EU Code Week team is Celebrating World Volunteer Day

Publication date: December 5, 2024

As we celebrate World Volunteer Day on December 5th, it’s a great moment to highlight the transformative power of volunteering and celebrate organisations dedicated to making a difference. One such organisation is the Slovenian NGO Za Otroke Sveta (Kids are the World), which operates in The Gambia. Their mission? To uplift underprivileged children, empower communities, and provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to create a lasting impact. This year, the celebration carries a special resonance as a member of the EU Code Week community working for the consortium partner Matrix Internet is currently volunteering in a local school in Ghana Town, The Gambia. This is a great example of how global communities can unite through volunteering to share skills, knowledge and hope.

Drawing and colouring

A mission driven by compassion

Founded with a heartfelt desire to help, Za otroke sveta began its journey in 2011, evolving into a registered humanitarian organisation in 2012. The NGO focuses on improving the quality of life for children and their families by ensuring access to education, providing financial assistance, and fostering a path to self-reliance. Their guiding principles of equality, respect, transparency, and dedication are the foundation of their impactful initiatives. The organization’s holistic approach is evident in its three interconnected programmes:

• Sponsorship programme: Offering educational opportunities to children from economically disadvantaged families by connecting them with sponsors.
• Travel with purpose (volunteer programme) Facilitating volunteer work across diverse fields, from education to healthcare, for individuals eager to combine travel with purposeful engagement.
• Development projects: Undertaking transformative initiatives such as the construction of The Gambia’s first career-education centre to ensure sustainable development.

Why The Gambia?

Kotu, one of the many relaxing beaches

Craft market

The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country, is a land of contrasts. While rich in culture and natural beauty, it remains one of the least developed nations globally. This duality makes it an inspiring location. By integrating deeply with the local community, Za otroke sveta ensures that every project reflects the needs and aspirations of the Gambians. Za otroke sveta’s volunteers don’t just contribute their time, they immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, gaining a profound understanding of values that often fade in the Western world: kindness, community and resilience.

Volunteering: A life-changing experience

The organisation’s Travel with Purpose programme stands out as a transformative experience for both volunteers and local communities. Participants have the opportunity to:

• Work in schools, healthcare, environmental conservation, or community development.
• Learn from and exchange knowledge with the Gambians, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
• Experience the richness of The Gambia beyond tourist perspectives, including its cuisine, music, and natural beauty. Volunteers leave with more than memories, they gain life-changing insights, newfound friendships, and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference.

Kids of Ghana Town

This year, a member of the EU Code Week community, working for the consortium partner Matrix Internet, is currently volunteering in Ghana Town’s school.  Her work exemplifies how volunteering can bridge geographical and cultural divides, creating pathways for digital and educational empowerment. Whether teaching digital literacy, coding, or supporting traditional education, volunteers bring diverse expertise that enriches both themselves and the communities they serve.

How can you get involved?

Za otroke sveta welcomes volunteers from all walks of life, students, professionals, retirees, or families, willing to dedicate their time and talents. Whether you want to teach, assist with healthcare initiatives, or participate in environmental projects, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteers can:

• Engage in short-term programmes or long-term projects.
• Choose from various fields, including education, health, animal care or photography.
• Combine their stay with cultural immersion, such as learning local dances, exploring Gambian cuisine, or visiting historic sites.

This December, as we commemorate World Volunteer Day, consider how you can contribute to making the world a better place. Organisations like Za otroke sveta remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple into extraordinary outcomes.

Be the change you wish to see in the world!