Testemunho do Tomás - Lituânia, Projeto ''Feel it!

 

Olá a todos

Eu chamo-me Tomás. Tenho 19 anos e, apôs o término do ensino secundário, estou a fazer voluntariado na Lituânia. Mais especificamente na cidade de Panevėžys, sou um de 4 voluntários na escola Panevėžio "Šviesos" ugdymo centras onde as minhas funções passam sobretudo por auxiliar uma turma nas suas diversas aulas/atividades, tal como criar atividades do meu interesse e gosto para os alunos em geral.

Passados 7 de 9 meses de voluntariado, a experiência tem sido incrível: tenho aprendido varias estratégias e métodos de ensino, tenho melhorado o meu inglês, tenho conhecido tanto uma realidade diferente como feito amigos de diversos países europeus, visitei (mais recentemente) algumas cidades e pude experienciar um país com um clima antagónico do português.

 

 

No seu geral, a Lituânia é uma realidade ligeiramente diferente para quem sempre viveu em Portugal: neva e chove imenso (especialmente no inverno), as pessoas, de um modo geral, são muito ligadas ao estado do tempo (meteorológico),estas não são muito expressivas porém assim que te conhecem mostram te muito afáveis, bebe-se imenso chá, no supermercado além do lituano as descrições dos produtos estão escritas em russo ou letão (na sua maioria) e existe uma diferença do que a  quantidade de oportunidades e estrangeiros diz respeito, entre  Vilnius e Kaunas (as duas maiores cidades) e o resto do país.

Para os 2 meses que restam, espero aprofundar relações com os alunos da minha turma, com os professores e com os outros voluntários. Além disso, espero alcançar os objetivos e atividades propostos.

Tomás

 

O testemunho No 2 da Irene

 

Olá!!

I'm writing this while waiting for my flight to go back home but!! just for holidays. Hopefully I'm not leaving this amazing adventure yet.

Well, 5 months here in Lisbon... And being honest I cannot imagine myself without these lovely people I met. 

My volunteering it's going super; the field trips with children it's a very pleasant experience because, well, there are a lot of children but I like to stay with those who at the end of the activities run to hug me, Those who when I repeat activity in their school remember me and, the best, those who are interested in nature and birds

My life in Lisbon it's going good, but I have to say, sometimes it's like a rollercoaster (but it's normal)... But I have the best friends ever and they take care of me and I can't be more glad with them, Dina and Dodo, my blond equipa. (And a person I cannot say the name to, sorry. ily M<3) 

We took a fast trip to Nazaré to see the BIG WAVES and one of the most important surf competitions. It was amazing  

Here we are, after waves and a lot of sun, taking a cold beer

Anyway, I'm going to check my gate. See you soon (I hope It will be pass slowly)

Btw, NÃO SABEMOS NADA

O testemunho No. 2 do Donatien

Olá querid@s leitor@s ! 

Time to look back and sum up my last months in Lisbon… Already half of my project has been achieved! I would focus on the two main ongoing projects I’m coordinating with Luís (my supervisor). Our project to launch the first local parliament in the neighborhood of Telheiras is in progress and going well. In June, the inhabitants will be summoned to attend and take part in the first session of this citizen assembly at the Festival of Telheiras. Until then, we are thinking and designing the project with the local associations, schools and inhabitants themselves. 

Meanwhile, we’ve been facilitating workshops with the students of the Escola Tecnica Psicosocial de Lisboa about civic engagement and how increasing their impact on the society about the most meaningful topics to them. At the end of the 4 sessions we had together, all of them thought about a group project to lead. They are now ready to release it to the neighborhood in the public library’s amphitheater. 

I also worked on a festival in the north of Lisbon called ComunicALTA
that happened on the 18th of March. Its purpose is to promote all the talents, skills and projects born in this area of Lisbon. This sunny day was really intense and fulfilling for everyone : gigs, dancing shows, skateboarding session, delicious african food and so more… 

And above all, I fulfilled one my biggest dreams : going to Nazaré and watching the best surfers coming from all around the world to surf the big waves ! 

After 6 months here, I feel home thanks to my friends I’m living with and I made, the people I’m volunteering with (portuguese as well as foreigners), the sunsets from the miradouros and beaches, the activist activities I finally started to get involved in about climate and social justice here in Portugal… As the time goes (and the days get longer), my attachment to this city and country is getting stronger and stronger. Next step : being fluent in portuguese... In case I make it, I apologize in advance to the Lisboetas for the extra french guy you’ll have to deal with… 

O testemunho final da Beyza (Spin)

 

Hello everyone,

    

  Well, I was expecting that It will pass very fast but It was more than I expected for sure. This is my last week and I feel very emotional L  I literally don’t want to leave.. Life is life.

Last months were really fun. In November I had small trip to Prag and Dresden. I definitely suggest to go to Prag during winter eve though It’s very cold. The city has magic itself. I ‘ve visited Christmas markets in both cities, I felt that I am in the movie scene. 

Since we started to live with the new volunteers, my days at Casa B were way better. During December I had a lot of activities around Lisbon. Whole the city has Christmas vibes already. So me and my flatmates went to the Wonderland Lisboa together. I think It was one of the most interesting xmas market I’ve ever seen because It’s not the typical one and the weather was 17 degrees..

In the office, after some busy months december was chill, we had some christmas activities together for the neighboorhoud of Carnide . They wanted from us to make Xmas tree that represents our Ngo. Me and other volunteers did that tree with the objects we have in the office. After that we went to see that tree in Carnide. They hang all the trees they have to the bigger tree. It will stay there till the new year.

We had some Christmas holiday in the office so I decided to make some plan for the Christmas and the new year. My Portuguese friend Carolina invited me her hometown for Christmas. It was so so nice.. We went to Castelo Branco together and I met with her all relatives. Her parents and grandparents prepared amazing food. It was actually my first Christmas so I will always remember that. After that I came back to Lisbon to spend my days with my flatmates.

   Before the New year I flew to France to be together with my Turkish friend in Nancy. I also had chance to see Paris.. Meu Deus, It was one of the best city. I fell in love with the cities and the croissant. <3 I met with my French flatmate there aka Dodo. Dodo and his friend made amazing Paris tour for me It was so nice.

 

After that We went office back. Neighboorhood of Carnide arranged traditional lunch for elder people of Carnide. Me and other volunteers were there to serve the food for them. I really felt the feeling of being volunteer that moment. It was unforgettable and I was using my Portuguese skills which I don’t have at all to communicate with them.

So I think we are coming to the final.. I am very very grateful to have this opportunity. I gained a lot of things and met with amazing people during my volunteering. Thank you ALL. Hope to see you again. 

Beijinhos <3

O testemunho final do Amr (Spin)

 

Hello People and welcome to my last testimony,

Time ran out and it is time for me to leave my Spin family, I came to Spin having in mind that I will be a volunteer for only 9 months, however, my project was extended for a couple of months, but those also came to an end. However, during these two months, I learned a lot. 

 

 The last two months I joined the mid-term training in Braga, it was a new place for me, unfortunately, it was only for 3 days however it was worth it as a new experience with new people for me to get to know, new places to explore and a new opportunity to express myself and share my culture.

 

 The last two months for me with spin I gave goodbyes to people I wish had stayed longer, but also welcomed new volunteers that I wish I had known earlier, I spent some wonderful moments with them and I’m also grateful for that, nonetheless, I was feeling like a guest having in mind that all those who began volunteering with me were gone and soon I will be.

The last two months were very intense for me for I was going back and forth between finalizing my project and the uncertainty I had to stay in Portugal or go back to my country and what is consequent to either of them, although I pursued means to stay. it took me a while but I recently had more sudden reasons to Leave.

 

In the end, I feel like I have a lot to say, and yet I won’t be able to lay it out properly, I have been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for. so simply put I’m proud of taking this step that taught me a lot of things that I take forward in time with me and enabled me to explore beautiful places and meet amazing people from around the world that I will always remember, and so this is a “Thank you” for everyone who knows me, who was a part of this chapter of my life, and remember you’re always welcome in Egypt. 

 

 See you around.

O testemunho No. 1 da Dina (Bola p'ra frente)

 

Hello everyone,

My name is Dina, and I come from Serbia. I’ve been volunteering for a month at the Associação Nacional de Futebol de Rua in Lisbon, Portugal. The association is located in a neighborhood where there are many children of various ages and different backgrounds. More precisely, fewer opportunities, facing poverty, being exposed to bullying, overall violence and delinquency, and members of different ethnic groups that are being discriminated against. Therefore, the association represents a comfortable space for everyone. Apart from the amazing facilities the association offers, it is first and foremost a warm corner with dear employees, interns, and volunteers who are always in a mood to dedicate their time to every child that comes and support them in any way. Simply put, ANFR is a place to share your life, no matter if it is happy, sad, tragic, or lonely. We stand united and stronger, bearing the upcoming days side by side.

Frankly speaking, saying that I am a volunteer is not adequate and precise. I feel more like I am doing the work of a superhero. The super hero who always has time to listen to many struggles and sad stories, and bring colors into gray children’s lives Apart from being a shoulder for crying, we share very happy moments. We have already celebrated more than 5 birthdays, one of them being the association’s 15 years of existence. Each birthday and holiday are celebrated with delicious food and drinks, which we embellish with colorful and sparkly handmade decorations.

As I don’t speak Portuguese, communication has been a bit challenging, but we manage to understand each other by using nonverbal communication. One of the things I usually do at ANFR is help kids with their homework, mostly mathematics, arts, and English. Together with colleagues, we deliver different educational presentations and workshops regarding many topics like violence, healthy lifestyles, sustainability, and others. Furthermore, we play various games, starting from simple ones to more advanced ones, where different values and knowledge can be gained. Lastly, we use street football to develop different skills, like teamwork, self-control, time management, patience, empathy, discipline, and many others. Some of the activities that marked this month were a visit to a professional hairdresser, a movie at a cinema, a visit to local activities, a picnic, and a celebration of Magusto.

My amazing flatmates  and their stunning personalities should not be overlooked. They contribute a lot to my life in Portugal. We spent a lot of time together. We explore all the possibilities Lisbon offers daily. Aside from that, we visited many surrounding cities and beaches. Long conversations in warm and cozy clothes with hot chocolate are my favorites.

Overall, I am really happy to be here and surrounded by amazing people, as well as to be a part of the association and to contribute as much as I can to make the lives of children happier, better, more interesting, and richer when it comes to knowledge and skills because, at the end of the day, don’t we all need someone to bring colors into our lives?

O testemunho no. 1 da Irene (SPEA)

 

Hola a todxs!

O meu nome é Irene e tenho 26 anos. Sou da Espanha e comecei o meu projeto na Sociedade Portuguesa para Estudio das Aves (SPEA) em 2 de Novembro. Este primero mês tem sido cheio de emoções e surpresas. É o meu primeiro voluntariado fora da minha cidade natal e para mim tudo é novo. Na casa Bernardim somos várias pessoas de diferentes países e divertimo-nos muito porque nos dias em que não estamos a trabalhar, fazemos excursões a diferentes lugares da cidade.

Para conhecer mais a cultura dos países das pessoas que vivem na casa, organizámos um Brunch Cultural e isso foi um dos meus melhores dias aquí (a comida era realmente boa). Posteriormente, vários de nós (Dodo, Magda e eu) fomos dar um passeio pela cidade e comemos pastel de nata. Alguns dias depois, como tradição, fomos beber Ginjinha com as pessoas da Spin e bem, DON’T DRINK IT IN ONE SHOT!

Quanto ao meu trabalho na SPEA.... (projetos: As aves semeian florestas | LIFE LxAquila) Já conheci várias pessoas que são um amor. Este primeiro mês é sobretudo sobre atividades em escolas com as crianças de 6-8 anos. É engraçado quando as crianças descobrem que sou espanhola e querem ouvir-me a falar espanhol ou "português" (mal consigo falar português...), mas é bom quando a atividade termina e elas vêm correndo para me dar um abraço <3

Este primeiro mês tem sido bastante chuvoso, pelo que não tenho podido ir observar pássaros (tenho mesmo saudades). Mas bem, estou ansiosa por seguir com este projeto em que estou envolvida e continuar a aprender mais sobre pássaros e crianças. Nos próximos meses continuarei com os alunos de algumas turmas e com outras tarefas do projeto LIFE LxAquila onde poderei estudar mais acerca das aves e as suas coisas.

De momento acho que não tenho mais nada por dizer (realmente tenho, mas não terminaria), por isso, até breve, beijinhos!