Faces of the National Centre: volunteer programme manager Madlen Remel

Madlen Remel, volunteer programme manager at the National Centre RUSSIA, began her volunteering journey at the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH in Moscow. For six months, Madlen coordinated volunteer activities across the exposition’s pavilions. Being invited to join the National Centre RUSSIA team was a joyful milestone for her.

"The exposition became one of the most important chapters in my life: here, I developed my organisational skills, improved my professional competencies, met many people, and found friends and like-minded peers! In October 2024, I was invited to join the team of the National Centre RUSSIA as a volunteer programme manager. That meant a lot to me — my efforts were recognised and appreciated," says Madlen Remel.

Today, Madlen shares her experience with new volunteers.

"Maintaining a friendly atmosphere is also a key element. Our goal is to ensure that every volunteer has a positive experience during each shift — full of vivid emotions, good moments, and the desire to come back again," says the mentor.

One of the key events at the National Centre RUSSIA for Madlen was the Open Dialogue "Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," where volunteers and managers assisted international guests.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"We accompanied them from their hotel to the National Centre and back. Those were incredible days — I met many fascinating people. What I remember most is accompanying two guests from South Africa. They shared their impressions of the National Centre, Moscow, and Russia. They were amazed by the hospitality — wherever they went, people were ready to help! They weren’t afraid of getting lost, because volunteers were always nearby," emphasises Madlen Remel.

She believes that volunteering is important and offers a way to help others. According to Madlen, volunteering is an opportunity to make the world better and support those in need.

"Volunteering is all about kindness. With every good deed we do, the world becomes a little brighter and more compassionate. As a volunteer organiser, I can help ensure that there are more and more people doing good things!" says Madlen Remel.

In the six months since the launch of the National Centre RUSSIA, 848 volunteers and 20 volunteer delegations from universities in Moscow and the Moscow Region have taken part in the volunteer programme. They have contributed over 15,000 volunteer hours and supported 115 events.