VOLUNTEERING - AN INSPIRING WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Our colleague Monica has dedicated her free time to making a positive impact on the lives of children in the social protection system. Her  commitment and dedication are an inspiration to us all.

When did you start working for Vitesco Technologies? What role do you in the company?

In January 2019, I joined Continental Timisoara Purchasing team in the Powertrain business unit as an Advanced Purchasing Engineer. Soon, the Vitesco Technologies spin-off happened and a lot of changes took place. During this time I learned a lot, I was supported, encouraged and challenged to grow. All this made me take a new challenge, as Project Manager starting beginning of August this year.

Could you tell us about your main projects at the moment?

The project manager responsibilities opened the door to further knowledge.

The main project I am involved in is a challenging one, giving Vitesco Technologies access to an additional market segment. It is inspiring to notice how our team is working to find solutions, solve challenges, support each other - simply said, make it work.

How did you start collaborating with Ajungem MARI?

I believe that work-life balance is important for each of us. I also think that helping somebody in need is in our human nature.

The autumn of 2015 introduced me to the world of volunteering. I had the opportunity to attend a charity action organized in Romanian Carpathian mountains. A great experience we continue since then every year in November. But I started questioning what could I do more? And the answer came in my Facebook feed in the form of a call for volunteers posted by Ajungem MARI. I applied, I attended the trainings so I started my activity on January 2016 in this program.

What has been your experience with the Ajungem MARI?

As I joined the "Ajungem MARI" program, I entered the world of children who are in the social protection system. I discovered children like any other. Children who want to play, go to school, explore the world. To love and be loved, to be encouraged, advised, to feel safe. These children gave me priceless experiences and memories along the 7 years: from the joy in their eyes when we meet, the pride of the first written A letter and to the goodbye hug until next time, every encounter feels miraculous.

Smiles, tears wiped away with hugs, encouragement, confidence, cheerfulness and many, many cool emotions, all experienced in the Ajungem MARI team.

What is the greatest accomplishment from the collaboration with Ajungem MARI?

It is hard to name the greatest accomplishment. I would rather say that each meeting or activity brings accomplishments: from the way their eyes light up when we meet, their joy because they managed to do something that they thought was beyond their possibilities, the way they learn to support each other, the emotion of the first trip in their life, to succeed in important exams –  e.g. capacity exams, baccalaureate, driving license, training courses, first job and so many more. Their accomplishments show us that our volunteering involvement makes the difference.

Meantime they have really grown up and we still stay connected with some of them. The best reward as a volunteer is to see that they succeed and are fine.

What is your advice for someone who is thinking to become a volunteer for an NGO who is taking care of children?

The best advice is to try at least one module. The Ajungem MARI program is structured in 8 or 12 month modules. It is not necessary to have previous teaching experience to get involved, nor to have extensive knowledge about certain subjects. 

Through putting in practice two of Vitesco Technologies values – Passionate and Partnering, you can bring the sunshine in the eyes of a child and fill your heart with love and joy.

ABOUT VITESCO AUTOMOTIVE WUHU

Vitesco Automotive Wuhu Co., Ltd. was founded in 1995 as a joint venture established by German Mannesmann VDO Group and Wuhu Instrument Factory in Wuhu, China.

In 1998, the investment partner of the joint venture company was changed to the construction company of Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Zone, WEDA.

In 2020, after different ownership changes, the location became Vitesco Automotive Wuhu Co., Ltd. Now Vitesco Automotive Wuhu has more than 1,400 employees locally.

If you liked this interview, don´t miss out on more of our employee stories.