The ESS volunteers from Sunce Martina, Jeanne and Sanja took part in the volunteer training in Orahovica. Read their article to hear about their experiences, what impressed them the most, and what they will remember forever.
Here we are, three volunteers from Sunce, excited (or maybe a little worried) about heading to Orahovica for our on-arrival training. Honestly, we were all secretly expecting a week filled with dry lectures, endless presentations, and the feeling that our brains were boiling from the amount of information. You know that typical “training” where you sit in a room, politely nod your head, and try not to fall asleep in front of a crowd of strangers. But how wrong we were! We had no idea that this week would turn into a whirlwind of laughter and learning through fun activities. We arrived thinking we’d be checking the clock every five minutes, and left with minds full of knowledge, hearts full of memories, and phones full of selfies with new friends.
Arrival and first Impressions
Orahovica, a charming little town, felt more like a relaxing getaway than a training location. With all the greenery, cosy houses, and fresh air, it almost felt like we were on vacation. The Red Cross center Merkur, where the training was held, looked more like a wellness retreat than a classroom, with its gardens and indoor pool. But beyond the stunning setting, the real surprise was the training itself — no boring lectures. Instead, we immediately jumped into fun games, lively discussions, and activities that made learning about solidarity and ESS priorities genuinely engaging.
Meeting new people and the fun of the first day
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wouldn’t be a typical training. Volunteers from all over Europe, hosted by NGOs from Croatia, Albania and Kosovo, gathered together like a playful, smiling version of the United Nations. Each person brought something unique, and we quickly realised that despite our different backgrounds, we shared the same goal: to learn, grow, and create memories that would last a lifetime.
But the real star of the first day was Poppy, one of our mentors’ adorable dogs. Poppy became our unofficial mascot, following us everywhere with a level of dedication that could put any guard dog to shame. Honestly, we all agreed that without Poppy, the week would have felt simply incomplete.
Laughter, lessons, and local flavours
To kick off the training, we played a walking game around town in pairs, during which we not only explored the beauty of Orahovica but also learned about each other’s volunteer experiences. It wasn’t just sightseeing it was connecting, sharing, and trying to understand what solidarity truly means. Between laughing, getting lost in cute little streets, and talking about everything from hobbies to deep thoughts on volunteering we began to understand that solidarity is something everyone can feel.
And then there was the coffee. Coffee breaks weren’t just breaks — they were rituals. Rituals we all looked forward to, as if each cup of caffeine was a tiny celebration of survival. Conversations flowed, ideas emerged, and yes, snacks also played their role. And in case you’re wondering — yes, the coffee was so strong that by the end of the week we probably could’ve powered a small car with our collective caffeine intake.
The next day brought us a role-playing game about responsibilities. The mentors were incredibly creative; this wasn’t your typical “sit and listen” session. Instead, they threw us into team games that made us run through the park, discuss communication, group rules, and teamwork. We weren’t competing for a prize, but for that pure feeling of satisfaction when a group task goes well. And let’s be honest — there’s no better feeling than teamwork where everyone communicates and no one eats all the snacks (well… almost no one).
After all the running and teamwork, we were rewarded with a real treat — a traditional Croatian dinner that completely delighted us. Imagine this: creamy štrukli that hug your palate, a hearty and spicy čobanac that warmed us up nicely, the legendary Slavonian kulen — a sausage so good it deserves its own fan club — and maslenica, a rich, flaky pastry that made us wonder why we don’t eat it every day. Honestly, every bite felt like a delicious history lesson, and we were absolutely here for it. Croatian food? A perfect ten — we’d eat it again in a heartbeat!
Day three: project management
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a mini-manager for a day — this was that moment. We were divided into groups, given tasks, and told to handle everything from start to finish. It was intense, but in the best possible way. We learned how important it is to stay organised, communicate effectively, and always keep the final goal in mind. The clock was ticking, and we had so much fun that the pressure didn’t even feel like pressure. Everyone worked in harmony, and we walked away not just as little managers but with a sense of accomplishment that could rival some corporate executives.
And then, of course, the weather decided to ruin the fun — literally. It started to rain. But did we let that stop us? Absolutely not! We adapted like true volunteers. The rain didn’t prevent us from organising a cosy movie night, sharing more laughs, and relaxing after a day full of learning and teamwork.
Cultural exchange and reflection
Towards the end, we focused on intercultural learning. This was when we shared our personal stories, talked about our cultures, and reflected on how our volunteer roles contribute to the broader ESS priorities. It wasn’t just about understanding what ESS means — it was about truly connecting with its values. And, let’s be honest, after a week of bonding, learning, and (too much) food — we had plenty to talk about.
One of the highlights was the trip to Ružica city castle. I’m convinced that castle is actually a disguised endurance test. We all thought: “Oh, it’ll just be a nice little walk,” and once we reached the top — we questioned every life choice we had ever made. But the view? Absolutely worth it.
The last day was dedicated to planning future projects and learning all the steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. We filled out evaluation forms, probably overthinking our answers. After that, we had a free afternoon to soak in the final moments before saying goodbye. With hearts full of memories, we hopped on a train and waved farewell to a week we’ll never forget.
What we learned (and laughed about along the way)
Turns out learning doesn’t have to be boring! We discovered that teamwork, communication, and solidarity work much better when you’re having fun and not sitting through dull presentations. We learned to plan projects, manage time, and solve problems — all while making friends and laughing.
In the end, we didn’t just become better volunteers — we became a well-coordinated team ready for anything. A huge thank you to our amazing mentors, Diana and Domagoj, for guiding us without dimming the fun. And thank you to all the volunteers for the laughter and memories.
Here’s to what comes next — may there be even more games, good food, and of course, endless coffee!
