The Best School Visit During My ESC Volunteering in Rzeszów… so far!

Hey! My name is Mariam, and as an ESC volunteer with INPRO in Rzeszów, one of the experiences I truly look forward to is visiting schools and sharing the culture and history of my home country, Armenia. Out of all the school visits I’ve done so far, one stands out as the most memorable, and I’d love to share it with you.

Sharing Armenia’s Rich Culture

The moment I entered the classroom at the primary school in the church on Rejtana Street, Rzeszów, I could sense the excitement. I started by presenting Armenia to the students, using maps, pictures, and a few personal stories to bring my country to life for them. I talked about Armenia’s ancient history, its beautiful landscapes, and our unique traditions that have been passed down through generations. I also introduced them to our delicious food and our traditional music and dances. The students listened carefully throughout the presentation, and I could see the curiosity in their eyes.

Questions and Cultural Connections

At the end of my presentation, the real fun began. The students immediately started asking questions, and I could tell they were truly interested in learning more. Some wanted to know about life in Armenia – what do Armenian kids do for fun? What kind of festivals do we have? Others were fascinated by our language and our alphabet. They were surprised to learn that Armenia has its own unique alphabet with 39 letters, and they were curious about how it works. This led to one of the highlights of the visit: teaching them a few simple Armenian words like “barev” (hello) and “shnorhakalutyun” (thank you).

One of my favourite moments came when I showed them how to write their names in Armenian. The students were so excited to see their names in this completely different script. Some of them even tried to write it themselves, which was both fun and a little challenging for them. The excitement in the room was contagious, and it felt so rewarding to see their interest in my culture.

Finding Common Ground

As we continued to talk, we discovered both differences and similarities between our two cultures. I shared with them how Armenia’s traditions are shaped by our rich history and religious background, while they shared some of Poland’s unique customs, especially around Christmas and Easter. We found common ground in our love for food, family, and traditions. At the same time, we also discussed the differences in daily life, from how our school systems work to what we eat for breakfast! These conversations showed us that while our countries may be far apart, we have more in common than we might think.

What made this visit truly stand out wasn’t just the exchange of information but the genuine connection we made. The students were not just learning from me; they were teaching me too. I learned about Polish culture in ways I hadn’t known before, and I felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Armenia with such eager young minds.

The teacher’s support throughout the session made it all the more special. She was not only attentive but also helped guide the discussion in a way that made the students feel comfortable asking even the smallest questions. She encouraged them to explore their curiosity, which made the entire visit feel like a true cultural exchange rather than just a presentation.

By the end of the day, I left the classroom feeling fulfilled and energised. It’s not every day that you get to share a piece of your heart and your heritage with young people who are eager to learn. That school visit reminded me of why I love volunteering and how powerful cultural exchange can be in bringing people together.