Using circus skills for social inclusion
Ahmed, SloveniaEverything that happened during my year of volunteering contributed to my personal development and truly changed my life. I came to Slovenia with no expectations, simply seizing the opportunity to volunteer. Now, four years later, I can say it was the best decision I ever made. Volunteering opened my mind, helped me grow and shaped the person I am today.
Ahmed, originally from Palestine, volunteered for 9 months in Slovenia with Skala.com and Circus Fuskabo. He volunteered as a circus trainer and performer, as well as a social programme assistant.
🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?
"Volunteering has had a profound impact on my personal growth. It has changed my mindset and helped me understand the importance of being surrounded by the right people and environment. I have become more confident in my decision-making and more aware of the value of collaboration.
After my volunteering experience, the organisation offered me a job, enabling me to continue developing as a performer and teacher. Today, I teach 200 students at the circus school and perform across Europe. In 2023, I was a finalist on 'Slovenia's Got Talent', and in November 2025, I was officially recognised as an artist by the Slovenian Ministry of Culture."
🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?
"I believe that volunteering is important because life is all about experiences. Volunteering gives you the chance to learn and grow in unexpected ways. Everything that happened during my year of volunteering contributed to my personal development and truly changed my life. I came to Slovenia with no expectations, simply seizing the opportunity to volunteer.
Now, four years later, I can say it was the best decision I ever made. Volunteering opened my mind, helped me grow and shaped the person I am today."
🎤 What is your birthday wish for the 30th anniversary of EU supported volunteering — and for the next 30 years to come?
"For the 30th anniversary of EU-supported volunteering, my birthday wish is that it continues to offer young people the same life-changing opportunities that I experienced. I hope that more people will come to understand the true importance of volunteering, and recognise how it brings individuals together from different cultures, languages and backgrounds.
Over the next 30 years, I hope to see even stronger connections, a deeper understanding and greater solidarity among communities. I hope that volunteering will continue to inspire people to grow, support one another and believe in their ability to create a positive impact, no matter where they come from."
Updated on Jeudi, 26/03/2026