Olga Donovalova
(coordinator of youth programmes)
I am scout leader, geographer and a nature wanderer. In 2025, I obtained my Master degree in geography in Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic.
Work with Machaon opens many doors to the world for a young person as I am – learning life skills – in organisation, dealing with responsibilities, interpersonal skills and creative thinking, travelling and exploring the world. Participating in the projects and the wide range of activities also means meeting a plenty of amazing, inspiring people which, to me, is the greatest benefit. Encountering people, who share your ardour and enthusiasm is the best motivation in both professional and personal life. And this is one amazing thing you get in such projects – not only professional skills, but also real life experience, interpersonal bonds and memories.
Nature is close to my heart, and it is evident from the fact that I have been a member of the Slovak Scouting since the age of 9, focusing primarily on living in and with nature. In addition to scouting, I am involved in educating young people in team leadership, organizational thinking, and time management. Education is a significant part of my personality, and during my studies, I also worked at the forest kinder garden, where I dedicated myself to teaching environmental education. I led excursions in nature reserves and organized a summer scout camps.
As a travel enthusiast, I really appreciate the diversity of places you can see, while pursuing the projects – beautiful localities as Ukrainian Carpathians, far Kamchatka, breathtaking Altai mountains or picturesque Beskydy. But apart from foreign projects, you also learn to appreciate the local natural and cultural heritage in the process.
Machaon has truly changed my life, moved me forward and gave me many impulses for my personal future.
