Nisha, Marco, Martina, and Enis

My time in Ioannina, Greece as a Volunteer for Youth Center of Epirus is coming to an end after 3 and a half months and its now time to reflect about this experience. These three months have been a great experience which included meeting new kind-hearted people, visiting and exploring the breathtaking Epirus nature and a lot of hiking.

I am very grateful for the new connections I have made and all the weekend trips we did to explore the beauty of Epirus. This was my first time living aboard for a longer period of time. Greece was a somewhat a culture clash to the “time punctual and organized” Germany. The hilly nature, the beautiful clear lakes and of course the amazing beaches made this stay so much nicer. The work we did felt very meaningful and has made me realize the importance of humanity but also human rights. 

During the time, I grew very close to my roommates and the friends we have made on the way. Thinking about not seeing them in this type of combination again leaves a bittersweet feeling. I have made amazing memories and picked up some new hobbies. All the initial worries that I had on the flight to Greece seem so silly now.

Instead of describing my experience, I encourage you to look at my pictures and read through my anecdotes. I believe that is the best way to showcase my days here.

Hi, I'm Martina and I'm from Italy. 

It is impossible in a few lines to sum up an experience as intense and rich as mine has been in Ioannina, Greece. I remember when I first started thinking of volunteering outside, what at first was just a desire day after day became a necessity. I have always felt extremely fortunate and this has given me a sense of responsibility towards those with whom life has not always been so kind. When I found the project proposed by the Youth Center of Epirus, I thought it would be really challenging for me, so here I am.

I have spent the last two months as a volunteer at a facility run by the Youth Center of Epirus organising and implementing non-formal education activities for unaccompanied asylum-seeking foreign minors. Having the opportunity to share some moments with the guys was an honour for me, getting to know guys who had such intense and overwhelming experiences despite their young age made me feel grateful. I also had the opportunity to realise as a personal project a useful toolkit for those working with minors focused on the theme of rites of passage of which I am very proud.

For me, this experience was all-round: totally "mind-blowing"! I could not have even remotely imagined how much I would grow and how much I would learn about myself.  I shared this journey with the best people I could meet, each of whom taught me something and allowed me to grow as a person. I have always believed that people and relationships are the greatest wealth, and this experience has reinforced that belief for me. So much has happened in these two months and many things have changed.

I have done many things "for the first time". For the first time in my life, I shared my house and my room with people who were initially unknown to me, I did a full immersion in the English language, I stayed in a hostel, I celebrated my birthday abroad, my friend sang me happy birthday in six different languages, I made a solo trip to Thessaloniki for the first time in my life, I stepped into the past in the birthplace of democracy (Athens), discovered the beauty of Meteora, visited the beautiful island in Lake Pamvotida, took a break from Greece by visiting Saranda (Albania), changed my name (temporarily or not, who knows), learnt new words in English, French, Greek, Arabic and Turkish... and I could go on with other things done "for the first time"... This experience allowed me to learn more about the Greek culture, but also about the culture of other countries of origin of the other volunteers or the young people I met in the facility.

I would really like to thank Elo, Enis, Laurine, Marco and Nisha (other volunteers with whom I shared this experience) for being such an important source of support and inspiration for me. I also thank all the staff at the facility and at the Youth Center for their support throughout the whole experience. I especially thank myself for giving me the chance to "fly" higher. I can finally say that I am proud of myself!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering this experience, and all I can say is to dive in. Give yourself the chance to grow without overthinking it.

Hi, my name is Marco and I have spent my last four months in Ioannina as a volunteer for the Youth Center of Epirus. The welcome from George, Marta and the other volunteers was wonderful. Immediately I felt well liked and guided.

The Greek atmosphere and lifestyle is so much like the Italian one that it was easy for me not to feel like an outsider. The work done at the facility with young unaccompanied asylum seekers was surprising in the variety of situations, human, simple and spontaneous in its relationships.

Many times it is the young people who welcome you and involve you. This is very nice and not taken for granted. Every teenager is different, and you have to adapt, but everything unfolded naturally, more than I expected. With me were the other volunteers, my friends, and working together in this environment was a beautiful, fun and unforgettable experience. In Ioannina, I met people who will always remain in my heart.

During my volunteering experience, I had the remarkable chance to immerse myself in both Greek and Italian cultures while working closely with asylum-seeking teenagers. Based in Ioannina, Greece, my primary role involved supporting these young individuals through various educational and recreational activities. One of the highlights of my time in Greece was the collaborative project where the teenagers and I worked together to create a song. This creative endeavor allowed the children to express their emotions and experiences in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. The process of composing, rehearsing, and performing the song not only provided an artistic outlet but also strengthened our bond and enhanced their self-esteem.

In addition to my work in Greece, I had the opportunity to visit Italy, which further broadened my cultural perspectives. My time in Italy offered a fresh perspective on European life and introduced me to new traditions and ways of living. Living with housemates from diverse countries and cultures significantly enriched my experience, as it exposed me to a wide range of cultural practices and viewpoints. This environment not only improved my ability to adapt and communicate effectively but also advanced my language skills, particularly in Greek, through daily practice with native speakers. The blend of Greek and Italian cultures, combined with the multicultural nature of my living situation, deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of European diversity and highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in personal growth. I am profoundly grateful for these transformative experiences and the wonderful people I had the privilege to work with and learn from.

This project was co-funded by the European Commission.