Volunteer Vika: She Gave Vinyl Records a Second Chance and Found a New Home Here in Just a Year

For an entire year, Vika Sheuka, a volunteer from Belarus, lived and worked with us. You might have seen her not only at events organized by Malý Berlín, but also helping out with various tasks like making unique bags, greeting guests, and even chatting with you during a festival or workshop. Just before she left, Vika shared what she had been doing here and what left the biggest impression on her.

She came all the way from Belarus and became so at home here in a year that she’s eager to return soon. During her 12 months in Malý Berlín, Vika made Slovak friends and might soon return to continue her studies.

Vika quickly adapted to life in Malý Berlín, and over time, we overcame the language barrier together. Visitors could see her at various events in our spaces. “It was a good experience, and the whole year was a huge adventure for me. I made new friends, experienced moments I had never had before; it was something completely new. None of this would have happened if I stayed home,” says Viktoria.

The Belarusian resident spent almost every working day with the Malý Berlín team. She became well-known in places like the nearby Kubik, a place where we pick up posters, and even made friends with the attendees of our events. “I helped with tickets, prepared decorations for different events, took photos at various events, created stories for social media, and I also helped with organizing the Emília Rigová exhibition, the Ukrainian book library, and events for Ukrainians,” explains Vika.

Besides her various contributions, Vika also engaged in educational activities. She brought an interesting workshop to Trnava. Her creative project involved making beautiful bags from unwanted vinyl records, giving them a second life – something she had already started back in her native Belarus. “I initially found the idea online. When I came to Malý Berlín, I saw there was a sewing machine here, so I decided to continue making bags in Slovakia. I even taught a few people how to do it during a workshop,” our volunteer reveals. Those who visited our literary festival, Ypsalon, surely noticed the imaginative decorations made of leaves from old books, which Vika creatively arranged throughout Malý Berlín.

Vika fully enjoyed the atmosphere of Malý Berlín, especially since she lived right in the Nádvorie complex. Not only did she not have to travel far, but she also enjoyed summer events held outdoors. “I had them right under my window!” laughs the Belarusian volunteer.

For Viktoria, it was a new experience filled with encounters with people from other countries – some she met at work, others in her apartment. “Various artists, visitors, and other residents regularly came here. They lived with me in the apartment, and there were quite a few of them since most stayed in Slovakia for only three months, while I stayed for 12.”

She enjoyed meeting people from other countries, but what about meeting Slovaks? “I see a similarity between Belarusians and Slovaks in that we have somewhat similar histories; in some ways, we are alike. On the other hand, many times I was surprised; it felt like I was in a different world.” Despite the differences, Vika would like to connect her future with our country. “I definitely want to return to Slovakia. I’ve learned a bit of Slovak here – after all, we’re doing this interview in Slovak,” she adds with a laugh.

How did she find learning Slovak? “It’s not that hard; many words are similar, but on the other hand, some sound the same but mean something different. I still have a lot to learn; my Slovak is far from perfect,” says the future student of one of Trnava’s universities, perhaps.

Vika adds that she would like to explore Slovakia even more – although she saw quite a bit during her first stay with us. Besides Trnava, she was impressed by the Tatras, Banská Bystrica, and other parts of our country. “I was in Nové Zámky, for example, and was surprised by how beautiful the gallery there is. But many places in Slovakia caught me off guard like that. In many villages here, you can find beautiful churches, interesting historical sites, and various attractions for tourists,” describes Vika.

If Vika returns in the fall, you might see her around Malý Berlín again – whether as a visitor, a volunteer, or perhaps as a workshop instructor. Time will tell.

Ján Janočko

Photo: Petra K. Adamková