The 5th December was the international day of volunteering. For this occasion I prepared a presentation with my colleagues Andrea and Dominika to share our experiences. We were facing two different classes of adults who are attending different formations in our center. The main challenge for us was to speak portuguese because they didn’t speak english but, finally, we succeeded very well! We prepared for them nice workshops to let them know that volunteering doesn’t only mean charity or help. As Andrea explained, the term “voluntariado” comes from the latin word “voluntas”, which has a lot of meanings, such as free will and purpose. It is a polisemantic word which really represents the multitude of reasons for being a volunteer. Grow up both from a personal and a professional point of view, meet new people in an international environment, learning new languages and new cultures and… why not… as Dominika wish, find a new love! The following video is an example of 30 good reasons to leave!
The main challenge for us was to speak portuguese because they didn’t speak english but, finally, we succeeded very well! We prepared for them nice workshops to let them know that volunteering doesn’t only mean charity or help.
As Andrea explained, the term “voluntariado” comes from the latin word “voluntas”, which has a lot of meanings, such as free will and purpose. It is a polisemantic word which really represents the multitude of reasons for being a volunteer.
Grow up both from a personal and a professional point of view, meet new people in an international environment, learning new languages and new cultures and… why not… as Dominika wish, find a new love!
The following video is an example of 30 good reasons to leave!
Everyone of us has more than a reason for being here and we are all very happy of that! And after the success of our presentation we were happier than before! Our public understands the most important tasks we have here, all differents and not directly linked to charity programs. We are planning events, making graphics, helping students, taking pictures… The forth of us, Imanol, wasn’t with us because he works in the municipality of Ermesinde, in Casa da Juventude. And this is another example of what a voluntary service can be. We also must point out that we work inside a social centre so, of course, our events are also linked to social matters and environment.
What else?! People understand and enjoyed our effort of speaking in a funny and simple portuguese! But at least the message was clear!
We really invite our readers to take part in one of these projects which can simply change your life!
Até logo!
SOPHIE EVRARD