Wonderful experiences of Savremena Gimnazija students with volunteering at the Shelter

Volunteering and donating are important and meaningful ways to help others and engage with the community. It's an opportunity to connect with people with similar interests, learn new skills, and assist those in need. Students have recognized this and supported humanitarian initiatives, accepting every call for help, volunteering, making packages and cards, collecting food and books, raising awareness about issues, and seeking solutions.

LINKgroup (LINK edu Alliance) through the work of the LINK Foundation, ecological and humanitarian efforts of our schools, institutions, and institutes, and the boundless support of all members of our community, provides assistance to those most in need.

Hereby, we want to convey the experiences and comments of our students after volunteering at the Shelter as part of the project organized by LINK kidZ & Youth WBCC:

Marija Jauković II-1: I'm glad that I can help them in any way and contribute with my presence

First of all, I would like to say that I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Shelter. The volunteering experience has changed me. I realized from the very first time I was there that it's not easy for those kids at all. At the Shelter, I met very wonderful, sweet, and smart kids. They left a very nice impression on me, and I believe I did on them too. I really enjoy helping them with their homework, playing with them, and talking to them. I also believe it's very important to have good communication with them to get closer and have better relationships. I especially want to praise the educators. I am truly impressed by them and their work, especially how nicely they treat the children, help them, teach them, and, most importantly, care for them. It shows how good-hearted they are and how dedicated they are. It fills my heart with joy. I'm glad that I can help them in any way and contribute with my presence. I feel better when I can help those who have little, who haven't received enough attention, and haven't had much luck in life. I'm honored to be able to help them and provide attention and support. The Shelter helped me realize that there are people who don't have much, and we should appreciate what little we have and be grateful. I'm very glad to be a part of this—I will do my best to make them happy and have fun while they're here.

Svetozar Putnik II-1: Because of participating in the project, I feel like I'm doing a good and noble thing

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my school for participating in the Shelter project, and to say that I am filled with joy to be part of that project. Because of participating in the project, I feel like I'm doing a good and noble thing. The children at the Shelter are children like us, only they haven't been lucky enough in life, they've lost their support, attention, so even the smallest help is welcome. Every time I enter the Shelter, I'm greeted by educators and children with a smile. I'm happy to see them, whether I'm doing homework with them or playing memory games with them. When I enter and see their joy, my heart is full, I greet them, and at that moment, I realize that I'm in the right place at the right time. Wednesday is the day when we meet every week. Our little attention to them means a lot. They accept every support I provide them with open arms. They try hard to remember every homework assignment we did. They try hard to win every game we play. When they win, happiness shines in their eyes, as if they are the happiest and most fulfilled children in the world. When our time together comes to an end, they ask me when we'll see each other again. My promise that it's already next Wednesday is my word given to them that I must fulfill.

We have shown solidarity and support to those in need

The volunteering of our students, parents, and employees has given us the opportunity to help others and engage in important community activities. Through volunteering, we have connected with others, now understand each other better, and have shown solidarity and support to those in need. We continue in that direction and invite you to share your ideas with us.

I am extremely pleased and proud to be the parent of a Savremena student. During my first encounter with the school management, when I asked about my child’s potential enrolment, I saw how much love, enthusiasm and professionalism you put in your work. I was impressed by your approach, ideas and methods. I couldn’t believe something like this existed in our country! It doesn’t take long to realise that this is a school you would recommend to everyone. Creativity, modern technology, top-quality education, and most of all, the humaneness that can be seen throughout the school, make it truly different and worthy of its name – Savremena Gimnazija. With such an approach, the success of this school and, consequently, our children’s success, is unavoidable. Congratulations! Jelena Đorđević, Andrija’s mum
Contemporary in any sense of the word, our school offers functional knowledge and quality preparation for tertiary education in Serbia and abroad. Implementing modern and creative teaching in the classroom, where the teachers’ pedagogy and students’ performance are aligned with the highest academic standards for the high-school finals, our school develops linguistic, mathematical, scientific, artistic, cultural, technical and ICT competence, which is a prerequisite for further education and professional development. Teaching is supported by the interactive whiteboards and educational software, whereas practice exercises research and critical thinking.