Life in a children’s home often feels like a never-ending camp. Each night, a child falls asleep with the fear of who might put toothpaste on their doorknob.
Barbora Krajčovičová studied art education and worked as a gallery pedagogue at the Slovak National Gallery. For a time, she also explored copywriting and writing scripts for advertisements. However, she found her true joy and fulfillment working in an alternative forest nursery near Trnava, where she educates children with passion and enthusiasm. Barbora is also the mother of a one-year-old son. Despite her busy life, she dedicates her time to mentoring Veronika, an exceptional young lady from a children’s home.
Uniqueness Within
It’s Saturday morning, and I’m driving to Trnava. As we leave the crowded capital behind, the traffic thins out, and I start enjoying the journey. I park at an orange house on a quiet street and enter a serene oasis through the gate.
I meet Barbora, a lively and energetic woman with long brown hair, wearing jeans and a polka-dotted top. Her warm laughter instantly puts me at ease. We quickly get to know each other, and any initial awkwardness melts away. I’m excited about the interview ahead. I switch my phone to flight mode, and the undisturbed recording begins.
When I ask Barbora who she is, she invites me into her world.
“I’m dyslexic—that’s definitely part of my identity,” she reveals candidly, recounting the challenges this diagnosis caused during her school years. “I struggled to learn how to read. Without that, you can’t even understand a math problem or a history text,” she explains.
At the time, teachers lacked the knowledge to help children like Barbora. This feeling of being misunderstood motivated her years later to explore alternative methods of teaching and raising children.
“I know how much I suffered as a child. That’s why it’s so important for me, as a teacher, to work in a place where children can follow their own paths, communicate freely, and have their needs respected,” she shares passionately about the forest kindergarten in Budmerice, where she teaches third grade.
BUDDY: A Life-Changing Friendship
Barbora first learned about the BUDDY program during her university years. But her real involvement began after moving to Trnava, where a children’s home stood right across from her house.
“I saw it as a sign. I thought, ‘If not now, then when?’” she recalls.
I’m always curious about the motivation of BUDDY volunteers. Barbora explains that when she joined over five years ago, she and her partner didn’t have children or pets, leaving her with plenty of free time.
“Also, I come from a complete family and had a beautiful childhood. It felt natural to pass that joy on to someone else, to give back to society,” she reflects.
She describes the rigorous selection process for the program as challenging but essential to ensure the volunteers are genuinely committed. “Only those who truly want to spend time with these children—and aren’t driven by their own need for self-realization—will succeed. It’s not a huge sacrifice to talk on the phone for an hour a week or go for a walk together. Think of how much time we waste scrolling on our phones every day,” she points out.
She pauses, shakes her head thoughtfully, and offers me a glass of water.
Conversations About Everything and Nothing
Barbora recalls her first meeting with Veronika, then a shy twelve-year-old who had been living in the children’s home for over four years. The two bonded over their shared love of skating and gradually began to open up to each other.
“At first, Veronika was very quiet and reserved. So, I took on the role of the chatterbox, talking about anything and everything that came to mind. Eventually, she started responding,” Barbora says with a laugh.
After about half an hour of initial awkwardness, Veronika relaxed and began to talk.
“I’ll never forget the first time she opened up. Her words were so beautiful, her vocabulary so rich—it brought tears to my eyes,” Barbora says, her voice filled with emotion.
From then on, their friendship blossomed. They went to the cinema, parks, picnics, ice cream parlors, and on trips. They drew together, walked through the city, and talked endlessly.
“Eventually, we didn’t need planned activities anymore. It was enough just to be together and talk like friends,” she explains.
They discussed everything, from family and relationships to deep philosophical questions. “She once asked me if I believed in mermaids. It was such a poignant reminder that, while I see her as a partner, she’s still a child seeking answers,” Barbora recalls with a smile.
Veronika’s curiosity extended to topics like the universe, infinity, and even sensitive subjects such as the female cycle and pregnancy—especially when Barbora was expecting her son.
Building Trust
Barbora describes her relationship with Veronika as balanced. “I don’t try to moralize or impose my views. Instead, I aim to discuss even difficult topics openly and honestly,” she explains.
From the beginning, Barbora wanted to offer Veronika a sense of friendship, trust, and security. She also emphasizes the importance of privacy—something often lacking in children’s homes.
“Imagine living in a camp for years, falling asleep every night wondering if someone will disturb you,” she says.
Barbora recalls strangers mistaking them for sisters or mother and daughter, likely due to their similar appearance.
“I take it as a beautiful compliment—that two strangers brought together by a charity program could become so close that people think we belong together,” she says, her voice full of warmth.
Volunteering for Life
As our conversation winds down, Barbora reflects on the impact of her volunteering.
“BUDDY is incredible! Just don’t be afraid to try—it’s worth it. The program offers great training, workshops, and support, which have helped me in my work and parenting,” she says enthusiastically.
Thanks to this experience, Barbora stepped out of her comfort zone and gained new insights into herself and the social system.
“You realize the only thing that truly matters is having someone who loves you for who you are. These kids need that too. And when they lack a close friend, we, the ‘outsiders,’ can offer them unconditional love and support. It’s truly worth it.”
The name Veronika was intentionally fabricated to protect the privacy of a minor.
Author: Simona Lučkaničová
Photographs: Paulína Ščepková