{"id":15939,"date":"2019-05-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/rozvojovy-dobrovolnik-martin-pavelka-kedze-vyzvy-vyhladavam-gruzinsko-bolo-jasnou-volbou-rozhovor\/"},"modified":"2019-05-19T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-05-19T00:00:00","slug":"rozvojovy-dobrovolnik-martin-pavelka-kedze-vyzvy-vyhladavam-gruzinsko-bolo-jasnou-volbou-rozhovor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/rozvojovy-dobrovolnik-martin-pavelka-kedze-vyzvy-vyhladavam-gruzinsko-bolo-jasnou-volbou-rozhovor\/","title":{"rendered":"Development volunteer Martin Pavelka: Since I seek challenges, Georgia was the obvious choice (interview)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The commercial sphere is for him a long closed and unread chapter. He now wants to make his full impact where he is needed and where he can link his work to the needs of vulnerable people. As Tserovani himself says of his time in the Georgian settlement: \u201eBeing out of your comfort zone is good training and also a wake-up call for those who don't realise the privileges and opportunities we have in Slovakia thanks to the EU.\u201c Read more about For Better Future's activities and future plans in an interview with development volunteer Martin Pavelka.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

You have travelled to different parts of the world, you have even worked in human resources abroad. Why did you decide to leave your job for a year and go volunteer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have always felt a responsibility to be part of the solution. I consider myself a humanist and so working with people has always been paramount for me. While studying Russian and East European Studies, in addition to volunteering at the Fair-Play Alliance and the CARDO Volunteer Center, I also completed an internship at the U.S. Embassy. Later, during my master's studies, I started working in the HR department of a successful German company. However, I had the feeling that where most young people nowadays end up, I was just starting out. The desire to be part of the change on an international level did not subside.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

So when did you decide to become a development volunteer thanks to the ADRA Slovakia programme and with the support of SlovakAid?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shortly after a year spent, thanks to the European Voluntary Service, at the Impact Hub social incubator in Vienna. There, in addition to coordinating an international community of more than five hundred social entrepreneurs from all over the world, I was also responsible for building and leading an international team of volunteers, event management and communications. I also had the chance to assist the Vienna office of Doctors Without Borders in the selection of field workers for foreign missions.<\/p>\n

This was followed by two more months in one of the poorest states in India, Tamil Nadu, where I combined volunteering and my interest in yoga. So the move to a developing area came at the right time. All these events helped me to realize my own values, priorities and focus on what really matters. In my case, that is helping and supporting those who cannot help themselves or need a helping hand in doing so.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

You've done quite a lot of volunteering. During the pre-departure preparation for volunteers, we often talk about expectations, the right motivation, and also fears about the placement. How was that for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Better to see once than hear a hundred times. Because living and working on a foreign project for a long time is diametrically opposed to what one sees in the media or reads in fiction. I would say that the key is: to study in detail the situation and the region in which one will be working. Equally important is one's internal frame of mind before the trip and one's long-term motivation for the area. Being alone for a long time in a field where living standards and social norms are at a completely different level is not the easiest thing to do. The better prepared you are, the easier this transition is.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

How do you appreciate the preparation for volunteering in the ADRA Slovakia team?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to its active participation in volunteer programmes, ADRA has SlovakAid<\/a> a EU Aid volunteers<\/a> a prepared strategy and materials on how to prepare and send young people on their stay. Participation in such a programme and the subsequent stay is also conditional on a compulsory pre-departure internship in its office in Bratislava. During the intensive one-month internship, I also had the opportunity not only to work on project management, but also to interact directly with development cooperation actors. This made my work in the field much easier later on. During my internship and training at ADRA Slovakia, I became very close to my colleagues, especially on a human level, which I am very happy about.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why did you choose Georgia for your volunteer placement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The countries of the former Soviet Union have always fascinated me and seemed to me shrouded in mystery. That was the reason why I decided to study Russian studies. I found it challenging to work with internally displaced persons (IDPs). And since I seek challenges, Georgia became an obvious choice.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

What organisation are you working for there now?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I work for a local organisation For Better Future<\/a>, which focuses on supporting IDPs, especially the most vulnerable groups - women, children and young people. My host organisation was founded by these IDPs. I also work for their Ikorta social enterprise<\/a>, in which twelve internally displaced women make traditional enamel jewellery.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Not everyone understands the issue of internal displacement. Can you clarify - why and in which period were these people resettled in Tserovani?<\/strong><\/p>\n

They had to flee their homes because of the Georgian-Russian war over the South Ossetia region in 2008. Immediately after the war, the Georgian government had several settlements built in the border regions. These are terraced housing estates. The largest is the Tserovani settlement near Tbilisi, where about 8,000 ethnic Georgians and Georgian women live in two thousand simple houses. One of these houses houses For Better Future and another houses the aforementioned Ikorta.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

How is the social enterprise Ikorta succeeding in the market?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ikorta is a real success story. And deservedly so. The women working for Ikorta are fully committed to this creative work and put all their energy and time into it. The number of female employees has expanded from three to twelve; we are currently in the process of rebranding - expanding our portfolio, building our online store and deepening our collaboration with local businesses. Email marketing has a strong tradition in the country and the annual increase in tourists in Georgia helps this.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A number of national NGOs and international organisations emerged in Georgia after the war conflict. How is their presence and activities felt there?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Georgia is an extremely diverse and multi-ethnic country, so people's needs vary. However, the main themes are: the integration of marginalised groups, the promotion of employment in the regions and the promotion of the rural economy. The work of organisations varies from region to region. There are many volunteers, thanks in particular to the European Voluntary Service programme and the US Peace Corps programme. A lot of money is invested in development cooperation with Georgia. However, it is felt that the cup is already full. If further changes are to take place, the initiative must come from the state, but this is not happening. I therefore consider it crucial to support the development of good governance and civic activism.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

How do the remnants of the war or wars of the past feel in the regions themselves?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two hundred years of Russian domination is strongly felt throughout the country, especially the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union and the chaos associated with it. After the collapse of the USSR in 1992-94, the country was in civil war, caused by the status Abkhazia<\/a> a South Ossetia<\/a>. To this day, both separatist regions, supported by Russia, are trying to secede from Georgia.<\/p>\n

Entry into the breakaway regions of South Ossetia from the Georgian side is not possible for most people. The only way to enter it is from the Russian side. Abkhazia is a different story. However, if you have a South Ossetian stamp in your passport, you will not be allowed back into Georgia. Thanks to the media (e.g. Echo of the Caucasus), we know what is going on there, but nobody knows exactly what it is like in South Ossetia. What is clear, however, is that the living conditions there are even more brutal than in other regions of Georgia.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What surprises you about the functioning \/ non-functioning of the country (what does Georgia need to add in order to belong to the EU one day)?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The main problem I see is the lack of interest and lax approach on the part of the state to the problems of the people. This was clearly visible recently during the presidential campaign. Problems that remain unaddressed for a long time only exacerbate existing problems.<\/p>\n

But Georgians can also be self-critical. If you ask them how they would describe their nation, the answer is \u201elazy\u201c. The historical context shows that they have everything they need to survive in their country. Thus, even because of their isolated location and the abundance of these resources, nothing is judging them; there will be a time for everything.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What does your day look like in Tserovani?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mornings are very quiet, work doesn't start until 10am. A lot of things are discussed over coffee or lunch together, they have a strong tradition here. Tserovani has a life of its own, time and space are perceived very differently here. \u201eThere's no hurry, everything will get done somehow.\u201c As was hinted in the previous answer: it is nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, on the other hand there are moments when it can frustrate a person. Too much casualness does not add to the productivity of organizations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

You're a lay environmentalist, you like community projects, you practice yoga, you sort waste. How is Georgian society set up for this?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Georgia is a multicultural country and also a certain clash of worlds, concepts and currents. As a nation, Georgians rely on the strength of their community. Also thanks to the increased interest of tourists and support from various grants, interesting community projects are starting to emerge (e.g. the initiative of young architects who are creating new green spaces in Tbilisi). There are also a few alternative spaces, such as the Factory. However, issues that are hot topics in Europe, such as climate change or waste management, are not even present here. The country simply has other, more obvious problems it is struggling with, whether it is corruption or the fact that 20 % of the country's land area is occupied by Russia, for example.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let's return to the concrete activities in the host organisation For Better Future. What projects are you in charge of there?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I dedicate part of my time to supporting the development of the Ikorta social enterprise in Tserovani, where twelve internally displaced women make traditional, Georgian enamel jewellery. My main focus here is on increasing the visibility of the enterprise, marketing it more effectively. I'm also working on the aforementioned rebranding, especially the launch of the online shop, which will soon become a reality. In another project, aimed at promoting the employability of the displaced community, I will be directly in charge of the topic of social entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

I work with local youth as a teacher or mentor on a daily basis. These are teenagers and children who, due to their social status and unsatisfactory education system, do not have many opportunities for self-fulfilment and quality education.<\/p>\n

I am also interested in less talked-about topics such as environmental protection. I have managed to introduce a recycling programme in public institutions in the settlement, as well as organising a campaign that has helped us to clear one of the main thoroughfares in the settlement of plastics. We are also planning to create new green spaces in the settlement. I am also trying to promote the idea of volunteering as a way of change.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What feedback do you get on your activities?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I get very good feedback on my activities. It's good to feel that those you do it for appreciate your energy and the time you put into it. It also shows how the local youth enjoy your presence.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

But you are also working on projects outside the Tserovani settlement, on your own initiative. What exactly is it about?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the so-called Leadership Academy. I go to each settlement on a weekly basis and work with the resettled youth. Through various practical and interactive activities, I work on developing their \u201esoft-skills\u201c that will be useful for them - either in their studies or later in their working life.<\/p>\n

I am also working on a project to support the development of civil society in the poorest displaced mountain settlement of Prezeti. With the help of a micro-grant from SlovakAid we will stimulate the youth to be more civically active and give them the \u201eknow-how\u201c in needs mapping. We want them to reflect on the main challenges in their settlement and to work together as a community to propose solutions to the most pressing problems. Throughout the duration of the project, we will mainly focus on mentoring the youth and coordinating their suggestions.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is something you would like to change or improve in the local community for the better, but you don't think you will be able to do it during your stay?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I had more of these ideas, but only after some time does one begin to realize the complexity of the whole sitation. One of the main problems I see is access to water. Water that should be used for normal, daily consumption is used to irrigate gardens. From spring to autumn there are half-day water cuts almost every day. Toilets in schools for resettled children are in a disastrous state. However, the latrines, which are located in the out-of-school annexes, are in a state that I cannot even describe myself. It is sad to see how people who have lost everything have to make do with less than the bare minimum because of the state's ignorance.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

If the state does not take the first step, the Slovenian-Georgian development cooperation projects may fall well again. What plans do you have for the rest of your volunteer stay in Tserovani?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am currently helping the sending organization ADRA Slovakia in the preparation of new foreign projects for the next period. It may include projects to provide drinking water and sanitation. I have also been focusing on mapping and building new partnerships in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, where we could send our development volunteers again this year.<\/p>\n

In my spare time, I try to write articles about pressing social issues in Georgia. However, time flies extremely fast here, so I have to prioritize my activities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

So what do you think is the point of providing development aid or cooperation in that country as part of the Eastern Partnership?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is almost our responsibility to pass on the experience that we have as a country and as a society and to show local institutions that there are different ways - how to approach the topic of good governance, agriculture or social entrepreneurship. I think that Georgia very much appreciates the support that it receives from its European and American partners. It is also obvious that this cooperation contributes directly or indirectly to raising the standard of living in the country, and that is important.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

We agree on the importance of well-implemented development cooperation projects (including volunteer programmes) for local communities. But what are the benefits of this type of development volunteering for the young people themselves, sent on their mission to low-income countries?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I guess it depends on how much you can get out of your stay. One should go for the maximum. It is not the desire for profit, but an absolute commitment to what one believes in that always bears fruit. Apart from rocketing personal growth, one will make brand new social connections, realise the diversity of life and broaden one's horizons. Being out of one's comfort zone is a good workout and a wake-up call for those who are unaware, for example, of the privileges we receive thanks to the EU.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In what ways could this type of travel to a so-called developing country be misleading or unhelpful for young people?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don't believe that any life experience can be unprofitable for a person. As long as a volunteer gives himself fully to what he is doing, it will inevitably leave a mark not only on him but also on those around him. I have met a few volunteers who have experienced disappointment, but it's all just a matter of perspective. Even with few resources, a lot can be done.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some of our volunteers will take a new direction in their lives when they return (from the commercial sphere to the non-profit, charitable one). Maybe it's too early to tell, but where is it pulling you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have no doubt that I will continue to connect my life with the needs of others, especially vulnerable people. One has to go to make an impact where one is needed. This is what I believe, and act accordingly. I would like to direct my next steps towards the field of crisis management, that is, intervening in areas affected by both natural and man-made disasters. However, I can also see myself working in the area of migration. The commercial sphere is a chapter I have already read.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Text: Boba M. Baluchov\u00e1, Photo: ADRA Slovakia, For Better Future and archive of M. Pavelka<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Komer\u010dn\u00e1 sf\u00e9ra je pre neho nadlho uzavret\u00e1 a pre\u010d\u00edtan\u00e1 kapitola. Teraz chce naplno p\u00f4sobi\u0165 tam, kde ho je potreba a kde m\u00f4\u017ee svoju pr\u00e1cu prep\u00e1ja\u0165 s\u00a0potrebami zranite\u013en\u00fdch \u013eud\u00ed. Ako s\u00e1m o\u00a0svojom pobyte v\u00a0gruz\u00ednskom os\u00eddl\u00ed Tserovani hovor\u00ed: \u201eBy\u0165 mimo svojej komfortnej z\u00f3ny je dobr\u00fd tr\u00e9ning a\u00a0z\u00e1rove\u0148 aj bud\u00ed\u010dek pre toho, kto si neuvedomuje, ak\u00e9 privil\u00e9gi\u00e1 a\u00a0mo\u017enosti […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":15940,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[292,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15939","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15939"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15939\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adra.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}