My name is Sariyya and I am an EVS volunteer in STRIM office. I was involved in press operations of 2 major sports events held in Azerbaijan, and for more than a year I was a project coordinator in an outstanding womens’ organization – Women’s Association for Rational Development. When I saw this EVS opportunity in Krakow as an office team member and read work description, I knew that this job was for me. This opportunity was amazing as I was really interested in getting some work experience abroad and working in international team.
I was an exchange student twice and participated in several projects abroad, but for the first time I had to share a flat with „3 international strangers”. From the very first day we got connected so easily and naturally with Anita, Marie and Clem, that I truly felt like home in our little flat in Bratyslawska. Working as a team in scheduling weekly housework, having conversations, preparing meals from our countries and simply sharing our worlds with each other became my favorite part of this experience.
As it comes to my colleagues, I think I work with the sweetest and most caring people of Poland. Everyday I feel Dorota and Marco’s support and trust, which makes me more confident and motivated. The coziness, positive atmosphere and good sense of humor are 3 words to describe STRIM office. They were very positive about my first project “Volunteers for change” blog and gave me fine ideas on how I could conduct the interviews and write the articles. The idea was to visit all volunteers and their hosting organizations and prepare brief articles about their initial EVS experiences. Truly, this project made me feel closer to the volunteers and I was able to talk to everyone, listening to their thoughts and giving some recommendations or ideas about activities they could do.
Together with volunteers and mentors we have already had 2 Food Crowds – international dinners, which is becoming a monthly activity. For this dinner each volunteer prepares a dish from his/her country and shares it with everyone.
We have started weekly country presentations, where every volunteer has a chance to present his/her home country, region and share information with the rest. During upcoming months together with volunteers I want to organize some info sessions about volunteering and Erasmus + opportunities in the library, schools and youth centers. I believe young people always need to see positive role models to get inspired and take charge of their lives. Who if not an EVS volunteer can set that example?
In next 6 months I want to be productive by organizing useful activities, meet more people, travel, create deeper connections, inspire and get inspired by work I do. I want to share more about Azerbaijan and its history, culture and hospitality. My aim is to make memories and leave a footprint in this beautiful voluntary experience.
Marco, the coordinator
Having such a volunteer like Sari in the office is not a common thing. She has started working very actively in our office and for our EVS project, since the early beginning. This project is about developing different projects connected to EVS and trying to make our volunteers (a large number of people coming from many different countries) a solid group. Normally you need time to understand the dynamics of this role, to feel comfortable and organized when there’s not a strong daily routine. We know volunteers normally need time to adapt and develop their own ideas, but it wasn’t like this for Sari: she has started like she would always been with us! Of course, her shining character makes all the process easier, but she’s not only a beautiful person, she’s also a very prepared, serious and organized worker.
I believe Sari will develop many projects we have no idea about it now. Much depends from her interests, but also from the contact she will find from now on. We see that bigger projects are made when a larger number of people work together, for a common idea. Sari is a great leader, she can manage an idea and put into reality, but I have no clue right now about the topic of the projects she will realize. Surely they will be connected with multiculturalism and EVS, but I guess that her strong interest and activism in women’s rights, could be a theme she might work on. We will surely more than happy to support her work as much as possible!