When I returned from my volunteer experience in Italy, I felt truly fulfilled and happy with the time I'd spent there. I was hosted by an organization called Kalistratia, and honestly, it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

From the first moment, I felt welcomed. Antonio, the organization's founder, personally picked us up at the station, even though it was late at night. He always took care of us as if we were family, bringing us food to our accommodation, checking if we needed anything, and making sure we were always comfortable. Our relationship with him was never just that of volunteers and an organization; it was much deeper. It was as if we were his family in Italy and we could ask him for help or advice as we would have with our own father. I will never forget that kind of bond.

Living in Calabria, in southern Italy, was a unique experience. The locals were incredibly welcoming, and spending time with them helped me truly understand the meaning of community spirit. I had the opportunity to try traditional dishes, always delicious and prepared with love. I also helped organize the "Kalabria Eco Fest" festival; its energy and spirit were unforgettable: dancing, music, laughter, and the entire village coming together.

One of the best things for me was learning new things I never thought I'd try. I learned a few Italian words and even wrote sentences like "We need to move this car." Even though I'm not fluent, it was exciting to express myself in a new language. I learned a few Italian dances and even started playing the guitar, which brought me closer to the culture and traditions.

A very special moment for me was when I had the opportunity to share my culture with them. One evening was dedicated to Lebanese food, and I cooked for about 15 people. Everyone was amazed by the flavors and dishes I prepared. Seeing how much they appreciated Lebanese cuisine made me proud, because it wasn't just about the food, but about bridging cultures and sharing a piece of my home with them.

Another wonderful aspect of my volunteering was working with the children. I discovered how much patience and creativity it takes, and I learned to engage them in fun and meaningful ways. I even tried painting with them and the other volunteers, coloring the steps in the main village. I'm not an artist, but to my surprise, people loved my paintings! Some villagers even asked me to paint them for their homes, and I was happy to do so in my free time as a volunteer.

At the same time, I also shared some Arabic calligraphy with them. I wrote their names or small words in Arabic on their hands, and they were always excited and curious. It became a fun way to exchange cultures and made them feel even more connected.

The organization also made sure we could enjoy the surrounding environment. We took trips to the beach, and spending time with the locals by the sea was very relaxing and rejuvenating. It wasn't just about volunteering, but also about building bonds, learning from each other, and feeling part of a big family.

What deeply touched me was the overwhelming support people showed for the Palestinian situation. As someone from the Middle East who has directly experienced the effects of the war, this solidarity meant a lot to me. Everyone around me showed empathy, concern, and a clear awareness of being on the right side of history. This support gave me comfort, strength, and hope.

I also discovered a new aspect of life: living more eco-friendly. I learned to cook vegan dishes that require no food waste or the use of animal products. It was inspiring to see how delicious and creative vegan cuisine can be. I also learned simple ways to live sustainably: saving energy, reducing waste, and being more environmentally conscious. These are lessons I now carry with me every day.

Looking back, I can say that my stay in Italy was truly joyful, inspiring, and transformative. I learned about the culture, traditions, language, art, sustainability, and, above all, generosity and kindness. Kalistratia and Antonio created an environment where we didn't feel like guests, but rather that we belonged there, as if we were part of a family.

I will never forget Giorgia of InformaGiovani and her colleague Alice, who were always available to help and support me. 

It was more than just volunteering: it was a life experience that exposed me to people, cultures, and values ​​in a way that I will carry with me forever.

Moayad Ismail