We, the people of Vorarlberg, are generally considered to be rather reserved when it comes to making new friendships, BUT at the same time, we are very active and passionate about engaging in our clubs, volunteering, and hobbies. Enthusiasm for a cause brings people together, SO here are a few suggestions on how you can get to know us better:
Helmut Loitz tutors students at the Lerncafé Lauterach.
Almost ten years ago, Helmut Loitz discovered a report in the municipal newspaper about the Lerncafé Lauterach, where volunteer tutors were being sought. In this case, volunteers were found right away, as only a few days later, the now 78-year-old began his volunteer work, a task that continues to excite him to this day.
Even as a retiree, one can still have favorite subjects, and in Helmut Loitz’s case, these are history and mathematics. “I always had fun with mathematics as a student, and it brings me joy to pass on my knowledge to the students at the Lerncafé,” says the Lauterach native. English and German are sometimes more challenging for him, he adds with a smile. “But it keeps me mentally fit to engage with subjects that I wouldn’t need in everyday life.”
Helmut Loitz, who worked as an insurance expert for a total of 55 years and was also involved in the family business, wants to pass on important values to the children and teenagers beyond the classroom: “If you work hard and are diligent, you will succeed in life!” He also always advises his students to focus during school lessons. “That way, they will have less catch-up work later and will find things easier overall.”
Photo (c)Elke Kager, Caritas Vorarlberg
Helmut Loitz sees his involvement in the Lerncafé as enriching for everyone involved. “It’s wonderful to see how quickly the children make progress. When you meet them at the start of the school year and then observe how they develop positively by Christmas, it’s remarkable.” There are often personal encounters in the town, where Helmut Loitz senses that he was an important companion on the path of former Lerncafé students.
Would you like to tutor children, too?
The Caritas Lerncafés are located in 16 towns across Vorarlberg, from Bregenz to Schruns. The free service is aimed at students aged 8 to 14. Volunteers help children with their homework, prepare them specifically for tests and exams, read together, practice languages, or simply create a joyful learning environment.
Women and men interested in contributing their time and knowledge to the Lerncafés, to make school life a little easier for children, are welcome to contact Nicole Nachbaur, E nicole.nachbaur@caritas.at, M 0676-88420 4044, in the Vorarlberg lowlands, or Denise Zech, E denise.zech@caritas.at, M 0676-88420 3014, in the upper region.
More details at caritas-vorarlberg.at/lerncafes
About volunteering at Caritas
Volunteering has a long tradition and high value at Caritas Vorarlberg. Being there for others without expecting something in return creates opportunities for growth and development for all involved.
What makes volunteering special?
Volunteering enriches – the lives of others, but also your own.
As a volunteer, you bring new perspectives, life experience, knowledge, and talents – opening up new opportunities for others. And in return, you receive much: a smile and the feeling of doing something meaningful. You meet people, make connections, and gain new experiences. You expand your knowledge and enjoy a lot of fun and joy.
How and where can you volunteer? What opportunities are there to help?
Nearly one thousand volunteers are active in various fields of Caritas Vorarlberg: whether in Lerncafés, as social or integration mentors, as reading partners, in work with people with disabilities, in hospice work, in carla shops and retail parks, or abroad, the range of possible fields is diverse at Caritas.
The Caritas volunteer exchange provides easy access to this voluntary engagement: whether spontaneous, digital, or regular help, the filter helps you find the opportunity that suits you. By entering one or more postal codes, fields of activity, or available weekdays, you can narrow down the search results. Multiple selections are possible. To the volunteer exchange.
There are also numerous short-term opportunities, for individual projects or events, for example. Learn more on the website www.fuereinand.at.
Photo (c)Caritas Vorarlberg
What other ways are there to actively spend your free time?
In this ➡️blog post, you’ll find more ideas.
https://www.chancenland.at/en/news/where-can-i-meet-people-in-vorarlberg/