An adventure of a lifetime on the island of eternal spring
Erika, Slovenia»For the first time in my life, I went on a journey, outside the comfort of my home bubble, which caused quite a few butterflies in my stomach.«
In 2018, I embarked on a new adventure when I decided to participate in European voluntary service with the organization Teatro Metaphora on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where I was sent by the Trbovlje Institute for Youth and Sport (ZMŠT).
For the first time in my life, I went on a journey, outside the comfort of my home bubble, which caused quite a few butterflies in my stomach. The fear of the unknown was balanced by the desire to experience a new country and culture. You could say I jumped into the deep end of the pool, even though I wasn't entirely sure if I could swim.
During the six months I lived in Madeira, I found my wings. I shook off my anxiety, gained confidence and learned a lot from animating children, knowledge transfer through awareness raising, running workshops, handcrafts, art making and the importance of teamwork. Along the way, I have also learnt the importance of mentoring, as you are supported by a mentor throughout your time as a volunteer.
My mentor Sara introduced me to the island with many day trips, helped me learn Portuguese, supported me when I felt lost, lonely, which of course also happens from time to time when you are so far from home. She helped me follow the learning process with various methods of self-reflection and encouraged me to take life by the spoonful.
To be honest, I can't imagine what my experience would have been like without the mentoring support, or if I would have progressed half as much personally and professionally. So, when I returned to Slovenia, I decided to become a mentor to international volunteers and offer them the same support and help that I received myself. My mentorship progressed into youth leadership and developed into the profession of a youth worker, which I have been doing since 2019. I was employed at the local Student's club of Litija and Šmartno as a professional youth worker, which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone on my EVS experience and gained all of the experiences mentioned above.
Updated on Mercredi, 04/01/2023