Meet 26-year-old Bettina Szabo from Hungary, a volunteer under the Humanitarian Volunteering for Solidarity Activities (HVSA) Project, supported by ADRA, European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Co-funded by European Union (EU).
When she completed her studies in Biology and Human Ecology, Project volunteer Bettina knew she wanted her work to create a tangible difference in people’s lives. Her academic journey had focused heavily on climate change and environmental challenges, but she soon realized that understanding these issues from books and lectures was only part of the picture.
“During my university studies, I focused a lot on climate change and environmental challenges,” she explains. “The more I learned, the harder it became to ignore how strongly these issues affect vulnerable communities, especially in developing countries. Learning and talking about climate change from a theoretical perspective was not enough. I wanted to understand the realities behind the research and contribute in a practical and human way.”
This desire for real-world impact inspired her to seek volunteer opportunities in Africa. Through the Project, she found herself embarking on a life-changing journey to Zambia with ADRA Zambia.
Choosing Zambia
Among several possibilities, Zambia stood out as the right destination. The decision was influenced not only by the opportunity itself but also by the people she met during the recruitment process.
“During the interview process, the Country Director and my future colleague answered all my questions openly and honestly,” Bettina recalls. “They gave me a strong sense of trust and safety before leaving and confidence that this would be an environment where I could learn and grow.” She also credits the pre-departure training provided by ADRA Czechia for helping her prepare both practically and mentally for the experience ahead. “Because of all of this, I came to Zambia with an open mind instead of strong expectations,” she says. “Looking back, I think this mindset helped me adapt more easily, appreciate small moments, and experience the country as it is.”
Learning Through Service
The first weeks in Zambia brought a mixture of excitement and adjustment. Having never worked for a non-governmental organization before, she found herself navigating a completely new professional environment.
“My first weeks were both exciting and challenging,” Bettina says. “There were many new things, different ways of working, and everyday adjustments that I had to get used to. At the same time, what immediately stood out to me was how friendly, patient, and helpful people were. Whenever I felt unsure or needed help, there was always someone willing to guide me.”
Today, she serves as a Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, supporting initiatives that strengthen community resilience and sustainable development.
“I also saw this opportunity as a personal test,” she explains. “I wanted to see whether I could successfully combine my scientific knowledge with development and humanitarian work in practice. So far, this experience has shown me that environmental challenges, local realities, and development work are tightly connected.”
Understanding Communities Beyond the Reports
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been the opportunity to travel extensively and engage directly with communities across Zambia. Through field visits, she has gained valuable insights into how climate change impacts different regions and livelihoods.
“Seeing projects written in reports is one thing, but visiting communities and speaking with people directly gives a completely different perspective,” Bettina Explains. “These experiences help me better understand how climate change affects people differently depending on where they live and what resources they have access to.”
Working across Zambia’s diverse landscapes and cultures has reinforced the importance of community-driven approaches to development. “These experiences showed me that successful projects are not only about technical solutions, but also about trust, cooperation, and understanding community needs,” she adds.
Embracing a New Culture
Beyond professional growth, Zambia has offered a rich cultural experience that has transformed her daily life in unexpected ways. “A year ago, I probably would never have imagined that my life would suddenly be filled with nshima, ‘Muli bwanji?’ greetings, long field trips, seeing wild elephants and cheetahs with my own eyes, visiting the Kuomboka ceremony, meeting so many interesting people, and collecting stories and experiences almost every week,” she reflects.
“Sometimes it still feels surreal how quickly completely unfamiliar things can become part of everyday life.” These moments, she says, have become some of the most memorable parts of her journey. “Alongside all the learning and challenges, this experience has brought a lot of fun, unexpected moments, and memories that I know I will carry with me long after leaving Zambia.”
Looking Ahead
As her deployment continues, she remains eager to deepen her understanding of climate resilience, sustainable development, and community-led solutions.
“For the rest of my deployment, I hope to continue learning from the communities and people around me, gain more field experience, and deepen my understanding of climate resilience and sustainable development,” says Bettina. “I know there will still be challenges ahead, but I also know that this experience is already shaping me in ways I could not have imagined before arriving in Zambia.”
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Story by: Memory Musamba
English