Golden dofačka Anna Zouharová shared with us in an interview the formative experience that volunteering has brought her. The first nervous moments while reading a book, the gradual development of a deep relationship with Mr. Oldrich, and how they coped with the loss of his partner. Despite the difficult moments, volunteering has brought her joy, energy and the belief that even small acts make a big difference. She also has recommendations for dofaks who are struggling in this activity.
First of all - what motivated you to join the DofE programme and why did you choose a home for the elderly as a volunteer?
The main impulse for me was the presentation of Veronika Ormaniec. I was excited about the overall concept of DofE, that I could develop non-traditional activities within the school, which I could even choose myself. As I like being outdoors and in the field, the final expedition and of course the golden ceremony with the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh appealed to me. As far as volunteering is concerned, I have been considering for a long time what activity to choose. I came across this form of volunteering through ADRU before I started on the DofE programme. I really enjoy talking to people and the idea that I could add variety to their daily lives in this way was great.
What were your very first feelings and impressions after your first visit to the home?
Quite frankly, I was quite scared of my first visit. I had to come up with a program for a group of about ten seniors for the first time and I didn't know how to go about it and what exactly to expect. In the end, I decided to read the book Anne of Green Gables, written by Lucy Montgomery. Although I don't normally have a problem with recitation, stage fright did its work and I was suddenly stammering, speaking in a low voice and my hands were sweating. It was with a mixture of relief and concern about what the seniors would say that I finished reading. The concerned and grateful faces of the grandfathers and grandmothers around me, however, drove all that stress out of me and all that was left was the wonderful feeling that I could make someone happy just by visiting them.
Can you tell us more about what you did in the home, for example, what kind of programs you created for the elderly and what you enjoyed most about organizing them?
I started at the Home with a friend and we used to have programs together. We tried to think of different games that would entertain everyone, so we often alternated between BINGO, memory games, different board games, etc. The aforementioned reading was also very popular. In addition to these activities we worked with the leisure workers and helped out at various balls and parties. It was also there that I met Mr. Oldrich.
You described the close relationship you have established with one particular senior citizen, Mr. Oldrich. What were the key moments that helped you overcome the initial formality and create a trusting relationship?
Mr. Oldřich helped me a lot. Already at our first meeting he showed his great sense of humour and suddenly there was no room for formalities. In the beginning I only had group activities and our meeting with Mr. Oldrich and his partner was always more of a coincidence. But every time we saw each other, their welcome was so warm and cordial that I always felt as if we had known each other for a long time. Even before my first individual visit, they came to my concerts and I also spent time with them outside the home from time to time.
Unfortunately, Mr Oldrich's partner died, but this deepened your existing bond. How did you overcome this situation together?
It was obviously a very difficult situation. First I wanted to give Mr Oldrich the space to deal with it himself. But I really wanted to show him that I was there for him, so I went to visit him after a week. It wasn't easy, but I managed to find a topic that always distracted us both enough. That was skiing. Skiing and the mountains had been our common themes from the first time we met, and in those difficult times it was obvious that it was always the skis that made Mr Oldrich think differently. It was during that period that I became most aware of the benefits of this "work" of mine. I could see what a great change and distraction, even if only for a moment, it brought to Mr. Oldřich. I also had the feeling in retrospect that this was what had deepened our relationship.
This is a really powerful experience. What do you take away from it for the future?
I think that this type of volunteering influences, shapes and transforms us very much without us realising it. We get to know the fate of different people and unconsciously become part of it. This experience has shifted me a lot in terms of perception and empathy, as well as in communication. For me, it is an activity from which I always take away much more than I gave. But most importantly, it always fills me with energy and zest for life, because I can see that what I do is really meaningful.
Do you plan to continue volunteering outside the DofE?
I'm sure. I find it very fulfilling, and that's why I want to keep doing it. Of course, I plan to stay in touch with Mr. Oldrich and visit him as often as I can. Thanks to the DofE, we have developed a deep friendship. As far as group programmes for the elderly are concerned, I still like to help out occasionally at various events or organise concerts with friends at the home.
Besides your relationship with Mr. Oldrich, is there any other moment from your volunteering that sticks out in your mind the most?
It's always those informal conversations outside of the scheduled programs where seniors tell snippets of their lives. Sometimes they're really funny stories or absolutely riveting stories. For me, learning about the fate of different people in this way is very inspiring. At the same time, I am very aware that for many seniors this is their only opportunity to talk about their experiences and testify. Through this, I am becoming more and more convinced of how much I love old people.
What advice would you give to dofaks who are also thinking about what activity to choose as part of their volunteering?
To choose what they really see meaning in, what they enjoy and what fulfils them. Because if they do something that they put even a small part of themselves into, they will see that they get back much more than they originally gave.
