Although a week later, due to the rainy conditions of the original date of 9/6/2023, volunteers from the University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) met for the fifth time, in full commitment, at the largest corporate volunteering event in Slovakia, Our City 2023 (NM'23), with the apt slogan on the T-shirt "MY HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE". From the current source of the organizing Pontis Foundation, it follows that EUBA has contributed 188 volunteers so far. This year, it participated again successfully as the only university in Slovakia.
As the only university member of the BLF, the EUBA is very actively involved in this voluntary activity, precisely based on the effective implementation of the ESG strategy realized in ordinary activities of an educational and motivational nature. In a very pleasant manner and under beautiful sunny weather, the volunteers intensively implemented the improvement, beautification, and revitalization of the premises of Domka, the Salesian Youth Association, and the Bratislava Center on Mamateyova street in Petržalka, with intentions of sustainability. They ecologically removed weeds and garbage from the motor track, playground, and garden, and cleaned and painted parts of the perimeter fence.
Domka - the Association of Salesian Youth is a civic association that brings together more than 8,000 members throughout Slovakia. It is devoted to children and young people - its target group is people from 6 to 30 years old and it is one of the largest youth organizations in Slovakia. In 28 centers throughout Slovakia, it offers children and young people not only meaningful use of free time but especially friendly relationships, a family atmosphere, the possibility of personal growth, and much more. It covers the activities of the association: from meetings, clubs, camps, football tournaments, spiritual renewal, spiritual exercises, the DofE project and Orientation days, to cleaning brigades and other irregular events. (https://www.domka.sk/o-domke/, 2023). For these large-scale and broad-spectrum focused activities, which create positive ethical values in children, youth, and young people in a very friendly way using experiential methods, 42 volunteers from the EUBA very purposefully decided to support with their volunteer efforts, energy, and work unequivocally again, already its strategic partner, the neighboring Petržalka Domka. They considered all the positive reasons why it is worthwhile to actively participate in the Our City project:
- the opportunity to participate in a non-traditional and fun team building,
- directly help those who need it the most,
- create a positive company culture,
- to be part of a positive change not only in the neighborhood but also in the entire country,
- develop creative skills,
- support talents and create space for innovation,
- to help others significantly increase the overall feeling of well-being and satisfaction with their life.
The Collaborating Domka on Mamateyova Street is pleased to see that the number of participants in this attractive event from among students, teaching and non-teaching staff is increasing, volunteers from abroad are also joining (currently from Vietnam, France, and Brazil) and are trying to help in increasing numbers despite employees' vacations and the vagaries of the weather. This fact is evidenced by the positive reactions of all those involved and the following can be selected from their reactions:
A/ On behalf of the volunteers from EUBA
„For me, the event provided participants with necessary things such as sun cream, food, drink, T-shirts, and other items for cleaning, ... That means it was well-organized. I love team working to accomplish our duties, make the yard/campus cleaner, and do something to contribute to our society. It was a great time of chatting and talking with friends too.“ Pham, Vietnam
„It was great, people seem involved and happy to help, the place was nice, and the food and drinks were good. Maybe just it’s a shame that they didn’t explain in English as well what we were going to do but I get it plus we weren’t many foreigners.“ Marie, France
“It was a great day, I had a really good time in that volunteering, the people around me were so nice and helpful. I repainted and cleared the weeds and we had a great lunch too. Congrats on the organization of the volunteering event, it was a pleasure!“ Anna, Brazil
„I had the pleasure of taking part in a volunteering event in Bratislava. It was a really fun and rewarding experience. During the event, we repainted a football stadium and cleared the weeds around it. The event was well organized and I enjoyed working as part of a team!“ Eloïse, France
"The team of the Department of International Mobility was actively involved in volunteer activities within the Our City event. We often see abroad that volunteer activities are a natural part of a developed society. We, therefore, took part in this event and combined the pleasant with the useful.''' Mirka, employee
"Volunteering always pleases me and fills me with joy. It's a great way to get involved and make a positive impact on other people's lives. I am grateful that I could be a part of this volunteer project and that we improved the Mamateyka area together." Simonka, student
"Excellent event! I liked how EUBA students of different study years to helping, we also had fun, laughed, and got to know each other better. Everyone left with a good feeling of a pleasant and useful time spent. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how many smart and engaged students I have at EUBA. There should be more similar events, it would contribute to improving the atmosphere, relationships, and life at our university." Mirko, employee
"I participated in the volunteer activity at Mamateyka for the first time and I hope not the last time with my colleagues from DIP. The weather, the mood, and the painting of the fence were great. I'm looking forward to NM 24" Petra, employee
"A great event, I enjoyed participating and I'm glad that we helped and had a hand in the work." Danka, employee
"In addition to daily duties, it is very important to get involved in volunteer activities that aim to help your city. If several work team members participate in such an event, it is a very good opportunity to strengthen relationships. Today we had the opportunity to spend a nice and useful time in the improvement of the surroundings of the Salesian Youth Association on Mamateyová Street. in Bratislava. I believe that next year we will meet again and our advice will be supplemented by other colleagues. I thank the organizers for the excellent organization of this event." Evka, employee
"A useful day spent in pleasant company and good mood. I'm glad I took part..." Katka, employee
"For us graduates, this volunteer activity, from which we left with a good feeling, was a pleasant end to the entire university study." Marek, student
"A sunny day spent pleasantly, the opportunity to meet many smiling people united for a useful cause. I'm glad I could at least help a little where needed." Janka, employee
"Naše Mesto is an excellent activity where, in addition to helping the city, you can meet many new interesting people. I participated in it for EUBA for the second time and I will be very happy to go next time as well. Thank you to the organizers." Katka, employee
"Thank you for being able to come and participate in the volunteer event "Our City" on behalf of our university. We were happy to come to help and beautify the surroundings of the Mamateyka youth center. Even for us students, it was a diversion from the demanding summer semester, which we have just finished. We also thank you for the refreshments and the organization of the volunteer activity" Štefan, a student
B/ On behalf of the organizers
"Despite the rescheduled date, there were over 40 willing students and employees of EUBA who willingly came to share their strength and did a lot of good work with heart. We thank everyone involved and look forward to any future cooperation." Peter Krajčovič, legal representative DOMKA Mamateyka
„EUBA did not disappoint! :) Again, after a year, they came voluntarily to help improve our center, which they succeeded in doing. Thanks to them, our environment for educating young people will be a little more beautiful and cozy. We thank you!" Jozef Martinek SDB, the economist of the Salesian youth center Mamateyka.
„On behalf of the co-organizing EUBA Ethics Committee, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the co-organizers from DOMKA na Mamateyka for their high-quality, comprehensive, friendly contribution, in which there was excellent "volunteering" and to our "EUBA" volunteers for great teamwork with an excellent joint result. We are looking forward to another attractive NM'24 again at our strategic partners "across the street", in the wonderful area of DOMKY" Gabriela Dubcová, Chairwoman of the Ethics Committee at the EUBA.
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