My name is Leyla. I’m from Azerbaijan. I’m 24 years old. The reason why I always say how old I am, is because I’ve always dreamt of celebrating my birthday in the city of my dreams, Barcelona. First of all, I want to thank my friends who made it a fantastic day. I am very happy because I’m taking part in a European Voluntary Service in Fundació Catalunya Voluntària.

I’ve been living in Barcelona for 4 months. Being here is amazing: not only I’m living in this lovely city, with different people and a different culture, but I’m also working as a volunteer. My work is my life, because I spend most of my time at work. Luckily, I’m working with some very nice people and they help me a lot. People here at FCV are very smart and very kind. I’m working in projects related to peace building.

We organize international seminars attended by young people that share their ideas and experiences. I want to thank all my colleagues – well, I can say “friends” – who always help me. Thanks to the team here, at FCV, I have the chance to work in a NGO. Doing an EVS is a unique experience and I recommend it to everyone, especially young people.

You have the opportunity to know a new country, a new language, a new culture and, at the same time, you meet so many interesting people, different social realities and, what’s more important, you help those in need. You want to experience something new? Find your path in life? You want to better understand people? Then you need to be a volunteer!

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love”. Martin Luther King.

Leyla.