Our colleague Liliya talks about her volunteer work and her role at Arineo

Liliya has been living in Germany for 20 years and brings a rich cultural background to the table: she is half Bulgarian and half Tatar. She’s been working in the SQL Server field for 13 years and is passionate about everything data-related. When she’s not immersed in the world of data, you can find her at the Aachen office, where she’s always ready to talk about her love of mathematics and books – or searching for the next sweet treat.

Volunteering in the Bulgarian community

Since 2018, Liliya has been a member of the Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Center (BKBZ) in Aachen, where she has served on the board since 2020. She helps organize the Saturday school and more significant cultural events like the Bulgarian Folk Festival. “It takes a village to raise a child,” she says, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse perspectives and experiences together. Additionally, she works as a lay translator for the city of Aachen and participates in events such as the “Integration Day” and the “Festival of Diversity.” These diverse tasks require a lot of time, strong organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with different people.

Education as a passion

When asked what motivates her to dedicate her free time to volunteer work, Liliya replies: “An unwavering belief that education is the foundation of raising children.” For her, it is important that children are taught knowledge and encouraged to think critically. Every Saturday, she stands in front of students between 10 and 13 years old, patiently and cheerfully engaging with them—even when their motivation varies. “There’s complaining, provocation, and they watch my every reaction closely,” she says with a smile. But what excites her most is seeing how the children express their thoughts in their own words and engage in discussions about their views of the world. “What more could you want?” she asks, visibly proud of her work.

Parallels between work and volunteering

Interestingly, Liliya sees many connections between her work at the BKBZ and her professional role at Arineo. “Trust is the most important factor in both areas,” she emphasizes. “In a cooperative organization like Arineo, success only comes when everyone feels free to express their opinions. That rules out micromanagement.” This open and trusting cooperation contributes to her personal and professional growth. Just like at BKBZ, every colleague at Arineo has the freedom to tackle tasks individually and independently, fostering creativity and accountability. Liliya also sees similarities in handling challenges: “In the cultural center, you need to adapt to unforeseen situations – a teacher may be absent, or a child may have unexpected questions. It’s the same at work. You need patience, flexibility, and a good feel for your team’s needs.”

Positively Impacting the Workplace Community

Liliya is convinced that dedication is contagious. Her experiences at the school directly influence her work at Arineo. “It’s all about motivation and support – two elements that are not only important at school, but also in our company.” This mindset has encouraged her to take on more responsibility in her professional role at Arineo and actively contribute in the base group. Thanks to Arineo’s flexible working hours, Liliya can plan her time effectively and balance her career and volunteer work.

Conclusion: volunteering is an enrichment for everyone

Through her volunteer work, Liliya has not only learned a lot about her own priorities but also about the value of community. She encourages her colleagues to try out volunteering: “It can be physically demanding and tiring, but it’s also a privilege to contribute through voluntary work.” She emphasizes that much of what is possible in Germany exists because people are willing to get involved in their communities. “Everyone has certainly benefited from it at some point, and it’s a wonderful way to give something back.” Liliya is a shining example of how professional and volunteer work can complement and enrich each other.