It all started when he stopped by the stand of the non-profit organisation Mise naděje at a student event, where he was drawn to their bone marrow donor registration project. “I ended up helping out at a one-off event at the Faculty of Medicine – and I really enjoyed it,” recalls Marek Šváb, who is enrolled in the Business Management programme.
What began as a one-time favour soon turned into a long-term commitment – one that was officially recognised this spring by the Rector of Masaryk University. “It feels good, of course, but I see it mainly as recognition for our whole organisation,” Marek says.
Marek received the award for his wide-ranging volunteer work with Mise naděje, an organisation that brings together more than 200 active volunteers. Alongside his full-time studies and job as a financial advisor, he coordinates bone marrow donor drives, teaches financial literacy in children’s homes across the country, runs creative workshops for children at the Psychiatric Clinic of University Hospital Brno and recruits and trains new volunteers. “Volunteering now feels completely normal to me – I actually wonder why more people don’t do it,” he says with a smile.
Using economics to make a difference
One of the main focuses of Marek’s volunteer work is teaching financial literacy in children’s homes. Through these regular visits, he puts his theoretical knowledge from the Business Management programme into practice, helping where it’s most needed.
“We usually travel by car, four volunteers at a time, to different children’s homes across South Moravia, and sometimes even to the Moravian-Silesian Region or Prague. We’ve prepared five different programmes, each covering a specific topic,” he explains. The sessions help children understand key financial principles, such as budgeting, the labour market and essential financial terms.
These topics are taught using worksheets, presentations, games and interactive workshops. Together with his team, Marek introduces children to the basics of money management – what a budget is, how saving works and the difference between income and expenses. On their most recent visit, they practised simulated job interviews. “The kids gained experience and new skills and then tried out what it’s like to apply for a job. We also explain what to watch out for in an employment contract,” Marek adds.
From bone marrow drives to comic books
In addition to financial education, Marek coordinates bone marrow donor recruitment events at the faculties of Masaryk University. His work involves not only organising these drives but also promoting them. “Only about one percent of those who sign up actually make it to the donation stage. So the more people we register, the greater the chance that a patient will find a matching donor,” he explains, underlining the life-saving potential of the project.
Marek is also involved in creative activities for children at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital Brno, where he brings energy and empathy to brighten their everyday lives. “Last time, we made comics about their ideal day. We tried to focus on positive thoughts – what they’d most like to eat, what activity they’d enjoy and who they’d want to spend the day with,” he says, describing the atmosphere. “It’s not about education – it’s more of a relaxing and entertaining experience for them,” he adds.
As part of Mise naděje, Marek also acts as a mentor, helping to recruit and support new volunteers and raise awareness about the organisation’s activities. “When we get someone new who wants to get involved, I explain how it works, what kinds of activities they could join and how everything runs.”
The art of balancing it all
Combining university studies, a job as a financial advisor and several volunteering projects requires careful planning from the 21-year-old student. “Unfortunately, I’ve had to extend my studies, but if you want to make it work, you can definitely find the time. It just takes efficient planning and setting priorities,” Marek says pragmatically.
His flexible job as a financial advisor helps, as does the fact that he has already completed most of his required coursework. “It’s great that now, in my final year, I have fewer in-person classes, so I can focus more on work or volunteering,” he says, appreciating how things have lined up. The natural timing of his volunteering activities also works in his favour: “When we’re taking exams, the kids are on school holidays, so things quiet down and I can focus on studying.”
What may seem like three unrelated activities actually connect quite naturally in Marek’s case. “As a financial advisor, I often help clients with situations I can then use as real-life examples for the kids – like how to avoid getting talked into a bad loan or how to manage a budget wisely,” he explains.
Finding fulfilment in helping others
Helping others has been an all-around positive experience for Marek. “It’s a great feeling when you see that your work is genuinely helping someone. And at the same time, it gives you valuable life experience,” he says. Besides the personal satisfaction, volunteering also offers practical benefits. “Employers often appreciate when you’ve got something extra on your CV – something that shows you’re making a positive impact,” he adds.
Volunteering with Mise naděje has also brought Marek many new friends. “It’s a really nice environment. No one shows up in a bad mood, and you meet people you end up spending your free time with,” he says, describing the friendly atmosphere among volunteers. This sense of community gives him the energy and motivation to keep going even during the tougher times.
Plans for the future
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Marek plans to continue with a master’s programme and eventually start his own business. “I want to set up my own company one day, even though I don’t have a specific idea yet. Right now, I’m focusing on gaining experience, so when the right idea comes along, I’ll be ready to put it into action.”
He also intends to keep volunteering. “I imagine that at some point I’ll need to devote more time to my career – but even then, I can still support the organisation financially,” he reflects on what the future might hold.
Invitation to others
For students who are thinking about getting involved in similar activities but worry about the time commitment, Marek has a clear message. “Even just an hour a week can make a difference. It’s a great opportunity to apply what we learn while also helping others,” he says, encouragingly. The organisation is always looking for new people and welcomes every helping hand.
“If someone’s not sure how to get involved, they’re welcome to reach out to me. We’ll be glad for any kind of help,” he adds. Marek’s story is proof that university isn’t just a place for learning: it can also be a space to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.