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Volunteering experiences in kindergarten

As the most beautiful time of the year approached, we enjoyed Christmas as much as our children, immersing ourselves in their illusion and joy to learn and discover new things every day. In the Hungarian culture, which is present in our village, Cristuru Secuiesc, Santa Claus visits the children for the first time on December 5th at night. On that same day, “Mikulás” came to pay a little visit to the children and gave them a present, without forgetting about us.

Meanwhile, during this last month of the year, the teachers dedicated themselves, among many other things, to prepare the triumphant Christmas market that they hold every year, where we did our little bit. In the market, we were able to interact with parents, teachers, assistants and children, having a great time with them outside our usual schedule. Before starting, the children sang a carol that they had prepared in advance, which we ended up trying to learn. This not only helped us to understand better the language but also to integrate with them more deeply.

Later on, when the second date of Santa’s arrival approached, he left great gifts for the children, that also welcomed Anna, who had just joined the kindergarten.

In addition to this, we participated in other interesting activities; Natalia attended a photo session with her children; Anna went to the radio together with her class, where they distributed gifts to children with fewer opportunities and Nerea brought gingerbread cookies that her children decorated to their liking.

Working with children for two months has an effect both on ourselves and on them, the ones we are here for. As time goes by, we become closer to them and begin to understand them better and better, even without knowing their language. We feel their energy, warmth and welcome as we work with them. However, it doesn´t feel like a job for us, but as an enriching experience that fills us with satisfaction and mutual learning. 

In this period of time, we have been able to observe how the children remember some English words and even try to use them when communicating with us. For instance, it makes us incredibly happy to be part of their learning process and see how they apply it to everyday life— like when they are painting and suddenly tell you the colors in English or make the effort to say “thank you” or “goodbye” showing their gratitude for our presence.

Every moment with them is unique. For example, when they make the effort to learn our names or when they remember little details about us or moments we lived toguether with them before. Without any doubt, these have been an incredible months, surrounded by wonderful teachers and our little ones, who teach us as much or even more than we teach them.

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