By Paulina Blaszczyk My name is Paulina and I participated in the EU Aid Volunteers / ESC Humanitarian
Aid programme as a volunteer in Kenya, collaborating with WeFoCo and Pi Youth Association. I decided to join this project because I was interested in gaining first- hand experience in international cooperation and in understanding social and cultural contexts different from my own.
Sensibilisation about GBV in community group.
During my volunteering period I had the opportunity to work with different local communities, taking part in educational and awareness activities, particularly in schools. An important part of the project focused on Gender- Based Violence (GBV), through meetings with students and discussions aimed at raising awareness about respect, relationships and rights. A significant part of my experience was also visiting and working with schools for children with disabilities. In these environments I was able to observe closely the work of teachers and staff who are committed to providing education and support to students with specific needs, often with limited resources but with strong dedication.
Donation of wheelchairs, sanitary pads, first aid kits and medicine in a school of children with disabilities.
At the same time, the project allowed me to connect with other local organisations and initiatives, giving me a better understanding of the context in which they operate and the types of activities carried out within rural communities. This exchange between organisations plays an important role in strengthening local work and encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences. This experience in Kenya allowed me to observe how educational and social projects are implemented in a different context and gave me a more practical perspective on international cooperation. The EU Aid Volunteers / ESC Humanitarian Aid programme represents an important opportunity for people who want to approach this field and understand how community-based projects are developed and implemented on the ground.
Art activity in school.