At Association FOR YOU, we love sharing the stories of our amazing volunteers. Today, we introduce you to Lena – an 18-year-old volunteer from Germany who chose to dedicate her gap year to a meaningful cause. She spent several months in Varna as part of the European Solidarity Corps and shared with us her impressions, the challenges she faced, and her favorite moments from this inspiring journey.

Introduce yourself in a few words.

Hi! I’m Lena, 18 years old, and I’m from Germany. After finishing high school (Abitur), I decided to take a gap year to gain new experiences. I’ve always been passionate about social work and working with children. In my free time, I love to travel and to spend time with my friends and family.

Have you volunteered before?

Yes, I’ve been active in youth work for several years. For example, I helped organize children’s camps and was part of a youth council in my village, where we planned activities and events for the local community. This project with the SOS Foundation is my first long-term international volunteer experience, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.

What motivated you to apply for this project?

I was looking for a way to make a meaningful impact during my gap year—and when I found this project through the European Solidarity Corps, it felt like the perfect match. The idea of supporting girls in difficult life situations really spoke to me, and I wanted to live abroad, grow personally, and connect with other young people across Europe who share similar values.

Tell us about your experience as a volunteer.

I’m volunteering at the crisis center for girls from the SOS Foundation. My tasks include supporting the girls in their daily lives—like helping with homework, going out together, or just spending quality time. I also help organize creative workshops, celebrations, and cultural events. One of my favorite activities was our Valentine’s Day celebration, where we decorated the space, made bracelets, and shared cake and laughter.

In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, go for a walk in the sea garden and have a coffee on the beach. Traveling was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I had. 

Through this experience, I’ve learned a lot about myself—especially about how to be independent, empathetic, and flexible. I’ve also improved my communication skills, gained confidence, and learned how to adapt to different situations.

What challenges did you face during the project?

The language barrier was definitely a challenge at the beginning. Bulgarian is very different from German, but I gradually picked up useful words and phrases that helped me connect better with the people around me.

Adjusting to a new environment on my own also took some time. Moving to a foreign country at 18 can feel overwhelming—but slowly, I built a little life for myself in Varna, surrounded by kind people and meaningful experiences. It’s been incredibly empowering, and I already know I’ll miss it dearly when it’s time to leave.

What is your favourite moment of volunteering?

It’s hard to choose just one moment, but for me, the most special memories come from the small, everyday interactions with the girls—those quiet, genuine connections. And of course, exploring Bulgaria has been a huge highlight. From mountain hikes to coastal towns, every trip brought something new and exciting.

What would you say to young people to motivate them to volunteer?

Go for it! Volunteering abroad is a unique chance to step out of your comfort zone, meet amazing people, and grow in ways you can’t even imagine. You’ll make a difference in other people’s lives—and in your own. Be open, be curious, and enjoy the journey!

What awaits you after the end of the project?

I will interrail through Europe to visit my international friends that I met in Varna and in October, I plan to start university.

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