Since I started volunteering, I knew that technology would help me from the moment I arrived until the day I returned to my country. But you don’t truly realize how important it is until you experience it yourself and see how much it makes everything easier — from our volunteer work to daily life.
Nowadays, thanks to digital tools, the concept of “being present” has completely changed. Digital platforms have opened up a world of possibilities. Through specialized websites, I can contact my coworkers, receive instructions about my daily tasks, and meet with them using tools like Google Meet and Zoom. This really helps me stay coordinated with the team on days when we can’t meet in person.
Social media also plays a huge role. Thanks to Instagram and Facebook, we can share stories, promote activities, and show the impact of our projects to many more people. These platforms are not only useful for spreading information but also for inspiring more young people to get involved. Many times, a simple video or post can spark interest and encourage others to participate in activities that help others — and that’s how we reach new volunteers.
In my case, technology is also making continuous learning easier — both in terms of improving my language skills and through online courses that help me grow in areas like graphic design and social media management.
When it comes to living in a foreign country, technology is also incredibly helpful. It makes it easier to find directions, use public transport, discover new places, make plans and friends, and most importantly — it helps me communicate in a language I don’t know at all, like Slovak.
Therefore, for me, technology has been essential in my volunteering experience. It connects us, educates us, and allows us to contribute in a much simpler way, with endless new possibilities. Being a volunteer in this digital era has taught me that helping others doesn’t depend on distance — it depends on our willingness and the tools we have at our disposal.
Text a fotka: Paula Fernández Martín
Paula je dobrovoľníčkou programu Európskej komisie Európsky zbor solidarity na dobrovoľníckom projekte v organizácii Bratislavské dobrovoľnícke centrum. Projekt bol podporený Európskou komisiou z programu Európsky zbor solidarity.
