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I wasn’t planning moving back to Germany, but I’ve fallen in love with my project; which was working in a home for mentally disabled people and moved to Leipzig right before Christmas. I had no idea what an amazing era was about to begin.
From the first day I had special connection with my patients, colleagues and mentor. The ‘Villa am Palmengarten’ is a special place: I feel that the walls are made of love. We had fun every day and cared for each other. My main tasks were daily activities and to assist them with their daily needs. We planned thematics for each week such as heath week, carnival week, week of each continent, week of nature, week of Leipzig etc.
We always tried to create interesting and colourful days (for example cooking, drawing, doing some sport, singing, watching movies, going for a walk) for them with a little education. My coworkers and patients both trusted me and were open to all my ideas, I really appreciated that I could have some responsibilities every day. This was my first time directly working with people with mental disabilities. I used the libraries often to make the weeks even more interesting for the patients; they have very diverse collections.
Besides the work I was so lucky that I moved in a central flat with some amazing volunteers. Even though I arrived later we became friends pretty quickly and enjoyed every day of our ESC era. I loved our international community, and we truly lived our best life together.
Leipzig is a stunning city, specially for living. It has 4 lakes, and a lot of parks (my favourites are Johannapark and Kulkwitzer Lake), it’s flat - even though I’m not big a biker, I was cycling almost every day. It’s culturally significant and diverse, you can find there the best classical concerts and crazy raves at the same time. Berlin and Dresden are also pretty close, I visited both cities several times.
Germany has a so-called “Deutschlandticket” which I brought almost every month (58€) and with that you can use all the local trains. I traveled all around Germany, spending nice time with my friends or alone and fell in love with the country as well.
Leipzig has 5 free museums, wonderful architecture, and is full with colourful opportunities and communities; I found a great book club during my stay for example. Many of my friends visited me - which also made this 9 months special - and all of them appreciated Leipzig a lot.
I believe my ESC year changed me a lot, I know now that life can be worry-free. I miss my amazing flatmates, coworkers and patients, but I’m also enjoying my Budapest life. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’d move back to Leipzig at some point in my life.
Hosting organisation:
Hosting organisation:
Die Villa is a socio-cultural centre in the heart of Leipzig. Their vision is for the people of Leipzig to participate in society with equal rights, self-determination and commitment. To reach this, the organisation initiates, facilitates and supports programmes and projects in the areas of youth, culture and social affairs. They support people in developing their potential and realising their ideas. Their motto demonstrates their guiding principle, as well: Your VILLA - Your Ideas - Our Community.
Die Villa is a socio-cultural centre in the heart of Leipzig. Their vision is for the people of Leipzig to participate in society with equal rights, self-determination and commitment. To reach this, the organisation initiates, facilitates and supports programmes and projects in the areas of youth, culture and social affairs. They support people in developing their potential and realising their ideas. Their motto demonstrates their guiding principle, as well: Your VILLA - Your Ideas - Our Community.
Volunteering project Jahr für Europa organized by die Villa
Date: December 2024 - August 2025
Volunteer: Flóra Tulipánt
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