Neli Khaindrava is a Georgian volunteer who joined Základní škola a mateřská škola Gaudi in Czechia in 2024 and for 10 months, carried out her long-term European Solidarity Corps project funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. Read more about her experience below:

“Participating in a long-term volunteering project abroad has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life — both personally and professionally. More than just a project, it was a deeply personal journey of growth, discovery, and connection. Over the past seven months, I lived in the Czech Republic and worked at the Free Democratic School “Gaudi.” And I had the opportunity to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.

At Gaudi, I worked closely with students and teachers, contributed to various educational and cultural activities, and organized independent projects that supported both learning and intercultural understanding. One of the most fascinating and challenging aspects was the school’s non-traditional approach. With no strict schedules or rigid class structures, students were free to choose what, where, and when to learn — all at their own pace. This freedom, while unfamiliar at first, became a space where I learned to be more flexible, creative, and attentive to the individual needs of students.

I found real joy in teaching in this kind of environment, where every day brought something new and unexpected. I loved sharing stories about Georgia, making cultural presentations, and even cooking for the students and my coworkers. It was incredibly rewarding to see the children’s curious eyes light up when learning about my culture. One of the most special memories I carry with me is teaching one wonderful student how to speak and write in Georgian — and hearing him greet me in my native language every day, learning more and more with such excitement.

Living in the small and quiet town of Příbor was a personal challenge for someone like me — someone who thrives on social life and movement. Yet, I found peace in its slow rhythm and most importantly it gave me space to breathe and reconnect with myself.

Beyond the school, this journey was also about the people. I met wonderful, kind, funny, and wildly unique individuals. I made Czech friends who warmly introduced me to their traditions, language, and everyday life — and who were also genuinely curious to learn about mine. I also connected with many inspiring people from different cultural backgrounds. And unexpectedly, I even met fellow Georgians along the way — we quickly bonded over shared homesickness, cultural confusion, joy, and growth. In those relationships, I found comfort, courage, and so many beautiful, unexpected lessons.

This journey helped me see the world — and myself — through a wider, kinder lens and I will always be grateful for that!”.