My name is Audrey Devina Setiawan, I am 24 years old and originally from Indonesia.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Pécs, Hungary.
Volunteering has always been a meaningful part of my life. I have previously taken part in
projects in Indonesia and South Korea, and when I came to Europe, I knew I wanted to continue
giving back to the community while also gaining new international experiences. My greatest
motivation is to bring joy to children and elderly people—whether through companionship,
emotional support, or simply sharing my skills to improve their well-being.
The Projects and the Team
This summer, I was fortunate to join two different international workcamps. From August 3rd
to 17th, 2025, I participated in Assist the Elderly in Prague (Czech Republic), organized
by inex with the support of my sending agency Egyesek from Hungary. Later, from August
25th to September 1st, 2025, I joined the Kids Summer Camp in Pécs, Hungary, working with
the local community Élmény Tár Tanoda.
Both experiences brought me into vibrant international teams. In Prague, there were eight
volunteers from Spain, Ukraine, Georgia, France, the Czech Republic, and myself from
Indonesia. Together, we supported elderly residents by organizing activities such as light motor
exercises, games, and community events. We also contributed to their environment through
gardening, cleaning, and even painting a garden house.
In Pécs, I worked with seven other volunteers from Turkey, Spain, Mexico, and Italy. The focus
was children from disadvantaged backgrounds—giving them an unforgettable final week of
summer. We played games, painted their football ground, laughed together, and discovered that
Google Translate and pure silliness can be the best communication tools when languages don’t
match.
These projects were made possible thanks to Egyesek’s coordination, and the heartfelt support
of local organizations. They not only provided us with comfortable living arrangements and
delicious traditional meals but also gave us emotional encouragement when challenges arose.
Challenges Along the Way
Like every meaningful journey, volunteering came with its challenges. Language barriers were
the most obvious, especially when interacting with elderly people in Prague and children in
Pécs. To bridge this gap, I learned basic phrases in Czech and Hungarian and used body
language—something surprisingly universal! It also became a fun exchange, as we taught each
other simple words from our own languages.
Another challenge was the hot summer weather, which made physical tasks more tiring. I
managed this by knowing my limits, staying hydrated, and resting when needed. Finally,
adapting to a completely new group of volunteers also required patience. I reminded myself
that we were all “in the same boat”—new to the environment and eager to contribute. With this
mindset, it became easier to open up, connect, and eventually form friendships.
Memorable Moments
Some of my fondest memories from Prague are the smiles of the elderly residents when we
played games together or led exercises. Their joy reminded me how small efforts can create
moments of happiness. I also cherished evenings spent with fellow volunteers, whether during
team-building activities or exploring Prague after work.
In Pécs, my special moments came from bonding with the children. At first, they were shy, but
as the week went by, they started opening up. Even with limited language skills, we found ways
to communicate—sometimes through Google Translate, sometimes simply through laughter.
Watching them gain confidence and joy through our activities was incredibly rewarding.
Personal Growth
These workcamps helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned to adapt
quickly in multicultural settings, strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving skills, and
gained practical experience in organizing activities for children and elderly people. Most
importantly, I was reminded of the power of solidarity—how people from different countries
and backgrounds can come together for a common purpose.
I also had the chance to experience local culture in both places. From tasting Czech dumplings
to enjoying homemade Hungarian dishes, food became a delightful way to connect.
Lessons Learned & Encouragement for Others
Through these projects, I took home not only new skills but also lifelong friendships and a
deeper appreciation for community work. Volunteering taught me resilience, patience, and the
importance of open-mindedness.
For anyone considering volunteering, my advice is simple: be open, be curious, and don’t be
afraid of challenges. Learn a few basic words of the local language—it goes a long way. And
most importantly, remember that your presence matters, even in small acts.
I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to others. It’s not just about helping—it’s about
growing, connecting, and creating unforgettable memories.
