Home News Srdce na dlani 2025: Stories That Inspire Hope
On 24 March 2026, the city of Prešov hosted the ceremonial presentation of the national volunteering award Srdce na dlani 2025, which annually recognises outstanding individuals and initiatives contributing to positive change in society.
The award aims to support and highlight volunteering in all its forms – from local initiatives to activities extending beyond Slovakia’s borders. This year’s edition once again confirmed that volunteering has a strong tradition in Slovakia and carries a profound human dimension.
A total of 365 nominations from across Slovakia were submitted at the regional level – symbolically, one story of kindness for each day of the year – reflecting the strong culture of volunteering and the active engagement of individuals and communities. From these, 62 nominations advanced to the national round, where an expert jury granted awards in 9 categories.
Recognition for Those Who Help Others
Each year, Srdce na dlani brings forward inspiring stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through their work, volunteers contribute to building a more cohesive and compassionate society, often without expecting any reward.
In the context of the International Volunteer Year 2026, it is essential not only to support such activities, but also to systematically recognise and promote them. Initiatives like this play an important role in raising awareness about the value of volunteering and encouraging more people to get involved in helping others.
The recipients of the national Srdce na dlani 2025 award are:
The awards also included a category dedicated to volunteering abroad within the framework of the Slovak Republic’s official development cooperation under the SlovakAid. This category highlights the importance of solidarity and assistance beyond national borders.
The award in this category was presented to Jana Loneková, who spent nearly a year working in central Uganda, contributing to strengthening public health activities in the Mukono district. As a healthcare professional, she was involved in the operation of a local clinic, where she not only provided medical care but also supported improvements in hygiene standards and working procedures.
Her work also included awareness-raising and educational activities focused on disease prevention and community health. In cooperation with local partners, she delivered lectures and practical sessions for both children and adults, contributing to increased awareness of key health topics and improving access to essential health information.
In addition to her professional work, she helped improve the material conditions of the healthcare facility, benefiting both patients and staff. Her presence also contributed to strengthening trust within the local community in the services provided.
Jana Loneková’s volunteering experience demonstrates how professional expertise combined with personal commitment can lead to tangible and sustainable improvements in partner countries.
Video profiles of all awardees are available on the YouTube channel of the Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organisations.