From September 15, 2023, to September 22, 2024, Nikita Martinyuk volunteered with us for a full year as part of two ESC projects, both under the S.M.I.L.E. initiative – Solidarity Movement In a Learning Environment. His volunteering in both projects focused on supporting elderly people through direct work with the local association Pomoć u kući in Lipik. Nikita assisted staff, worked closely with vulnerable beneficiaries, and actively promoted intergenerational cooperation.
Through his daily engagement, Nikita was helping to enhance the quality of care for elderly residents. His tasks included household assistance, involvement with the delivery of food and medication, support with basic health-related needs, garden and outdoor maintenance, occasional meal preparation, and informal interactions at the community day centre. Through games, music, conversation, and shared activities, Nikita was contributing to the creation of a safe and welcoming space for elderly people of the Lipik community.
As part of his volunteering, Nikita developed an individual “personal project” in the form of a digital booklet. By observing the town and communicating directly with residents, he explored the challenges faced by people with reduced mobility in Lipik. His booklet is titled Nepristupačni grad (The Inaccessible City.) and is available upon request.
Reflecting on his experience, Nikita emphasizes the personal impact volunteering had on him:
“During the project, I worked directly with elderly and vulnerable people in the community. I had the opportunity to go into people’s homes with the staff and assist them in daily activities. Every village, every participant had their own story and request, and I was ready to help. Working so closely with older and less independent people gave me a deep understanding of their needs and taught me the value of solidarity and inclusion. I learned practical skills, but I also learned about life, rural living, and Croatian culture, which I had never experienced before. My worldview expanded, and I developed more empathy and appreciation for people and their lives.”
He also highlights the broader benefits of ESC volunteering:
“Through ESC volunteering, I was able to travel around Europe during the year and see how people live in different countries. I realized how easy it is to move around as part of a developed society and began to value what I have. The project helped me see myself as part of the community, to better handle administrative tasks like residency documents, and to understand the real impact of small acts of care. It was more than just helping others – it shaped who I am today.”
Overall, Nikita’s contribution to the year-long, two-project ESC engagement was practical, creative, and deeply human. By assisting elderly people, supporting vulnerable community members, fostering intergenerational bonds, and developing his personal project, he was helping to create spaces of inclusion, care, and connection.
Nikita’s project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program. The expressed views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union.