Teenager ‘learns a lot’ from volunteering
in old people’s home

WEGROW, Poland — “I thought this would be a sad place but there is a happy, light atmosphere here,” says 18-year-old Dorota who volunteers in the old people’s home, Sarepta, in this north-eastern town. The home is run by the Lutheran church.

“I spend most of my Saturdays here and I haven’t regretted it,” she adds. “There are a lot of nice people here and I have learnt a great deal from them.”

Cheerful attitude

Dorota, 18, hopes to follow in her mother and sister's footsteps and become a doctor. In her spare time she volunteers at an old people's home, Sarepta. Wegrow, Poland. Photo: UBS/Dag Smemo (POL04DJ-242.JPG)

Dorota’s ready smile and cheerful attitude have won her the affection of the home’s residents and carers alike. While her family are very supportive of her work at the old people’s home, not many of her friends know about it. Her boyfriend, however, is also actively involved in volunteer work.

“He has joined me at Sarepta a few times and likes it a lot. He is studying to become a teacher and works as a volunteer at a centre for disabled people. He helps them learn how to paint.”

Dorota is in her final year of senior school and hopes to follow in the footsteps of her mother and sister and become a doctor. She finds much of her inspiration for all aspects of her life in the Bible.

“I was given a Bible when I was confirmed,” she says. “When I need advice and guidance I look for it in the Bible. During church services I also make note of Scripture verses that particularly speak to me.”

She admits that not all young people are as interested in the Bible as she is. “There are only a few young people who go to church,” she comments. (WR 390/11 - 02.05)