Volunteering to Stay Grounded and Change Perspective

“If everyone made one small gesture, the world would already be much better.” — Emilie Kraght, Serve the City Luxembourg

In this feature on citizen initiatives, our editorial team shows you once again that small gestures matter—this time from a societal perspective, with acts that contribute to a more humane society.

Staying Grounded: Emilie Kraght’s Journey

For Emilie Kraght, volunteering is not just an activity; it is a way of life that has followed her through several countries before she settled in Luxembourg.

“When you work in an office, in a professional environment that is often very comfortable, it is easy to become disconnected from reality. It feels good to change perspective. It is important to stay grounded, to open one’s eyes to what is happening around us,” she explains.

For several years, Emilie has been active with Serve the City Luxembourg, an association that builds bridges between people in need and those who want to help. Whether through distributing meals, organizing creative workshops, or simply spending time with vulnerable populations, her commitment is driven by a simple conviction: the power of human connection.

“Volunteering has truly shaped the person I am today. It has given me perspective, gratitude, and a sense of belonging, wherever I have lived.”

Anecdote: From a War Zone to a Safe Space

Emilie shares a story that particularly touched her:

“One story that moves me deeply concerns a little boy, six or seven years old, who arrived from Ukraine with his brother. During the first few months, he stayed very much alone and would hide under the tables. It was impossible to catch his eye, and difficult to communicate with him. I remember thinking it was almost frightening to see a child so deeply traumatized, so ‘extinguished.'”

“I kept coming back, trying to establish contact with him. Later, he started to draw a little, but only using black. That was almost three years ago. Today, he uses every color of the rainbow. Now, when I walk into the room, he hugs me and grabs my hand to show me his drawings. I find it magnificent to see his evolution. It really shows how the smallest gestures can have a huge impact on someone’s life.”

A Message to Future Volunteers

For those who hesitate to take the leap, Emilie is encouraging: “You don’t need a lot of time or special skills to help. Often, just being there, listening, and sharing a smile is enough. You receive at least as much as you give.”

Through the “Citizens of Change” series, Infogreen aims to highlight these “everyday heroes” who, through their commitment, prove that a more solidary society is possible.

By Marie-Astrid Heyde

Article link: https://www.infogreen.lu/le-benevolat-pour-rester-ancre-et-changer-de-perspective-28493.html