Most of the time we don’t realize that not everyone has the same opportunities or resources as we do.

By Yan Filipenko

In 15 january I was selected by Globers-Spain to participate in a project that changed my life.

My 1st time in a European Solidaity Corps program. https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en

This amazing program- Port of Call- was held during two months in Porto Rafti (Greece), living with 18 other volunteers.

The hosting organization AISIS is an NGO that provides psychosocial support,combat social exclusion of vulnerable groups, psychological and counseling services, creates equal opportunities and new perspectives forvulnerable groups of the population.

Over there we were trained in aspects of non-formal education,implemented activities related to permaculture,created host and facilitate non-formal and sport activities,organize events for the broader public, we were part of the Connected We Stand festival, cooperated in Fabric Republic….at the same time; we shared rooms, cook together, gardening, maintain your living space… and becoming ‘’reporters’’ to promote the actions and activities through several channels (social media, blogging,video making, photography, pop-up events…)

To share in an intercultural environment for 2 months, it is very difficult to live with so many different minds but at the same time it is something exciting since you discover things from other countries you talk to people from other countries.

What is clear and my personal advice is: if something is scary, face it!

Fear is your mind, many times you do not have to over think about things much…..just challence yourself by taking little risks and luck will be by your side!

So I encourage everyone to try European Solidarity Corps because it really is something that changes your life.

Thanks to Globers for helping me with all the procedures, before, during and after the project and to IASIS for choosing me to participate in this wonderful volunteering.