Adle works for a year as a volunteer at La Strada in Belgium

Adle Gündüz (29) is from Turkey and has been volunteering at La Strada (Emmaüs), in Antwerp, for a year through the European Solidarity Corps.

How is your volunteering experience so far?
This place is exceeding my expectations. Beforehand, I thought Europeans would be quite cold or even chilly, but that is not the case here at all. La Strada is a very warm place, there is a lot of social contact within the team and there is always a positive atmosphere. I have also learned many different things. For example, I've learned to be flexible, because every day is different here.

And how did you end up at La Strada?
I studied sociology in Turkey and then worked in a rehabilitation center for a while, but wanted to develop myself further. That's why I wanted to broaden my horizons and get to know Europe as a volunteer. Before that, I also volunteered for a while in a kindergarten in Germany, which was very nice. But at La Strada I really feel at home: here there is always action and that suits me, I like to be busy!

What does your life in Belgium look like?
I live in a studio right next to La Strada, very convenient. There is another volunteer now, Silvia from Italy. She lives in the same building. I'm very extroverted and she's more introverted, so we complement each other well.
During the weekends, I go exploring all over Belgium and the Netherlands. I have already discovered Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Furthermore, I take Dutch lessons twice a week. Since a month, I also speak Dutch with the young people who come here.

What do you like about working with young people?
The first days I walked along with the supervisors, but now I also give workshops myself. Today, for example, I went shopping with the young people and we made sushi together. Thanks to the other supervisors, I now know how to get the young people on board to get creative with me. We cook, draw, play sports together, very diverse. Often very busy, but that suits me.
By also going on camp a few times, I discovered other departments of Emmaüs and got to know additional people and places in Belgium.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Definitely! I'm glad I'm not 18 anymore. We work here with young people who need a lot of attention, so you have to be strong in your shoes. Of course it depends from project to project. At La Strada, I receive good guidance and can always ask for help when needed. I have my hands full, but the atmosphere is always positive and I learn more every day. Highly recommended!

Updated on Friday, 24/02/2023