GEDENKDIENST: Volunteer Rotation

05. 09. 2024

Last Thursday we had a small celebration at the institute, where we laughed and cried.

We said goodbye to Lena. We looked back together on the past year and the many experiences and memories we shared. There were a few tears in our eyes.

At the same time we welcomed Laurenz, who will be supporting us from now on as a volunteer from Verein GEDENKDIENST.

Dear Lena, we thank you for your great work and for allowing us to accompany you on a small part of your life's journey. We wish you all the best for the future!

Dear Laurenz, welcome to the Institute. We look forward to your support in the team and to the many great impressions and experiences you will have during your year with us.

You can read more about our two volunteers in the interviews below.

GOODBYE INTERVIEW WITH LENA

Has your perspective on the work of our NGO changed? If so, how?

By gaining my first experience as an employee of an NGO here at TII, I have learned an incredible amount about how NGOs organise themselves, how much work and motivation it takes to get projects off the ground and implement them, and how much time and effort it also takes to raise sufficient funds. Even though I gained an insight into these areas through my volunteer work, I also realised that there is a lot more work behind it, for which I have extreme respect.

It was wonderful to experience what committed people can achieve together.

Were there certain projects that you particularly enjoyed working on?

What particularly inspired me about my work was that it was so multifaceted. Not only did I have the opportunity to do archival work, but I also helped out at seminars and translated various publications.

Above all, however, I found it extremely exciting and inspiring to help set up an Anne Frank Youth Network in the Czech Republic. From our Training for Trainers here in Prague to various projects on social media and our international AFYN Youth Forum in the Netherlands. I am very grateful to have accompanied and witnessed the beginnings of a project that I am sure will initiate many more great things.

Is there anything you will miss in particular?

I will miss a lot about my work here at the TII. In addition to the wonderful living conditions in Prague, which I have come to love very much, and the interpersonal relationships and nice conversations with colleagues, I have hardly ever acquired as much knowledge in my life as in this last year. I will miss the freedom and independence, but also the openness and warmth that I enjoyed during my time at the institute.

How would you describe the way people work together in the NGO?

It is almost impossible not to feel welcome and comfortable at the TII. Our interactions are always friendly and cordial. Because we are a relatively small institute, there are no hierarchical structures, and everyone feels that they and their work are valued. We meet as equals, regardless of the area in which we work, and the way we interact with each other is more like that of close acquaintances than just work colleagues. It was very touching to see the gratitude and support shown to me as a volunteer.

Tell us about a moment that particularly left an impression on you.

I particularly remember our memorial service at the former ‘Theresienstadt family camp’ in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Probably also because it was the first time, I had visited the memorial site and it left a lasting impression in itself. But above all it was the occasion and the programme of our memorial service. I will never forget how we stood quietly in front of the remains of the former family camp, flowers in hand, and listened to the music of artists from Terezín.

WELCOME INTERVIEW WITH LAURENZ

What inspired you to become part of our NGO?

The Holocaust, the Second World War and the commemoration of the crimes have interested me for a long time. The way the subject is dealt with at school falls short of my interest and my personal ambition to play my part in “never again”. Terezin has a special position within the Holocaust crime structure, which I find particularly interesting. Prague is also a cool city where I would like to live and work.

What do you hope to gain from this year with us?

In addition to personal development and leaving home, I am looking forward to doing my small part to ensure that the millions of individuals are not forgotten. I'm looking forward to new impressions, new learning opportunities and new friendships.

Which projects or tasks are you particularly looking forward to?

Are there certain areas in which you would particularly like to work?

I am particularly looking forward to making names and fates accessible to a wider public. Either by making documents available online or through educational work.

How did you prepare for your year with us?

The preparation at the supporting organization, the “Gedenkdienst” association, was very intensive and I feel thoroughly prepared for my work at the Institute. I read a lot during my preparation, attended workshops and was able to exchange ideas with other young people who are doing the same challenging work as me.

What skills would you like to bring to your work?

To the great delight of my colleagues, I am good with Office programs, I think I can use these skills well in my work. I would also like to fill the Institute's social media account with exciting posts.

GEDENKDIENST: Volunteer Rotation

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