“So this is Christmas and what have you done?” - John Lennon would ask. I’ve decided to answer him and give you some of the highlights of my volunteering in 2024.
It seems crazy to me that this year is nearly over to start with. Feels like it flew somewhere, somehow.. Let’s see where, shall we?
We started the year preparing Erasmus+ youth exchange project about Human Rights. This project is very near and dear to my heart, especially because it involves participants from my own country-Georgia!
The summer started as usual at Ecocompartimos: Summer Camps, International Volunteers… It was my second time participating in summer projects with Ecocompartimos, but this time it was different. Only because the group of volunteers who came to Spain was incredible! I genuinely loved being with them. Yes, it was 45 degrees outside and yes, we took care of children in the camp everyday but still we managed to have fun. And I do miss them even now..
Our collab started in Toledo, where we organized their week-long on-arrival training. Me and Helena giving them guidance on how to create an entertaining summer camp for children of Illescas. They did not need much guidance, they were already creative and cool themselves. Some good at arts, some good at sports and some even professional athletes! And they all (even the Spanish ones) supported me and Mariam, another Georgian volunteer here, during Euros where Georgia was playing for the first time in history. Trust me, I was NOT easy to handle during Euros..
Those times were truly memorable for me, accompanied with the Italian phrase “Come è possibile?” used on daily basis by Elena. Shout out to Lara, who had her summer ruined by viruses.. But she was very strong and I hope we get another chance with her again.
Look at us all pretty
In the middle of July Ecocompartimos had another summer camp in the mountains of Spain in Castilla Leon. This time for teenagers. I had the chance to be a “Monitora” or sometimes even “Profe” there. Taking care of sixteen grumpy teenagers for two weeks sounds like hell, I know, but it was also fun and very fulfilling. I would say informative as well, because they taught me Spanish that I couldn’t learn elsewhere. Much appreciated guys! And the beauty of Castilla Leon was truly impressive. Another part of Spain I was lucky to visit.
If we are talking about beauty then we must go to Hondarribia now. In September I participated in the “Encuentro national ParticipAction 2024” organized by “Kaixoeuropa”. It was my first time in País Vasco and it did not disappoint. We spent the whole week in Hondarribiii with volunteers from every region of Spain. All of them were passionate about their work and full of new ideas. Plus, they were so patient with my Castellano and supportive when I needed their help. We got to visit the famous Donostia (San Sebastián). I’d say it's famous for a reason!
I might not have seen the Jesus of Rio yet, but I have seen the Jesus of San Sebastián. We went all the way up to this beautiful statue looking down on the city and the scenes from there were completely worth it.
As a follow-up project to my week in Hondarribia, with the purpose of promoting European projects, we organized a weekend away in Toledo for young people of Castilla la Mancha this November. We invited youngsters between the ages of 13-30 in Castillo San Servando and gave them presentations about Erasmus+youth exchanges and ESC. We invited former volunteers who have participated in those projects as well to share their experience with the audience. The weekend was also full of fun activities (not to brag but prepared by meee with the help of my colleagues) and it ended up being very enjoyable!
With this 2024 season is wrapped. 2025 where u at?
Happy New Year!
Tina
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