It is our final story from National Volunteering Week and an amazing story of how volunteering can help build a community and make you feel like you belong. Here is Agnieszka’s story.

“My name is Agnieszka- Agnes for Irish friends or just Aggie . I’m Polish and I came to Ireland over 18 years ago.
I had no English, no work, no prospects but I was full of hope that it will be my new home. I have a good education, I am well-mannered,I am funny ( well at least I believe I am) but it wasn’t worth much without language. From day one the Irish around me seemed to be equally desperate to teach me as I was to learn.
My daughter was born in 2007 , when she was 1.5 I decided I must go to school. I couldn’t imagine using my child as a translator in the future and as a single mum I knew I will be responsible for her and our future here.
I start to be engaged in school life, my neighbourhood… slowly I feel I am a part of this community. When my daughter went to primary school, I was 1st Polish on the parents association. I organized courses for mums whose kids were in school, they didn’t work and mornings they could do something for themselves.
Year by year I became more ” local” and when my postman start to recognize me and have a “small talk” I knew – I’m home.
I did work – always part time – single parent life. But I start to engage more and more in volunteering. Food collection for the homeless, food collection for families who are in most need, and residents association in the apartment complex where I am living. I contacted our South Dublin Volunteer Centre and offered my help as a volunteer, and then the pandemic happened. We all know it was 2 years cut from our lives.
Straight after I asked our local Citizens Information Office if they needed a volunteer – they did 🙂
After 2 years I am an information officer for the Citizens Information Centre. I had, and still have, many trainings and courses. I love it and love helping people. That’s my way to say “thank you” to Irish people and my Irish home! For all the opportunities, for a chance to build a life for myself and my daughter, for Irish patience, sense of humour, unpredictable weather and for making me feel like I’m home.
In a world where the future is unknown and very unstable, when the cost of living is drastically growing and we have homelessness at the highest level ever – it’s very hard to make the decision to share our time and effort for free, but I know small things create our reality, and if you want to make a change – start from yourself! You will discover that especially now there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others, listen to each other, show compassion and empathy, because no matter how our own life treats us – trust me, there are a thousand people in worse situations. Do little things, start now, don’t wait, you really can change someone’s life…and you will feel great – I can assure you!!! Being a volunteer will change your life but it will also change your world.”