I'm the happiest volunteer ever

Yes, I'm. Don't believe me? Ask the team in my hosting organisation. I wish you to be so happy as I am or if it's possible – even more.

I'd just felt in love with the program when I took part in one exchange in Belgium. I was there with 26 amazing people from different countries and I came back home a little bit different. More confident and definitely more inspired! Inspired to work in the future for the program and for non-formal education, that's so important in life. It was extremely interesting what I've learned about things that otherwise I didn't know much for – how to make hut in the forest, fire, knots and many others. I've found the work there fulfilling and enjoyable. And I'm absolutely sure that I'll use the knowledge from these games that I've learned there. They are applicable to all projects which require a introduction of new idea or practice. I was very happy to see how people have changed and developed their potential during the camp too. Meeting and understanding people from other cultures or different generations is something I truly love.

The same year (2011) I was participant in one Training course (organized by SALTO) where I've learned how to think in innovative ways of approaching youth related topics and develop creative solutions to increase the impact and efficiency of youth activities;To analyze each step of a project (preparation, implementation, evaluation and follow up) and develop creative solutions to improve these steps in terms of process and quality results; To develop innovative methodologies that increase effective participation of all project-actors involved in youth projects: partners, youngsters, local communities, in order to bring these projects closer to the local community and increase their impact.

After the training I was even more inspirited to work in YiA program with unconventional and innovative ideas. And at the end of the year I participated in other TC, organised by SALTO which objective is to share methods and approaches in multiplying, coaching and counselling.

YiA is such a great program and great opportunity for young people but it is still not well known across Europe and it`s is not only an opportunity for volunteers but also for the local communities that host them.

My EVS story started at 01.05.2012. I arrived in and I've worn my smile since then.
After 1 year the work with the people gives me a feeling what it means to work with young people in an international setting. Also it's great to share my love of nature, tango, table-tennis and some other of my hobbies with others. To donate my professional skills, to feel good spreading my heart; to support a cause I believe; to test myself, to help others.

Now I'm even better in sharing opinion, editing media, developing and following a common idea, cooperation, task division, time and project management, using best way of own human resources.

It's wonderful - I saw so many smiles in front of me because of my work. More importantly, during the volunteering I met people who I'll never forget and I'll meet again that's for sure.

I feel that I received much more than I ever gave. I was changed and I change the city too. I got love from people I didn't even know. I gained a perspective I couldn't possibly have gotten from a book, I found inspiration that I didn`t expect and learned lessons in courage I will never learn at a school or a university.

I got to know a different kind of life, because I was part of my working and living place and I got know people in a very special and privileged way (both: the local people with whom I work and other volunteers).

To be volunteer give me the feeling for an enormous sense of job satisfaction and achievement. Also an awareness that I don’t need to be someone in power to make a difference.

Now the young are twice as many than before. And I succeed to connect some projects from my past with the EVS project. And I have more ideas for my life. I connected my previous experience with my work and it's good recipe if you want to improve and develop projects.

I've found myself enjoying the work to the full! We have so many projects, so much to share and show.

I believe that volunteering gives me an opportunity to change lives, including my own. I think it's a great way for young people to gain an amazing experience.

And the country is wonderful with a lot of nice and interesting places, with beautiful parks, with very kind people. Here I have everything what I need and I know the city where I live as well as my hometown, I feel it like home. And I'm able to communicate with people here in the local language – Hooray! What's more - not only in it – it's international project, remember?

When you participate in project like this you learn all the time, your brain starts to work in little bit different way, everything is new and almost everything is memorized. You learn more than you expect, more than you think is possible. And you have the chance (even The Chance:) ) to find your dream job and to do what you like to do in your free time – making jewellery, dancing tango, doing yoga, reading, playing games with friends, walking in nature, whatever you love.

I find EVS not just like charity and worthy cause, but something useful and interesting, an amazing chance of the lifetime.

One dream came true. That happens when we dream and think. Think with your… heart!

P. S. If you were careful you saw the date “01.05.2012”. Yes, that’s right, everything is ok with your eyes, I'm just eagerly waiting for the beginning of my EVS project. And I'm absolutely sure it will be very special and amazing as the other projects were.