Nice to meet you, my name is Juan, I am 22 years old and I come from Madrid, Spain. I have always been interested in helping others, contributing my skills and energy to volunteer projects that have a positive impact on the community. For this reason, I volunteered in Palermo, Italy, at the Tau Youth Center in the Zisa neighborhood. The project involved me for 8 months and I was supported by the organization InformaGiovani. My main role was to help the kids with their math and Spanish homework, as well as organize activities such as card games and board games. I also supported their personal development by creating a positive and engaging environment for them.

I decided to volunteer ESC abroad because I had already lived in Rome for an Erasmus exchange and wanted to immerse myself in the Italian culture. I was also looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of education and when I found this volunteering position, it seemed like a perfect fit for what I was looking for. During my volunteering, I organized different activities with children, such as card games, movement-based games and even some psychology workshops. Some of the funniest and most memorable moments happened in the first few weeks, as I was not used to interacting with children and I was surprised by how expressive, sincere and impulsive they could be.

During these months I had the opportunity to create my own project, organizing several workshops and a chess tournament with the kids. I introduced the kids to the basic rules of chess, including the movement of the pieces, the goal of the game and the fundamental rules.

I faced several challenges, especially with maintaining authority and setting clear limits. It was difficult at times to remain firm and make sure the children respected the limits, but I gradually improved as I learned from each situation. Overall, I had a great relationship with the children and I think I handled these challenges well. I just took it one step at a time, reminding myself not to overthink the difficulties and that every experience is an opportunity for growth.

I would definitely recommend others to take part in an EU Volunteering project. It is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, as I did in Italy, and to gain valuable experience working with people, especially in the education sector. Through my time at Tau Youth Center, I learned how to manage activities, support young people in their development, and build meaningful relationships. The challenges I faced, such as learning to set boundaries and maintain authority, were opportunities for personal growth.
Furthermore, volunteering with the EU gives you the opportunity to work in an international and diverse environment, which broadens your perspectives and improves your skills.

It is a rewarding experience that not only helps the community but also contributes to one's own development, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to grow personally and professionally and make a positive impact.

Juan Moro