Hello, my name is Ahmet. I came to Hungary from Türkiye to take part in a volunteering project through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Before coming here, I had no idea what it would be like to live in another country for an extended period of time. To be honest, I felt both excited and a little anxious. Now, as I approach the end of my project, I look back and realize that this experience has become an important part of my life.
As part of my volunteering project, I work with children at the Tanoda, run by KDIE, in Kállósemjén. We take part in a variety of activities together. I have had the opportunity to spend time with the children through activities such as robotics, board games, checkers, badminton, English, and arts and crafts. Working with children was not easy for me at first. Especially because of the language barrier, communication could sometimes be challenging. However, over time, I learned how to communicate with the children in different ways and how to find activities that would capture their interest.
During this process, I did not only work with the children. I was also involved in photography, video production, and social media. Taking photos and videos of events, editing them, and helping make our volunteering activities more visible allowed me to develop new skills. I gained real work experience in areas that I had previously been interested in only as hobbies.
One of the most important aspects of my ESC experience was meeting people from different countries. Living and working alongside volunteers from different cultural backgrounds broadened my perspective on the world. I realized how different people can be from one another, while also discovering how many things we have in common.
There were also some challenging moments during the project. Adjusting to a new country, using a different language, communicating with people, and fulfilling my own responsibilities were not always easy. However, these challenges taught me to be patient, look for solutions when faced with difficulties, and become more independent.
As I approach the end of my project, I feel both happy and a little sad. I am looking forward to returning to Türkiye, but I know I will miss the friends I have made here, the time I have spent with the children, and the environment that has become a part of my daily life.
This experience gave me much more than the opportunity to live in a new country. It also helped me get to know myself better, develop new skills, connect with people from different backgrounds, and step outside my comfort zone.
The most important thing I would like to say to young people who are considering joining the ESC is this: It is completely normal to feel scared or hesitant at first. I felt the same way. However, sometimes we need to step outside the environment we are used to in order to grow and develop ourselves. If you have an opportunity like this, do not be afraid to give it a try.
For me, this project was not just a volunteering project; it was also an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me throughout my life. When I return home, I will be taking back much more than just photos and memories. I will also leave with new skills, new friendships, and many valuable lessons I have learned about myself.