What we’re sharing with you today is the story of a young volunteer who took part in a short-term volunteering project in Turkey, within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps. There, she lived an intense and enriching experience with a local organization committed to social work. Through activities with children, support for vulnerable families, and moments of deep cultural exchange, she discovered what it truly means to feel welcomed — even far from home.
Here’s what Giada tells us:
“It went really, really well! During the initial call, they had described this place as a big family where everyone treats each other like brothers and sisters, and I have to say — that’s exactly how it is! There were some minor issues sometimes, mostly related to logistics or meals, but all of our feedback (from the volunteers) was always listened to and taken into account.
What really stuck with me, and what I’ll surely remember, is the incredible hospitality I received. Since I was in Turkey during the end of Ramadan, many families were celebrating the holidays with their loved ones. Knowing that we volunteers were far from home, whether we were Muslim or not, they always made a point to invite us into their homes, preparing full dinners for us and including us in moments that were truly important to them — moments that are usually shared with family. They wanted us to feel at home! I’ve honestly lost count of how many homes I visited — homes of people working in the organization, of other volunteers, of people supported by the organization, and so on.
What I did during these months:
- I did research to find ways to help young people become more socially active;
- I helped organize various Iftar dinners, each time inviting different organizations (working with refugees, children who had lost their parents, teachers, etc.). I mainly handled recreational activities for the children — balloons, handing out sweets, and running workshops where we did face painting;
- I visited some of the last camps for people displaced by the 2023 earthquake, where the organization had donated containers for women to gather, create handmade products (bags, embroidery, decorations, etc.), and begin selling them. Together with the organization, we’d visit to assess their needs and bring them the materials they requested so they could continue their work;
- I worked at the organization’s social market, helping distribute clothes to families with limited financial means. These families can register and receive a card that allows them to “buy” a set amount of clothing for each family member. I helped manage the market and also played with the children while their families selected clothes.
Additionally, the organization also arranged museum and city visits for us volunteers and gave us the opportunity to attend Turkish language lessons.”
