Why do we need volunteers?
In the Élmény Tár community, volunteers are not merely helpers – they are the ones who, through their attention, time and compassion, make it possible for the children to feel that they are special, that they matter, and that they are not alone. Now that our volunteer recruitment campaign is set to begin again in September, it is worth discussing why this role is so crucial – not just for the children, but for the volunteers themselves – and what a difference volunteering can make at a societal level.
The true picture of need
According to EU figures In 2024, 24.2% of children under the age of 18 in the European Union were exposed to poverty or social exclusion. This means that one in four children grows up facing some form of disadvantage (e.g. material deprivation, lack of material resources, limited opportunities).
In Hungary in 2022, Eurochild report According to the figures, around 18.11 per cent of the child population – that is, approximately 308,970 children – live in particularly difficult circumstances.
These figures are not just statistics – they reflect the fact that, for many young people, stable support, attention and access to experiences are not a given. This is where volunteers come in: they can be the points of support that help bridge these gaps.
What do volunteers offer the children?
Personalised attention: when a child knows that there is someone who regularly listens to them, helps them and encourages them – this makes a huge difference in terms of self-confidence and perseverance with their studies.
Experiences and skills: social skills, creativity and the ability to work with others are developed through group games, group activities and mentoring.
Supporting mental health: studies have shown that children who take part in voluntary programmes feel less isolated and anxious, and report a generally better state of mind. For example, one according to an American survey Young people who are also active as volunteers were 34% more likely to report „excellent or very good” health than their peers.
What do you get out of volunteering with us?
Real impact and accountability: You know that what you do is not just a task to be completed, but a life-changing presence.
Professional and personal development: Empathy, communication, leadership, creative thinking – these are skills you can put to good use anywhere.
Belonging to a growing community: You’ll meet people who share similar values. Friendships and sources of inspiration are formed.
Positive feedback: You’ll see just how much joy it brings when a child or a mentee makes progress, shows their gratitude, or simply smiles – it’s these little moments that strengthen social commitment.
Social impact: what we can achieve together
Physical presence, support, attention and shared experiences help to reduce social and educational inequalities and strengthen a sense of community – not only in the child receiving help, but also in those providing support. In the long term, a social pattern may emerge in which volunteering becomes the norm, and more and more people feel: ‘I’m part of this’ – which is a great value.
At Élmény Tár, we believe that a single person – a single adult – can change a child’s world. This could be a mentor, a volunteer, or even just someone who is regularly there for them.
