work to immersing herself in a new culture, and the meaningful connections she made along the way. The article was originally published on Medium.com, and we’re happy to share it here as well.
When I first arrived in Hungary as a volunteer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a suitcase full of clothes, a heart full of hope, and a thousand questions buzzing in my mind. I came with the idea that I was going to give something to the community but in the end, it gave me so much more than I ever imagined.
My project, Seeds of Solidarity, became more than just a title. It became a way of life. Over the months, I found myself immersed in the rhythm of a new culture, new people, and most importantly, a new version of myself. I delivered English lessons to teenagers, organized workshops for children, and worked alongside people from different cultures and backgrounds. I was not just teaching I was learning. Every day.
Some days were full of laughter and creativity like preparing Halloween decorations with the team, or seeing the spark in a student’s eyes during a debate I organized. Other days were more challenging trying to communicate in broken Hungarian at the supermarket, or adjusting to shared living with international volunteers. But even in those difficult moments, I grew.
One of the highlights of my experience was the “Speak Up! Debate Challenge” I created and led from start to finish. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space where I could take initiative and inspire others to find their voice. I saw students, shy at first become confident speakers, standing tall and proud in front of their peers. That was the moment I realized how powerful our impact can be when we truly believe in what we do.
The summer camp we ran for Ukrainian refugee children also left a deep mark on me. Language barriers melted away with smiles, songs, and games.
Living with volunteers from around the world taught me the beauty of diversity. I practiced French while cooking dinner, used English to solve problems, picked up Hungarian phrases from local friends, and rediscovered my own Georgian identity in the process. We celebrated each other’s cultures, supported one another through hard days, and created a small international family under one roof.
This project taught me much more than how to lead a session or write a lesson plan. It taught me patience, resilience, and how to be flexible when things don’t go as planned. It taught me how to listen not just to others, but to myself. It taught me that growth often happens in the in-between moments: waiting for the bus, sharing coffee after a long day, or standing in the classroom wondering if the students will like your activity.
Now, as I look back, I don’t just see tasks completed I see lives touched, including my own. I’m leaving Hungary with more confidence, a stronger voice, and an open heart. And although my time as a volunteer has come to an end, I know the seeds of solidarity we planted will continue to grow, in the communities we served and in the people we became.
The article was originally published here.
