Voluntary service in a multi-ethnic youth centre
Fiona, Germany, Age 21My voluntary service in Kosovo had a very strong influence on me. I travel or fly back there several times a year, still enjoy listening to Albanian music and remain interested in the language, traditions and history of the country.
Even when I was still at school, I knew that I wanted to go abroad after my A-levels. I always dreamed of Scandinavia but after many rejections from various sending organisations, I had to rethink my plans. At relatively short notice, I applied to the Protestant volunteer services in Hanover, Germany and was invited to an interview. I was told that I would fit in very well at the multi-ethnic youth centre run by Diakonie Kosova in the town of Mitrovica.
I thought about it for a few days, talked to my family about the opportunity and did some research. My grandparents in particular had doubts and were afraid that I would be going to a country characterised by poverty and the Kosovo war around 25 years ago. But my parents encouraged me to discover a new foreign country. So I decided to go to Kosovo with the Protestant Volunteer Services.
Before I left at the end of August 2019, my organisations organised preparatory seminars. I got to know my fellow volunteer Max, other current and former volunteers and was given lots of information about the country of assignment, the field of work, medical precautions, funding, etc.
On site, I worked in a multi-ethnic youth centre with young people aged between 13 and 21. From Tuesdays to Sundays they came to play table football, pool, table tennis or just to chat :). On certain occasions, the team and I also organised parties, discussion groups, concerts or film evenings. I also had contact with journalists, donors, soldiers, student groups and politicians from various countries who visited the Diakonie and therefore also the youth centre.
In my free time, I did a lot with Max but over time I also got to know more and more friends with whom I travelled to more distant cities in Kosovo and neighbouring countries. I was invited to traditional meals on various public holidays, to Albanian concerts and to engagement parties. However, my everyday life was mainly characterised by walks together and visits to cafés. Hospitality is clearly a top priority in Kosovo!
Most of my friends spoke English, some also German, but many only spoke Albanian. I took two Albanian courses organised by Diakonie so that I could get involved better at work and in friendships. I was able to learn the language particularly well in everyday interactions.
Updated on вторник, 17/02/2026