O testemunho final da Ida (CML)

 

Until next time, Lisbon!

My volunteering project here has been an experience of many highs and lows, but as a result I now feel stronger as a person. The months that I spent at the Lisbon City Council were full of new people, new realities, very many mistakes in Portuguese, a lot of learning, cultural exchange and many cups of coffee drank on the street with pasteis de nata on the side. 

The work at the City Council included mostly meetings with different municipal services and charitable associations. Unfortunately, because of Covid surges some activities had to be cancelled, but I still managed to have many highlights. One of the main highlights during my experience was getting to know the pedagogical farm of Olivais, where I spent a day with children, who were either learning to make traditional Portuguese pastries or learning about different animals, fruit trees or composting. Afterwards, I also spent some days working at the organic garden, learning about edible plants, cultivation and maintenance.

I am glad to say that I was able to improve my Portuguese a lot with the help of my colleagues at the City Council. They were extremely patient with my mistakes and taught me many expressions. I have gained a lot of confidence in my speaking and listening, so, to conclude, thank you Spin and Câmara Municipal de Lisboa for this amazing experience!

O testemunho final da Kristina (SPIN)

Olá amores!! 

So my project is finished and it’s time for the last testimony.

These 9 months were amazing!!!! Obviously with ups and downs, mental breakdowns and best moments of my live, But mostly it felt like a summer vacations in a movie. 

I met a lot of interesting people, some of them became my super close friends, some gave me a lot of knowledge. Actually, I think, people are one of the most important things I gain in this project! 

Beside that, I also restarted my hobby and started dancing again! With a lot of practice, struggle and support I even managed to dance in Tivoli theater here in Lisbon🎉

Talking about serious stuff, I also learned a lot of hard and soft skills during these months. Work experience that I had in Spin helped me a lot on my career way.  Youth exchanges, work in sending part of organization allowed me to see projects from different perspectives. Be a facilitator, share my experience, talked to guys in schools about my journey, was really magical parts of life in Spin. 

And I think that’s all and it’s time to say good bye to the Best Team of Spin ever, But fortunately, new chapter of life just started and more of amazing moments waiting me on my way! Well, at least let’s hope so🤞

Goodbye everyone!!

O testemunho final da Cynthia (Boutique da Cultura)

 Olà todos ! 

A week ago, I said goodbye to my office, my tutor and the amazing team of the Boutique da Cultura. We all went to eat an ice cream after work and talk about those last 9 months and having to say goodbye to everyone was a really emotional moment. 

 My journey with this association started on the 1 of November. It has been maybe the most fulfilling months of my life, full of personal growth, drinks and parties with amazing friends. I will be forever grateful for the chance I had to do my project here, in this incredible city and association. Lisbon is a lively city, every day you can find something to do. I will never forget that experience and everything it brings me: the skills I learned, all the people I met, the place I visited.

After 9 months in Lisbon, I can really say that ESC changes lives, it open your horizons, offers new perspectives of life, and created amazing memories. It’s an out-of-the-ordinary experience that I will cherish forever. 

Thanks to the Association Boutique da Cultura, I learn so much personally but also professionally. I had amazing opportunities, like going to theater and even be part of a play, doing workshop and meeting new peoples from all age. My colleague always made me feel like I was part of the team, part of the family. They made this experience so much easier and also fun and for that I wanted to say thank you. 

Now, I have had to say goodbye to some amazing friends I met along this journey: my flatmates from Casa B, my friends from SPIN or from others associations in Lisbon. It’s always sad and hard but that’s how life works. I will never forget all the moment we spend together, all the trip and all the giggle ! I hope we will have the chance to meet again someday and I can't wait to see what life brings me and to them. 


Thank you and até a próxima !