EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS EXPERIENCE 2022-23, IES PABLO PICASSO, MALAGA

CHIARA COLAIANNI, 2022-23, IES PABLO PICASSO, MALAGA

My experience with the European Solidarity Corps began on September 1, 2022, when I arrived in Malaga. On that day, I met Malvina, who would not only become my colleague at work but also my adventure companion.

The next day, our tutor, Laura Moreno, an English teacher at Pablo Picasso, welcomed us to the school, giving us a tour of the institute and introducing us to all the staff, unfamiliar faces we would gradually come to know.

The first few days were not easy; I was practically alone in another country, filled with fears and insecurities, unsure if I could make it. However, these fears soon dissolved.

Finally, on September 15, 2022, with the start of classes, my adventure at Pablo Picasso truly began.

The daily activities I engaged in included:

1. Conducting English conversation lessons for students aged 12 to 18 through fun and interactive games.
2. Organizing and leading workshops during break times, covering topics such as chess, LGBTQI+ support group, cinema, theater, board games, and DIY. In the DIY workshop, over the year, we created many things, but the ones both the students and I found most enjoyable were: repurposing a lightbulb into a flower holder, painting a picture, and crafting clay sculptures.

These were my regular activities, but no two days were the same. I often had to liaise with associations to organize events and conferences, and I had to initiate initiatives to raise awareness on issues like women’s violence and the environment.

Regarding women’s violence, we actively contributed to a project that the school runs every year, focusing on co-education. This year, we explored the theme of violence in art and the portrayal of women in it, a project proposed by Malvina and me. With the guidance of Professor Elena Picón, the students created living paintings that were exhibited first in our school and later as a traveling exhibition in other locations.

As for the environment, the number of campaigns and activities we carried out was endless. One of the most significant but challenging ones was the Erasmus week, where five students from each participating country (Greece, Italy, Germany, and Lithuania) visited us for a week under the Erasmus project “Make your school greener, and yourself too.”

It was a very demanding week, but I remember it with great pleasure as I learned a lot and pushed my limits. For example, on the day we cleaned the beach, I had to translate what the beach cleaning association volunteer was saying from Spanish to English in front of more than fifty people.

Before and during the week, we brainstormed and implemented contests and recreational activities during downtime, aiming to foster socialization among the students as much as possible. We formed working groups, managed and accompanied the students at all times and in all activities from day one to day seven.

I also had the opportunity to visit Cordoba as a chaperone, ensuring that the students were carrying out the activities we assigned, such as creating a short film with a recycled object as the protagonist.

Despite the challenging days due to the workload and responsibilities, I believe it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It was a small piece of the puzzle that helped me grow and understand who I am. Furthermore, all the effort we put in was repaid by the students and foreign teachers who recognized our dedication, and their smiles and gratitude will remain in my heart forever.

We didn’t only focus on important issues but also aimed to liven up the long school hours. For instance, on Halloween, we organized a competition for horror photographs and scary pumpkins, which the students greatly appreciated.

I also had the opportunity to visit Gibraltar on a trip with the students. It was a lovely day where I discovered “llanito,” the language spoken there, a mixture of British English and Andalusian Spanish.

In conclusion, this experience was anything but easy, but I grew and discovered a lot about myself. I realized who I am and who I want to be, and I found out that I am stronger than I thought. Teaching is what I want to dedicate myself to. Specifically, I learned how to manage a class, speak in front of many people, organize an event, listen to students and understand their needs to help them better. I learned to live alone, far from my family, became much less shy, and made friends more easily.

In conclusion, this experience has been anything but easy, but I have grown and discovered so much about myself, realized who I am and who I want to be, discovered that I am stronger than I thought and that teaching is what I want to dedicate myself to. Concretely, I learned how to manage a classroom, how to speak in front of many people, how to present an event, how to listen to kids and understand their needs to help them the best I can; I learned how to live alone, away from my family, I am much less shy and I can make friends more easily, I improved my Spanish and my English so much; I learned how to use many tools like Canva, PowerPoint, I created a guide book and I learned how to work in teams and under pressure. I learned how to create a blog and publish content on it and improved my video editing skills. In addition, my organizational skills have also improved and my sense of duty has increased.

I am absolutely proud of myself for not backing down, despite the initial difficulties, I am grateful to all the people who were part of my adventure, to professors, friends, but most of all to the pupils, the real protagonists of this project, who never failed to show me their affection, I will never forget them.

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “ADVENTURE IN POLAND COMPLETED”

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “MY EXPERIENCE WITH ARRIVAL TRAINING”

Personally, I was so excited to go to this training in Rome since I knew that it would have been a really nice time to meet different people. When  I arrived in Rome  I met one of the trainers and some of the other volunteers. After that, we had to settle down and to attend a welcoming party, with different activities such as Ice-breaking and energizer, a presentation by ANG explaining the program and asked us how much we knew about our rights. After the lunch break, we had a reflection moment about why I am here. So this was the first day.

The second day started with many energizers, I had the chance to meet one of the training that is a Film Producer because our activity was also based on film-making. I was already familiar with video editing, etc but during this activity, I learned some few new things like technical details that are going to be useful for me in the future.

So, during the day we had to separate in groups and each group had to make a story through video, then recording and editing. I can tell that in my group it was not easy at all to share the ideas because it was hard sometimes to confront and discuss with everyone. But after 2 hours and more, somehow we achieved to choose the topic for recording, how to record, where and why, and after all, everything had to be done in the group not individually which for me was super but for some not.

However, we started recording and, after, I did the editing because I was the only one in our group who knew how to do it and I also had the chance to share my knowledge with a couple of other participants interested in video making. At the end of this day, we had to finish the video editing and present our videos in Cine Premier event in our hostel, but other groups didn’t achieve to accomplish and I understand them because it takes time first to record than to edit, it’s not easy.

We proceed with Storie d’Italia, where we watched some short movies made by Italian movie-makers. During this day and the day before, I had the chance to meet so many different people, so many cultures in one place, so many different languages which for me was the best thing I ever participated because you can meet all of them share the culture with them and create new friendships. It was a bit shocking with these volunteers but not with Italians because more or less I was familiar a little with Italian culture because it was not the first time I went to Rome and working with Italians. In a group of 30 people, unfortunately, I was not able to talk or to become friends with all, especially with some of them because they were very young and inexperienced but I understand that as it was for me the first time to meet so many different cultures, also for them was the same.

The next days were super intensive with activities but also in our free time. I became friends with so many beautiful people with a beautiful culture where we were laughing, joking, working together and it was amazing for me.

During the training we had the opportunity to share and evaluate the projects and increase the motivation, to have more information on the program, to be supported in the reflection upon the personal and non-formal learning process.

Concerning the activities, next days we learned so many things: youth pass, future plans after ESC, Inter-Cultural Learning, Conflict Management. We learnt how to make our own Podcast also because in my project, the main aim is to work in radio, to tell stories, explain benefits of protecting the environment so it was really nice occasion to work on this, and many many other activities about the radio .

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “COMING BACK HOME”

I am Mariam from Georgia, Tbilisi. It’s eleven month I have been living in Italy,and now in a month I am going to my country and I want to share my feelings, emotions and my way which I passed during this project.

I am very happy to go back to Georgia, to see my family, relatives, friends, but it is not easy to say goodbye to all of the things that I loved in Italy, especially my house and room-mates who are part of my daily life.

First step for me was to get used to live with totally different people from different countries. In my case, we are from six countries: Georgia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Palestine. We all have different religions, habits, language ,also we had different lifestyles. The most interesting part was how we were trying to combine everything and started to live like a one family. There was little problems of course, ups and downs but we managed to create one little community.

Second step was for me to realize where I am, why and for what? I started to work with disabled adults and with children. I discovered a lot of lovely personalities. I am sure that they are the special part of our life, which really needs to take care of, also to gain much love from us as well.

I met migrants, I heard interesting stories from them and I saw their hard life.

My third step of my service was travelling every month, meeting new people, living new environment, enjoying new culture, facing new challenges, for example, travelling alone sometimes , on the other hand with friends and having lot of adventures together.

To sum up, I improved my English language skills as well, because it was a big part inside the house and I learned Italian language from my work places and my social life outside, but I want to improve it more and never forget it, but I can remember first two months when I didn’t know anything and I was trying to communicate with Italian people somehow.

How was my path during these eleven months? full of emotions, sometimes also with tears because of missing family, full of happy moments and adventurous stories, full of new people and new environment.

What did ESC give me? Friends! Who will be always in my heart, life experience! Which will be useful for a life time, unforgettable memories and strength. Now I am stronger, than before I came in Italy.

I am very happy to go home, to see everyone who I love, who are waiting for me, to use all the skills which I gained through this service, but I am sad at the same time, because I will miss everything and everyone, but it’s time to go already ,everything has end in our life, nothing is eternal.

ESC programme is the opportunity to see the other world, diverse culture and people from you. In my opinion it is something that everyone should do it at least once in life, everyone should use this opportunity to discover the world; people, places, cultures, and life far away from you.

Every person should make little contribution for people, who need lots of love from us.

 

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “MEMORIES FROM MY SERVICE”

 

It is already seven months that I am here. I passed the great part of my time in Bari and I am still in love with this city.

Bari is the city, which welcomed me with open heart and friendly attitude.

Now everything is easier, I know the city, I can find everything I need very fast. I know a little bit more Italian and it helps me to involve in the society easier than at the beginning. Sometimes when I prepare what I am going to say at shops, people even do not notice that I cannot speak Italian. Once a woman asked me about some bus stop and I answered her in Italian.

I felt very proud that I could help her.

The other time I was a translator in the train between a passenger who spoke only English and a train guide who spoke only Italian. I noticed that now there are more people speaking English, than first months of my project. This lets me think that I was not the only one, who was shy to talk in a foreign language.

I hope that the reason they started to talk is that they trust me more. Sometimes they ask me something in English and I answer in Italian.

Now I have many friends among colleagues, with whom we discuss many topics.

Now I know them better and they know me better too, so the communication is much easier. I feel that they like me and it is a great pleasure, because I liked them from the first days.

I really enjoy my Italian lectures, because women there are very interesting. At the same time they teach me Italian, correct my mistakes in translations, tell me a lot of information about local traditions and habits.

We make many jokes at lessons and share our experience about everything. It is so important to start a week with positive emotions.

They give me a lot of these. I hope that they enjoy our Monday mornings as I do. I love children from my English lessons.

I am very happy when I see that people are interested in my culture and traditions. I did several presentations and one after another, I was asked to do once more. It is a great pleasure for me to do them when I see that teenagers listen to me and ask me many questions. I want to tell them and they want to listen.

 

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “HOW VOLUNTEERING TRANSFORMED MY LIFE”

 

When I first stepped foot in the shop for my induction, I had no previous experience of working in a shop, and no knowledge of anything to do with retail or charity shops. This was a terrifying thought because I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. It turns out that I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The shop managers and the other volunteers were lovely and patient. It took me a while to get used to things in the shop, but after a few weeks, I was serving customers, using the till, and ensuring that the shop was kept tidy.

At the same time, I would also help out in the back of the shop where I was able to sort through bags of donations, and price check books, DVDs and CDs. Once a week, on a Monday morning, I rotated the stock in the shop. Volunteering taught me many transferable skills; numeracy skills, organisation, teamwork and efficiency as well as providing me with a valuable insight into how charity shops work, into working in a retail environment as well as how to use a till. One of the main ways in which volunteering really helped me is that I have grown in self-confidence.

When I started volunteering, I was shy and nervous and quiet. I still am shy and quiet, but I definitely feel a positive difference in my self-confidence since starting to volunteer and now. I know that I can start something new and make it work, and that’s helped me enormously, particularly at university and now on my  year abroad. Another brilliant thing about my volunteering is that it started my writing ‘career’. In June 2013, I had written an article about volunteering just to show to friends and family.

My former A-Level French teacher suggested that I send the piece into the local newspaper in Reading, so I did, not expecting anything to happen, but to my intense surprise, less than a week later, I was having my photo taken for the Reading Chronicle and I was told that a piece about my volunteering would be published.

When I bought the newspaper a couple of days later and started reading it on the bus, I had to stop myself yelling in pleasant shock when I saw my photo on page 4 and a full page spread of the article that I had written largely unedited in the newspaper.

I was over the moon. Since then, I’ve written for a few websites, the university newspaper in Swansea, and I now write two blogs and another blog for Swansea University (year abroad-based), and now also for The National Student. I have also had writing published both on the Sue Ryder website and the Sue Ryder blogs. So, thanks to volunteering (and to my old French teacher), my writing has climbed from strength to strength. Initially, when I began volunteering, I was in the charity shop for two mornings a week.

Over time, I started to volunteer more as I grew to fall in love with volunteering. I spent a few months volunteering for another Sue Ryder charity shop in Reading as a social media volunteer, which involved updating social media sites (such as Facebook and Twitter) in order to promote the shop and the charity. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience too as it taught me how important the internet is for businesses in modern society. Before I volunteered in the charity shop, I don’t think I had ever stepped foot in one.

Now, I love shopping in charity shops. I’ve found some great stuff in charity shops, including all of Il Divo’s CDs, some brilliant DVDs and books, and two huge dictionaries (French and Italian – the languages I am studying at university) which were originally over £20 each but I got them both for £2 (thank you staff discount).

I think I’ve saved a fair amount of money by shopping in charity shops and I would certainly recommend shopping in them because anyone can find something special at a great price and the money spent goes towards a great cause. Finally, volunteering in the Sue Ryder shop made me feel as though I was giving something back to such an amazing charity, which felt extremely important to me.

Sue Ryder run hospices up and down the country, one of which is called the Duchess Of Kent House in Reading, which I know very well because my Dad spent lots of time in their towards the end of his life in March. The nurses and the volunteers there were amazing and nothing was ever too much for them. Not only did they help my Dad when he was ill, but they also looked after the family when we visited, offering us drinks and food.

I would certainly recommend volunteering to anyone. To students because it’s extra experience and something great to have on your CV, and also to older people because no one is ever too old to start something new. And there’s nothing more special than donating something very valuable to amazing charities: your time.

To find out more, you can read Emily’s article in full, here.

 

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES “PEACE BUILDING BY YOUTH WORKER IN GEORGIA”

 

ESC volunteers from EUROSUD at CIVIL FORUM FOR PEACE to help vulnerable people in Gori and Tiblisi during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
In these uncertain times amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, volunteers play an important role in the local community.

This role involves collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating. The volunteer would also deliver these supplies to their home.

In many countries also social networks are playing an important role in these days of lockdown and isolation. It is certainly a new way of saying that we should help each other to overcome this pandemic, trying to share what we can both with neighbours and with strangers.

Since coronavirus puts older and weaker people at a particularly high risk, the best solution is to limit their exposure to the outside world by staying at home as much as possible.
So many young volunteers give their willingness to buy food and drugs and deliver them directly to their home. In just a couple of weeks, many help groups were born, especially on Facebook.

“It’s a nice mutual aid initiative,” said Lali Omiadze. “It’s a way of organizing during these times of pandemic, but it’s also a way for people to remember the ability to be kind, empathetic and collaborative. People are desperately looking for to help each other. “

Mutual help focuses on the idea that we should all share each other and that we can help each other meet autonomously, on a basic basis, rather than relying solely on support from above that may come too slowly, or do not offer support. Suitable for the most vulnerable people.

For communities in the Gori area that already feel neglected before the coronavirus – especially low-income people – there may be an additional level of fear in relying solely on the government to provide what is needed during this pandemic.

During the outbreak of COVID-19, ESC volunteers from EUROSUD currently in Gori, Georgia, with Civil Forum Shida Kartli, re-organized their activities, continuing their ESC but at the same time being careful to stay safe and follow regulations.
As the rest of the world has moved online, volunteers in Gori too have moved their activities on social networks. Using social media, volunteers have been interacting with the youth of Gori by publishing videos and articles on Facebook groups, encouraging a fruitful exchange and discussion. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, in fact, the volunteers’ main task here in Gori was to create and facilitate workshops to the local youth.

While in-person workshops are not possible for now, the volunteers have responded to the outbreak by moving these workshops online, and have used the platform Zoom to do so in a safe environment. While it is a different type of interaction, they hope that this can still be a way for the youths to learn something new and to create connections with each other.

Volunteers strongly believe that it is very important to continue their activities, even if in a reduced form, not only for the sake of their ESC experience, but especially for the local community, to continue to support the local youth and to help them cope with the current situation.

Volunteers have also been involved in writing Erasmus+ programs, working on creating more opportunities for the future, and they have been as well using this time to take online classes and courses, looking at this extra-time as an opportunity to learn something new and useful.

During this uncertain situation, ESC volunteers continue, for what the circumstances allow, to do their role to help the community, hoping that things will get back to normalcy in the future.

 

 

 

 

#ESCSTORIES FROM CZECH REPUBLIC

Hello, Wissem, you are in Ústí nad Labem via project Volunteering activities (under Erasmus+ programme). What was your motivation to take part in such a project?

The idea of travelling and going abroad has always been a dream and a mere idea for me, I just didn‘t know when or where I will go. But, since I have learned about EVS in 2016 and that you can have this experience of going abroad as a volunteer I realized that this dream can come true under the frame work of Erasmus+ program. And, what motivated me in the first place was this exploration of new culture and people, to learn about other traditions and new ways of life, and at the same time to learn more about myself and my culture. Moreover, after I graduated university in 2015 I was not sure what I will do. And, this is the second reason which motivated me to choose this project at the library, where I can work with librarians and learn about their work, where I can gain experience in teaching, lesson preparation, to understand more about non-formal education, workshops and games as well as to turn knowledge and ideas into concrete material and practice.

What was the hardest part for you – if there was any? I believe that the hardest part for me were these few past days, I was feeling up and down since I came. My mind was in a set of alert; everything is new and seems strange. I felt pressured, intimidated, unprepared, and I was culturally shocked that I had the feeling that I forgot why I was here in the first place. These few past days were “too real to be true“. But, I think after I went to the on arrival training, I am less in alert, less intimidated, and that I am no longer swimming against the tide, in other words, I am starting to enjoy the journey.

What will you do in the library and how long will you stay? I am going to stay here for seven months until the first of July and my main tasks in the library would be to help in the different departments of the library, to learn about the work of librarians, to create and play games with children in the children‘s department, to lend books to the clients of the library and to return books. Moreover, I am going to have some presentations about Tunisia for the public and the people of Usti, where they can explore the Tunisian culture and traditions, the Tunisian history and way of life and what makes Tunisia the country that it is today. Moreover, I am going to animate the English club through more games to play and themes to discuss. And also, I am going to have a French club with librarians. Finally, the other thing that I will do here is to have an Arabic club.

You mentioned English Club (non-formal meeting of people who like to speak in English). I know that you prepare also Arabic Club to let people know more about Tunisian culture. Can you tell me more about it (how often it will be, which day, and about the topics and format of the club)?

I believe it will be more about Arabic language (Tunisian dialect) at first, and more about Tunisian history. I am not really sure what else we can have right now, but, I will rely on my interactions and encounters with the people here to find out more about what things they would like to explore and I believe that the Arabic club would be more of a non-formal place for exchange and bridging up between our cultures. What about Tunisia? Arabic Calligraphy, Tunisian pottery or Tunisian Films, music and dance.

You have been in the Czech Republic since 27th November. Is there anything you like about the Czech Republic?

Well, although, I was struggling a bit in my head with all the waves of new things I was seeing. But, I really found that this country is beautiful with its mountains and rivers, I did not really expect that. I also found out that Czech Republic has a huge history and a ravishing architecture. And, the soup! Too many soups!

And something that surprised you (either in good way or bad way)?

What surprised me in a good way was the sophistication of the country, everything seems organized and on time, especially the means of transportation we don‘t have this punctuality in Tunisia. What surprised me also is the weather, it was really shocking and I am still adjusting to it.

 

 

 

 

#EVSTORIES “A LAND APART: REFLECTIONS OF A SARDINIAN IN GEORGIA”

When I first stepped into Georgian airspace, it was the blackest night of September. 1 AM at the Kutaisi Airport, with many Georgians coming from Milan, their luggages heavy with gifts and souvenirs and what have you. I instantly felt singled out, but not out of scorn or distrust, but rather out of a strong curiosity that Georgians attach to those that come from afar. At the passport control, a girl had commented: ‘Sardinia, is that a nice place?’

I replied affirmatively, thinking I should at least promote my little island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. But as I stepped out of the airport, I felt like I had landed on another island, this time placed in the middle of the mountains and cut from the rest of the world.

As time passed, I realised that is a common Western misconception regarding Georgia. Georgia is, at heart, a deeply interconnected culture. Connected on its inside, for Georgian society places high value on respecting your family and honouring your peers and countrymen.

And also connected on its outside, with countless influences from its neighbours, even though Georgian culture strives to maintain its specificity.

It’s hard to look at the past and try to discern what happened, and how. The memory of a time can slip and become indistinct and vague. As I walk around the town of Stepantsminda, safely anchored on a steep valley overlooking some of the tallest mountains of Europe, I am thinking of how did Georgian truly managed to safeguard their own culture and distinction.

For Sardinians, it was easy: the nature of our land, an island smacked right in the middle of the sea, made it easy for our people to hide and flee invading or fiendish powers. Georgians however are surrounded by people with which they had at times full, friendly cooperation, and at times full on conflict with.

However, when one looks at the way Georgians respect guests and foreigners, it’s not hard to understand what’s at the core of their culture and way of life. Georgians consider themselves unique among the populations of the Caucasus, because of their ancient language and customs, their ethnic and social bond, and their religion. Yet, at the core of the Georgian way of life is a deep respect and openness regarding outsiders, no matter the circumstance.

 

REPORT

 

 

 

#EVSTORIES “I AM NOT A STRANGER HERE ANYMORE”

Two months have passed since I am in the Czech Republic. These were days that I learnt something new every single day and the process keeps on. It does not matter if it was cultural information, saying “Ahoj” hundred times a day or just finding out that it is difficult here to find a shop that is open on Sunday evening. These were just two months that brought new people, impressions, things, habits and daily routine that does not include my family and friends.

Many people asked me why I came here. Some of them said. “You are mad if you are going to live in unfamiliar country all alone and that is not even for earning money”. Yes, I decided to come here at first even not fully realizing what exactly I expect from it. Now I am here and I can surely say that I do not regret it.

Of course, first week was hard. Everything was messed up in my head. I lost my baggage at the airport. I understood that here you cannot rely on your knowledge of English to help you any time. I tried not to get lost in the city, not to get on a wrong bus, not to get off it at the wrong bus stop; even counting money was difficult, because I always tried to compare it with Armenian Dram, which confused me a lot. When I was in Armenia, I knew that I was going to be all alone for the whole year, but as I found out, knowing it and facing with it were different feelings. Everybody and everything in Yerevan became more valuable for me.

 

But very soon I understood that I have an important advantage here. I am surrounded by kind and helpful people. It is so warming when you see that they are not just polite, they really try to help you. Everyone treats me nice and gives me only positive energy. I can tell about my coordinator who is my “first emergency” in everything. She always helped me and never ignored anything that I asked her, even if sometimes there were stupid requests. My mentors are nice. They introduce me the city, give advices which shops are better, organize interesting afternoon activities and weekends. My colleagues at the library are always ready to help me when I ask and even without asking. For example, one of them sent me a guide and map of Dresden when she knew that I am going there for the first time. I like people from Open English Club from whom I have a lot of to learn. They often ask me questions about Armenia and the life there, so I have a chance to speak about my Homeland that I miss very much. One of them said last week that he likes to meet me, because I always smile. I did not say this to him, but the reason of my smile is that they make me smile. How can I not smile when every time meeting me the other man greets me with “Barev” (Armenian version of “Ahoj”). I like them all and feel happy among them.

I miss my Yerevan very much, but I hope it will not be jealous if I confess that now I sincerely love Ústí nad Labem. Some people say that it is not one of the beautiful cities in Czech Republic, but I don’t think so. Yes, here are not so much historical monuments, famous touristic destinations as in Prague, but this city is beautiful by itself. I like the nature here, hills and woods that surround the city. They are more beautiful now when there is late autumn. I like that streets here are not flat, that here are a lot of trees, that this is one of the greenest cities I have ever seen. I like that it is not overcrowded here, that it is not big city but you can find everything you need. If anyone says that Ústí is not beautiful, that means he has never seen the view of river Elba. When you look at it from the side of the Main train station you cannot deny that it is a fascinating view. I was even more impressed from the enchanting view of it from the height of Větruše, from where the whole city was  before my eyes including Marianski bridge and rock. I like one thing that everyone is surprised when I say about it. That is weather. It is now cold, foggy and rainy, but this is my favourite weather and I feel comfortable with it.

I mentioned many aspects why I like my life in Ústí nad Labem, but I want to say one more thing. From the very first days of my being here, I felt that there is something friendly, something my own in this city, that makes me feel that here I have my home even if it is temporary. I am not a stranger here anymore.

 

 

 

 

#EVSTORIES “YERRF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN FRANCE”

Today (12.10) we are sharing with you part of the activities and results carried out during the EVS project YERRF in France .

Sofia from EUROSUD organization is part of YERRF , which stands for Young Entrepreneurs Rejuvenate Rural France. It is an Erasmus co-funded project in South West France, directed by the association of La Giraudiere, known as Les Amis De La Giraudiere.

Our project aims to open up the option of starting a business to youth in the local area, providing them with an alternative career option.

#EVSTORIES  THE  STORY OF FABIANA

In the article you find the story of Fabiana. She took a party in EVS programme in Belgium. Find out which profits is giving for participants EVS and why is worth to do it.

READ ARTICLE (in Italian)

 

 

 

 

 

 

#EVSTORIES FOOTBALLPEOPLE 2017 ACTIONS WEEK

Our volunteers from EUROSUD , Pasqualino and Dario are off to a great start service !

Civil Forum joined FARE network #FootballPeople 2017 action weeks in Tbilisi. The movie about discrimination in the sport was shown followed by the discussion.

Together for Stronger Community was the project title and its main message- “No to all kind of discrimination in sport” and mainly ethnic minorities took part on it.

Local football teams, local municipality officials took pat in a football match to fight ethnic discrimination in the sport. Civil forum EVS volunteers were involved to organize this activity together with the organization staff.

(09.10.2017)

 

#EVSTORIES “TOWARDS PEACE BUILDING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT” – EVS IN GEORGIA

EXPERIENCE REPORT

 

#EVSTORIES “TOWARDS PEACE BUILDING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT” – EVS IN GEORGIA

Volunteering in another country is a great way to experience different cultures and make new friends, whilst also helping others and learning new skills that could be helpful in later life.

Yesterday (05.10.2017), our volunteers from EUROSUD organization Pasqualino and Dario started their long term EVS in Georgia at Civil Forum For Peace Association.

In the project ” TOWARDS PEACE BUILDING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT” for almost one year long, Pasqualino and Dario will be an integral part of the work carried out by Civil Forum for Peace in promoting knowledge of post-conflict reconstruction and empowering the local youth.

 

#EVSTORIES TZA MODI! KEEP MOVING IS THE KEY

Source: bit.ly/3cdVZSD

 

 

#EVSTORIES ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING