FACE CLUB has a new international volunteer, Leonie from Germany, who joined us through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme. Over the coming months she will be spending time with children and young people, taking part in club activities and bringing her own ideas. Get to know her story and find out what she is most looking forward to during her stay in Spišská Belá.

🌍 A city where two cultures meet

Hi everyone! My name is Leonie, I am 19 years old and I come from Frankfurt (Oder) on the German-Polish border, about an hour from Berlin. Together with Polish Słubice, it forms a unique cross-border twin city. People know each other here, the community is open, and different cultures and views of the world meet. Our city may not have the most beautiful architecture, but its greatest treasure is its people. It is a place where I feel at home.

This environment has shaped me a great deal. For four years now I have been part of a German-Polish youth group that focuses on non-formal education, cooperation, integration and Erasmus+ projects. Thanks to international projects, I regularly meet new people and get to know other countries and cultures.

In my free time I enjoy walking my dog, meeting friends and doing creative activities, especially sewing and drawing. I also love cooking and baking – and, of course, eating!

🇸🇰 Why did I choose Slovakia?

My first volunteering experience with the European Solidarity Corps was last year, when I spent a month helping at a summer camp in my hometown. After finishing school, I decided that before further study I wanted to try something new, travel abroad, broaden my horizons and gain more experience.

In the future I would like to study social work, so volunteering at FACE CLUB seemed like a great opportunity to learn more about working with children and young people. I want to learn from others, bring my own ideas and grow both personally and professionally.

I already visited Slovakia in 2023 and loved it. I adore mountains, which are missing in my home region, and I am looking forward to discovering Slovak nature. Spišská Belá also reminds me of home – I come from a smaller town too and I like a peaceful setting.

The FACE CLUB team itself appealed to me too – they seemed friendly, motivated and open. My stay in Slovakia is also a personal challenge, because it will be the first time I live independently and so far from home.

🏔️ Mountains, Slovak food and first words in Slovak

Since I had visited Slovakia before and taken part in several projects with Slovak participants, I had a rough idea of what to expect. During international evenings we got to know our cultures through quizzes, food, languages and dances.

After arriving in Spišská Belá, I was most enchanted by the mountains. We have none in my home region, so the view of Slovak nature is something special for me. I also like the peaceful atmosphere of the town.

And how do I like Slovak cuisine? A lot! I have already visited several Slovak restaurants, tried various sweets and even had a Kofola.

I am only just starting with Slovak, but I believe it will get easier in time. I am looking forward to my first real conversation in Slovak and hope that I will gradually learn to communicate even without the help of English.

🎨 What I would like to experience at FACE CLUB and beyond

At FACE CLUB I mainly want to spend time with children and young people and take an active part in club life. I am looking forward to creative workshops, activities in English and cooking and baking together, where I will be able to use my hobbies and bring my own ideas.

On my wish list I also have learning Slovak, hiking, exploring the mountains and a proper winter with snow. And, of course, I would like to find good friends and create memories that will stay with me after I return home.

💬 A message to young people in Spišská Belá

Maybe you would like to chat with me or practise your English, but you feel a bit shy. Don't be afraid! It matters to me that everyone feels heard and understood. I am open and patient, and I will happily help you with your English. And if we can't explain something in words, we will definitely find another way to understand each other.

I am looking forward to new encounters, shared activities and friendships. I believe we will learn a lot from each other at FACE CLUB and that I will enjoy my stay in Spišská Belá to the full.

Leonie, welcome to FACE CLUB and to Spišská Belá! 🔔