Fanni in Germany
Supporting children in a day-care center and traveling around Germany
Supporting children in a day-care center and traveling around Germany
From October 2025 to April 2026, I volunteered in Potsdam and Brandenburg at a daycare center (Hort) called Wellenreiter. It was a very positive and meaningful experience for me. The children and teachers were very kind, supportive, and understanding, which helped me feel welcome from the very beginning.
I worked mostly with children aged 6 to 12, but since it is also a Kita, I spent a lot of time playing with younger kids as well. We did many creative activities together: drawing, making mini books, and inventing funny stories. I also helped first graders with their homework and supported the children during snack time whenever needed. Sometimes we went on small trips, like walking in the nearby forest, going ice skating, or visiting playgrounds around the city. These moments were always fun and helped me build a strong connection with the children.
When I arrived, I only had a basic level of German, which made the beginning a bit challenging. However, step by step I improved a lot. I started to understand more and communicate more easily, and my work became more comfortable. I also developed my English skills during this time. I lived in Potsdam, close to the train station, in a nice apartment with a big kitchen and shared spaces. Life in Potsdam is very lively, with many cultural events, museums, and concerts. It is easy to get around by bike, and there are many opportunities to meet other young people. Another great advantage is that Berlin is very close, so there was always something new and exciting to explore.
During my volunteering, I also had the chance to travel and visit cities like Rostock, Hamburg, and Hannover. These are beautiful places, and it was a dream for me to see them in real life.During this time, I became more confident, independent, and open. It is not always easy for me to open up and make friends, but I improved a lot in this area as well.
I would definitely recommend this experience to others. Living and working in a new environment helps you grow in many ways, and the children give so much kindness, joy, and inspiration in return. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It can feel like a roller coaster at times, but I am truly grateful for every moment of it.
The after school care center “Wellenreiter” is a childcare institution opened in 2013 in Brandenburg an der Havel. The after school care center is situated in the center of the city. The after school care center can host up to 100 children aged between 6-12 years, who, during their development, are accompanied by a professional team consisting of educators/teachers, movement coordinators and other support people like trainees and volunteers. The institution implements the concept of a "sport and health oriented Kindergarten", which was developed by the Brandenburgische Sportjugend in co-operation with Potsdam University.
Sports and health oriented after school care center 'Wellenreiter' project organized by Brandenburgische Sportjugend im Landessportbund e.V.
Date: October 2025 - March 2026
Volunteer: Pusztai Fanni