SocialErasmus: SE Week in Slovakia: Simplicity is beautiful

With the participation of the inspiring young people, we have overcome the barrier of passivity and organized the highest number of voluntary activities in Europe within SocialErasmus Week. Despite many duties, hundreds of students found their time to work with children in schools and orphan houses, through which they wanted to accomplish important change in minds of youth in Europe. Thanks to amazing and active people in Presov, Banska Bystrica, Nitra, Bratislava and Kosice, spectacular project with the name International children’s days was accomplished. More than hundred of energetic international Erasmus students participated in this event who added a littlebit of exotic spice in younger and older hearts. During seven days, more projects were organized and foreign students went to schools, orphan houses, a castle and other beautiful places to make a change.

From east to west and west to east of Slovakia, Erasmus students and ESN members achieved more progress in motivation of young pupils than usual teachers would do. And that is something to say. It was not only a passive knowledge transfer of information anymore. Instead it was days full of language games, laughter, sun, fun and conversations with foreign friends that brightened up children’s eyes of different age categories. The elder ones found their platonic love; the younger watched them with open mouth. Foreign friends involved them in various activities and enjoyed the time together. Marvelous idea!

Activities were organized in public premises intentionally to attract interest of broader public and to share the energy of a usual day of Erasmus students with everyone. It was not only children who were interested in this event. Teachers, parents and passer-byes were full of surprise from getting to know newcomers who are enriching our towns. It was wonderful to see these moments. Joy in eyes from helping and making little things bigger. Program was really variegated. Activities differentiated from town to town and surprised us with their originality. The majority of events focused on groups with children and creative ways to spend a day. Students in Banska Bystrica organized International students’ days in the main square and they have improved brain and body muscles of many children, but that was not all. On the second day, Erasmus students organized language, knowledge and dance classes in the orphan house Slniecko and warmed up not only their minds but hearts as well. Not everybody has a chance to touch Europe every day. Precisely because of this reason, our “Erasmusi” are so special for Slovak person. Nitra people understood this as well. They grasped the chance of amazing sunny weather and create a unique day for children in a crisis centre Srdiecko. We must admit that we could see the effect of previous SocialErasmus events in this centre that have been organized since December. Children have already understood meanings and basics of many languages and on this occasion, they expressed their gratitude by creating beautiful drawings and showing their music talent. On the other side of Slovakia, Erasmus students in Bratislava shared their enthusiasm with highschoolers who were highly motivated by presentations of different countries and go to know about possibilities to study and travel abroad. Even we have learned a lot.

Cherishing somebody is worth a smile. Therefore we tried if it works with animals the same way. Our Erasmus students in Bratislava went to a dog shelter and after hours of strolling around with silent friends, we could see sparkles in eyes on both sides – human and our four-legged friends as well. Either students from Kosice and Presov have not left their pride aside at home and decided to participate in different project. They tried to recall their knowledge of geography and history while putting their European hands in reconstruction of Saris castle. This time, we set a stone of a positive environmental example in the surroundings of the historical site. Some people set the stones, the others dig holes. That's what a group of strong men in Banska Bystrica decided to do. Our Erasmus boys took shovels and pickaxes with their muscular arms and built a basis for future eco-classroom for children in a kidergarten that will be used soon for games and environmental classes.

Hungry and tired after a long unforgettable week, we decided to follow a flavorous aroma and returned to east of Slovakia. It was a big surprise when we came to Kosice and students from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Poland, France and Romania offered us home-made meals and prepared a rich program for children, adults and all curious people walking by. Pupils competed in various disciplines, drew their Europe and created a logo with hand prints in the shape of SocialErasmus. As we wanted to give our international friends something in return, the Slovak folk group Hornad taught them basic steps of traditional Slovak dances and we turned and jumped around. And it was not all. We finished this beautiful day in hot southern rhythms and a professional dancer Miguel from Ecuador blazed all our hearts and legs in style of salsa, bachata and other dynamic dances.

Many people asked about the reason of all these events. It may sound simply, but simplicity is beautiful. Our aim was to motivate youth in Slovakia within Europe-wide SocialErasmus Week; to share our culture and passion with them. For some of them it could be a life-time experience; for some a change in their daily routine and a picture leaving their eyes wide-open. It differed, but the result was the same. Erasmus energy was given where it was needed and all was accomplished in seven days. Thanks to new friends we have met this week, we have realized on thing: No matter where we come from, what languages we speak or what previous experience we have. It is important that OUR FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR US. Thanks to possibility of helping students coming to Slovakia, we got the chance to get to know them and realize that we are all the same and if we trust each other, we can make the world more colourful– as we already have during SocialErasmus Week.

Therefore we want to thank to all of you – newcomers and ESNers in Kosice, Presov, Banska Bystrica, Nitra and Bratislava. You made this week incredible experience. To all the idealist travelers out there, if you want to leave a milestone on your track as well, you still have your chance! In the name of SocialErasmus, we will all unite for new projects next academic year and the future colorful picture can be drawn by all of us.

 

Mirka Svabova and Evka Dankova