Rafael Genave named Burgenland’s civilian service worker of the year

Rafael Genave has been named Burgenland’s civilian service worker of the year for his work during civilian service, ORF reported. He received the award at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna on Tuesday evening.

The 19-year-old completed his service with Caritas at the Franciscus residential home in Eisenstadt, where he supported people affected by homelessness.

“The best experience was repairing a wheelchair for one client. The way she thanked me was simply wonderful to see,” Genave said.

During his service, the Mattersburg district resident solved IT problems, cooked and helped wherever an extra pair of hands was needed. His supervisor said Genave kept looking for a solution until he found one.

Vienna resident Leonardo Wakonig was named Austria’s civilian service worker of the year.