O testemunho final do Vedran (Spin)

It’s been six months since my last testimony, and I think it’s safe to say so much has changed, all for the better, of course.

Today marks exactly one year since I landed in Lisbon, and what a year 2024 has been. It feels like everything flew by in the blink of an eye, but isn’t that how it goes when you’re living the time of your life?

In my last testimony, I talked about a few projects I was working on, and now I can say how proud and grateful I am for being part of them. They taught me so much, and one thing is for sure: I’ve almost entirely conquered my fear of public speaking. Thanks to Spin’s projects and activities, I’ve grown more confident, and the summer of 2024, dedicated to Live it Lisbon, was truly unforgettable.

I had the privilege of leading workshops, helping to create plans and programs, and honestly, it felt like the universe decided I should level up my leadership, active listening, and problem-solving skills all at once. My creativity stretched to new heights; preparing theatrical introductions for Live it Lisbon activities and presenting the magical "Spin World" I co-created with my colleagues.

Beyond Live it Lisbon, the year was packed with content creation. We made countless TikToks, reels, and posts to bring Spin’s goals and projects to life. And let’s be real, turning ideas into reality with a team like this? Bingo!

But let me talk about Lisbon itself, the star of my year. I think I’ve fallen head over heels for this city, and after one year, I’m pretty sure I’m here to stay for all of 2025, at least. Lisbon reminds me of my hometown, Split, and that emotional connection makes it even harder to imagine leaving. The people, the laid-back vibe, the endless sunshine, the gorgeous beaches, and those sunsets… I have been officially spoiled.

Walking down the streets of Anjos, hearing laughter, and feeling the relaxed energy of the city fills my heart. I have been lucky to call this neighborhood home, with two incredible sunset viewpoints just a short walk away. Whenever I have a free afternoon, you’ll find me at Miradouro da Graça with a book and a cappuccino, watching the sun melt into the horizon. And that moment when the sky transforms after sunset? Pure magic.

2024 feels like a movie I want to replay over and over. From the memories made with my fellow volunteers in our house and friends that I met during my stay here, to the adventures we shared exploring Portugal, it’s been nothing short of extraordinary.

For now, my plan is to stay in Lisbon for another year, but honestly? I’m so attached to this city that I don’t know how I’ll ever leave. This place, these people, these memories they’ve become a part of me.

Here is to whatever 2025 has in store and to a little more magic under Lisbon’s sunsets.

P.S. I learned how to bake Pastel de Nata!

O testemunho final da Elena (Junta de Fregusia do Lumiar)

 

It would be difficult to separate these three months of ESC volunteer from my stay in lisbon. This much- loved city has in fact hosted me for more than a year now , gifting me one of the most vivid and rich periods of my life. I came here as part of an italian civil service project, working in an organizations that supports the integration of migrants and people with addictions. I felt right away part of this dynamic and multi-faceted city, and was able to become friend with locals and people from different backgrounds.

In fact, I consider myself a very outgoing, curious person . It is very easy to maintain social relationships in this city because sometimes it seems more like a village, where you can meet familiar faces on the street or in the many social centers of the city.

Being politically very active, I immediately took part in diverse social movements alive in the city. Supporting various anti-fascist collectives and taking part in a percussions group. I was playing a big drum during the protests that often take place in the city center, supporting causes such as the liberation of Palestine , housing rights or the climate struggle. In addition to my work and later ESC volunteering, I have participated in` parallel volunteering actions in different neighborhoods, gaining a very broad human and territorial knowledge. Understanding better the multiple aspects and dynamics that compose this city.

During this past year I have managed to give continuity to some long-standing passions, such as rock climbing (the surroundings of lisbon offer many opportunities for outdoor climbing ), painting (Joining a live drawing group) and theater ( participating in an improvisation theater workshop in my neighborhood). At the same time I discovered new passions and hobbies, such as playing drums and practicing bio dance. As a lifelong lover of music and festivals, Portugal is the ideal country for discovering new artists and traditional dances. In fact, I have had the opportunity to attend countless cultural and musical events, all over the territory, enriching me immensely.

Of course, my experience would not be the same without the people who have accompanied me and been close to me. I feel very lucky and grateful for these encounters and friendships that i hope to carry with me for a long time to come. All these elements made sure that at the end of my community service I wasn't ready to leave Portugal, and was lucky enough to be accepted to participate in an ESC volunteer project with Spin organization, based in Lisbon. I was active as a volunteer for three months in an after school program in the Lumiar neighborhood. I was volunteering in two after school programs , accompanying the work of educators in classes of 30 children.

Right away I was integrated into the team, and the educators explained how to best interact with the kids. In fact, many children have special needs * mental and physical, and various types of disabilities. I must say that it was the first time for me to work with children with disabilities and at first it was not easy to understand how I could be helpful and interact with those kids. It was a challenge also because of the large number of children and the energy used to organize various activities ( sports, painting, theater..et) every day.

After a few weeks I got used to the rhythm , also thanks to the help of the other educators who always accompanied me and spurred me to organize activities. The days passed quickly as each day is different from the other and there are never empty moments. The children are from 9 to 11 years old, they are very curious and energetic and always invited me to participate in their games. The fact that I speak Portuguese definitely was a big plus, and talking to the children surely added a lot of vocabulary.

In general I belive that this volunteering has made me a more patient and proactive person . Initially i was supposed to do 8 months of volunteering, and I only did 3 months because I got a job offer that i didn't want to give up. I am very thankful that I had the chance to participate in this ESC volunteering and I would always recommend to take part in this kind of projects.

O testemunho no. 1 da Nayera (SPEAK)

So I’ve been here for almost 3 months already, and it feels like it’s been only a couple of weeks. I guess as they say “good times fly by”. 

I don't want to be like every other person that just says cliches like “I fell in love with the city” but I absolutely did. One of the very first things that I noticed about this city was the music. Everywhere you go at almost any given time there’s music, even when it’s quiet Lisbon still has its own tune. 

I wouldn’t call myself an extrovert but I couldn’t help but dance all around this city. I’ve already met amazing people since I came here, especially my flatmates from Casa Anjos, it wouldn't be a good weekend if it wasn’t for them. I’m excited everyday for what this experience brings me.