#EUROSUDSTORIES: “DON’T FEAR TO DIFFER”
We are Diego, Natalia, Alessandra, Sofia and Chiara. We participated in the project “Don’t fear the differ” which took place in Bulgaria from 12/07/2021 to 17/07/2021.
This project has given us the opportunity to open debates, even political and of great depth, leading us to develop a critical thinking necessary to be able to see the world from the perspective of the other.
The theme that was almost at the centre of the daily discussions had to do with the stereotypes and discriminations that stemmed from them; diverges were raised by those who claimed that some gender stereotypes have a background of truth, as they have to do with “biology” (thus affirming that human beings are moved not by their own rational will, but by an unconscious necessity due to hormones). It was however interesting to get to know a point of view at the antipodes from ours.
Many of the activities contributed in eliminating the disrespectful ideas caused by prejudices, e.g. it is not important to know someone’s musical taste or physical appearance to determine whether or not they are a respectable person and what role they play in society.
The most exciting part of the experience was visiting the mountains and nature nearby the accommodation, nestled in the Bulgarian forests; We reached a point on the pick of the mountain from which you could admire both Gabrovo and the nearby forests: it almost seemed being able to fly.
In the following days the afternoons were mainly dedicated to visiting Uzana (through an exploration game) and Gabrovo (a nice walk of pleasure thanks to which we could also see the Orthodox churches scattered around the city).
We met many individuals from countries all over the world (even from India!) who enriched us with traditions and cultures, international evenings were the most beautiful part of the day in which we could taste typical foods and drinks.
The food at the accommodation was good and the staff was super kind, we even made friends with a girl who worked in the hotel!
In short, thanks to the Erasmus+ project we have been able to live an experience rich in nature and beauty, as well as making us daily experience political and cultural debates necessary for personal and spiritual growth.
We believe that this experience had a positive impact not only for our English and our growth, but also for our soul!
MY EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS EXPERIENCE IN CROATIA GOSPIC
………”where can I start to tell about my two-week volunteer experience in Croatia, at Gospic, with the European Solidarity Corps? It was my first trip abroad alone. I left with many doubts and a little fear, also because I didn’t speak English so well, but only two weeks later I returned home almost in tears because I didn’t want to leave my new friends. It’s been just two weeks, but it’s as if they lasted a year because of the swing of emotions I felt and the experiences I went through. For example we helped a man who lives alone to cut wood for the winter; we cleaned the windows and the garden of a kindergarten; we cleared garbage from a forest and even climbed a mountain! 
And the most beautiful aspect is that we have done all this together: about twenty young people, among volunteers and organizers, from all over Europe, each with their own culture, tradition, ideas, values, which we have been able to highlight in particular during workshops and group activities. For example, we did research in groups on issues related to the environment: greenwhasing,gmo,carbon footprint, recycling. But we also gave life to our creativity in the kitchen, cooking, in groups, for all of us.
And of course there was no lack of other opportunities for fun: parties, games, jokes, competitions …I think that the added value of similar volunteering projects is precisely multiculturalism and teamwork, because you have the opportunity to come into direct contact with other realities, to discover new worlds that help you question yourself and live in the world with a more open, flexible and reflective mentality. One of the reasons why I decided to apply for the project was related to the intention to improve my English, but the truth is that I have learned a lot more. I learned the value of dialogue, teamwork, respect for diversity of all kinds, and I met wonderful people; in a word: I have grown up. For this reason I want to thank you European Solidarity Corps!”
Outward Bound Croatia#erasmus#travel#education#europe#exchange
