Mariana, the FCV volunteer, has returned from her mid-term training in Mollina, Andalucia. Mariana says the training lasted 5 days and was full of good experiences. So, let’s jump into her story.
Reflection, self-awareness, a friendly environment, non-discrimination, and tolerance. These are the words that fully represent the atmosphere in CEULAJ (the place where all participants stayed). Me and my friends whom I met in the on-arrival training started our trip from Barcelona through Madrid to Antequera. The first day was very calm, we could get to know each other and break the ice. Also, we were drawing our “secret friend” whom we had to take care of and give small presents secretly.
The next day we had two sessions about our fears and expectations before, during, and after ESC. One specific exercise I will remember for a long time. We have been not only concentrating on what we feel inside but also on the general perception of the new environment. By drawing the tree with big roots and branches I understood that a big role plays the altitude of the people to you, place, climate, etc. In conclusion, your mental and physical condition depends on things that do not depend on you.
Continuing working on this we also had a possibility to test our empathy skills and raise awareness of different cultures by preparing the intercultural party and participating in the Theatre of the Oppressed, where we could change the play if we considered it necessary. Those sessions let me understand that I am not alone in this overwhelming journey ESC
All participants were looking forward to participating in the session dedicated to the future after ESC. We have been given valuable insights and sources on where to find a job, other volunteering opportunities, and where to use the obtained Youth Pass certificate. Apart from that I value the most the people that I met there. Young people with a strong will to make a social impact while implementing their personal projects: yoga therapy practitioners, animal carers, teachers, animators, gardeners, cooks, etc. I am endlessly grateful to be a part of European society and benefit from such positive, full-of-learning, reflection, and evaluation volunteering experiences.
Well, there are several months of my volunteering left but the new chapter is soon to begin!