Going to Africa was one of those dreams I had carried with me since childhood. I had always been drawn to the idea of discovering that distant and completely different world, but even more than that, I wanted to go somewhere I could help someone and leave at least a small mark. When I was younger, Africa seemed so far away that I never imagined I would one day actually visit it.

During university, I decided that I no longer wanted to simply dream about it, but to try to make that dream come true. I began researching volunteering opportunities and discovered Kolajna ljubavi. Their work and the way they support children in Songea particularly appealed to me, and somehow I felt that this was exactly what I had been looking for. The online preparations before my departure helped me learn more about what awaited me and get ready for an entirely new life experience.

Honestly, after arriving, I needed a little time to adjust to being so far away from my loved ones. Although I had wanted to come to Africa for a long time and was excited about everything that lay ahead, it was only when I arrived that I truly realised how far away I was from everything familiar and from the people I love. Still, the children made me feel much more comfortable very quickly through their warmth and the way they welcomed me, making that feeling of distance a little less painful.

The time I spent with them was truly special. Playing, talking, laughing, singing and sharing the simplest everyday moments became the best part of each day. Being with them taught me how little it takes to be happy and how much a genuine smile, a hug or playing together can mean. Those simple moments are what I remember most fondly.

Beyond the time we spent with the children at the orphanage, taking part in the child sponsorship programme was particularly meaningful to me. Through this programme, we had the opportunity to support children and families who are not directly connected to the orphanage, giving me a sense that our presence and assistance reached far beyond its walls. It was important to me to see how this kind of support could make everyday life a little easier for someone and provide the help they genuinely needed.

I returned home feeling that I had gone there to help others, when in fact I had received far more myself than I had ever expected. Africa showed me that happiness can be found in the simplest things, that kindness knows no boundaries, and that sometimes, in the very places where we believe we are going to give something to others, we are actually the ones who receive the most.

And that is why I will always look back on this experience with deep gratitude.

Mia Radmanović