VOLUNTEERING
Who is a BUDDY volunteer?
A BUDDY volunteer is a mature adult (27+) who accepts the child as he or she truly is. They regularly spend time together away from the centre and the volunteer offers their most valuable resource: their time. The child gains a person who they can fully trust and who helps them to prepare for an independent life in adulthood.
We look for volunteers who:
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can build a long-term relationship
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understand life situations of different people
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can work on their self-development and the development of others
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have a responsible and engaged approach
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have values corresponding with the BUDDY program
WHAT DOES A BUDDY VOLUNTEER DO?
Helps children who cannot grow up with their family
The social networks of children who grow up in centres rarely stretch beyond their institutions. Their view of the world is therefore often distorted. Children lack healthy family role models and real contact with the outside world, where they would be responsible for themselves.
Gives time, friendship, trust and love
Every child is different. Only targeted individual care can address deeply-rooted traumas and unleash potential in each child. Every child deserves attention and a relationship which is voluntary and based on friendship. Only a few hours a week can make a positive change to the child for the rest of their life.
Guides the child and acts as a mentor
Children need real role models to look up to and learn from. We carefully select mature, adults with a good set of values, who can provide real support. One of the goals is to prepare the child for successful integration into society.

We are looking for volunteers all over Slovakia

At present, we are only accepting applications from Slovak-speaking candidates in Slovakia. To apply in Slovak, please visit here.