Sveiki, gamardžoba!

I left for a month, returned almost a year later. That's how I start my story of experience every time I meet someone who is willing to listen. A one-month group volunteer project made me fall in love with it, both with the people and with the organization, a few weeks later, after the end of this project, I was already boarding a plane back to the culture, so that after the Georgian lesson, “Hello!” would be replaced by “Gamarjob!” and my long-term volunteer project would begin.

I evaluate the practical experience as unforgettable and full of adventures. It was not only filled with positive emotions, but also thought-provoking. The lifestyle, people and social habits are much different than in Latvia, but these differences made the experience even more vivid and interesting, because, in my opinion, it was an opportunity to spend everyday life in a different world, thus also paying attention to everyday things and habits at home, because before that I never even noticed them.

There was a lot of new knowledge and skills, because I started the project with the goal of learning and finding out as much as possible, no matter whether it was something big and useful in my future life, or small and bringing daily joy. One of the most striking examples is, of course, the Georgian language. Learning it was truly exciting, often difficult, but very motivating, because when I applied it in everyday situations, the local people viewed these efforts very positively and often wanted to talk about it more and more. I was pleased by how passionately they wanted to share their culture, as well as, of course, the praised hospitality (completely genuine). I was surprised by how passionate, but at the same time relaxed, locals are – it is more important for them to stop and enjoy themselves than to rush for the sake of materialistic productivity.

The professional development area provided me with the necessary knowledge for the future about the activities of non-governmental organizations, the creation and implementation of projects, as well as improved practical skills related to organizing and working with children and young people both in the school event environment and outside it. The personal area project significantly increased my enthusiasm to go, do, continue to get involved in various development projects and encourage others to do the same.

I believe that everyone who has even slightly considered getting involved in volunteering projects should cast aside their doubts and just do it. The experience gained here is built on humanity, understanding and support. These are kindhearted people from all over the world, homes away from home and memories that cannot be put into a small picture frame.

Krista spent 9 months in the European Solidarity Corps long-term individual volunteering activity "Shared Pathways: Volunteering in ISCR" in Georgia.

“Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Youth in Action International Programmes. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held liable for them.”