O testemunho final da Katarina (Spin)

Time really flies. I am still processing the fact that I’ve spent almost a year of my life in Lisbon.

As I came back to my hometown, I started remembering how I thought of Lisbon as some city far away and impossible for me to reach. Now I think of it as my second home. 

I am existing in a different timeline now, far away from buildings with colorful tiles, away from pasteis de nata, away from sandy beaches and big waves, and the train that would take me there now is filled with some other people. It’s fine. I know I am going to be back.

The year behind me brought a lot of amazing things: experiences, connections, adventures, learning about others, learning about self, lessons, laughter, love…

Things took a positive turn since my number 2 testimony- mostly reading my flat in Lisbon. New volunteers arrived to casa Anjos, and they finally made me feel like I am a part of an ESC project. Coming from different countries, they brought their stories, their cheerful vibes and their exciting days into our home, and I have come to appreciate their company and sharing my space with them. 

I was also skeptical about sharing my room with someone, but my fellow roomie and I get used to each other and we grew closer. We shared our stories, funny and not so funny moments, traditional and improvised snacks, dreams, hopes, goals for the future and much more. 

Towards the end of my stay, we had a swap market at Spin, which I absolutely loved, but  didn’t help at all with my packing to go home, because instead of gifting stuff away and making my luggage smaller, I found so many cool things and I had to make an extra room for them. But I am a person who gets attached to things easily, so I am happy that now I have some stuff at home that will remind me of my time as an ESC volunteer.

As the time of my departure was approaching, I did my best to visit places I loved in Lisbon and around, so more than once I went to the beach just to chill and look at the waves. I also visited some places I was postponing, foolishly believing that ‘there’s enough time’. In the end, I didn’t even visit everything that was on my list, but I don’t mind - I always say that there should be something left for the next time. These trips also made me realize how much I actually grew and changed - I didn't used to go to places on my own and spend time by myself. Now that is a common thing like any other to me, and I can say that this ESC adventure I took pushed me to do some things I wouldn't do before, and for that, I am forever grateful.

In my last meeting, as I was reflecting on things I have achieved, I said: This was maybe not the experience that I wanted, but it was the one I needed. And I stand by it. So if anyone thinks about applying for ESC cares for my advice - It can never be absolutely the same as you imagine, and it shouldn't, so don't overthink it, just apply to the first program that matches your vibe, and by the end you'll realize that every challenge you encountered was worth it.

Shout out to Spin employees who always wanted to help and who always made me feel appreciated and welcome, I am thankful for giving me the opportunity to meet you all and have this experience in the first places, because without you it wouldn't be possible for me to live in Lisbon and have it made my second home.

I don't like saying goodbyes. As the day of my departure was approaching, people asked me how do I feel, am I sad, am I going to miss being there and so on...

Yes, I miss being there, I miss being around people and places. But my story is different, because I took the best of Lisbon with me, and I know I am going to be back, sooner or later.

Até a próxima!

K.

O testemunho No. 2 da Katarina (Spin)

 

Hello again!

It feels like I have blinked and woke up many months later. Though the heat is gone, the sun still shines over Lisbon and gives its share of happiness to the ones who’re lucky enough to wake up in this amazing city today.

Everyone also lives their life, being the main character in their own story and all the other people are around just to fill the gaps and the holes of the plot. I also feel like that: my life is my own story and my own experience, and life in Lisbon is just another chapter in my life novel. The only thing is that even I don’t know what is going to happen on every page I get to turn. Although maybe it's not what I have been picturing in my mind back when I first arrived, there are many things to enjoy, to treasure and to be grateful for.

Certain periods in the flat I am living in have been challenging, but many times people give you the advice that you should see the obstacles as an opportunity to grow and broaden your perspectives. Even though it can be true in some cases, in my opinion, some things and situations should be solved if they are continuously crossing the line, and they should not be turned into an opportunity to grow, or be more flexible, or be more patient or be more this or that. Luckily, things have their way of falling into place, so in the past month we got new volunteers and I live with them now, and I think they are amazing people and that we have a lot in common and a lot to share, so I am looking forward to spending the months that I have left in a better environment and the healthier place to live.

I have been visiting some places around Lisbon, and I am extremely satisfied with the 40 euro card deal that the public transport company offers, because with this card you’re able to visit many places around, as there is a good train and bus connection to almost every place you can imagine. My favorite spot is actually any spot by the sea, so I took advantage and spent more than a few of my days just looking at the horizon and listening to the waves.

One of the highlights for sure has to be a mid-term training that we had in Braga, which is a lovely little town in the north of Portugal. Even though the weather forecast predicted a week of rainy days only whilst I was there, I got lucky and was able to spend a sunny afternoon walking around Braga and exploring the place. The people in the training were something else, and the group dynamic was outstanding. I felt the amazing connection we had with one another, helping each other express our experiences and feelings towards our ESC projects. I felt really happy and relieved that I was not the only one facing some challenging situations, and I really changed my perspective on some things that happened. I cherish those moments and I take some connections with me, to hopefully meet again in one of many places those people come from.

Lisbon is a vivid city and has to offer something for everyone, if you know where to look or even just if you are willing to explore. Lots of museums, galleries, bars, food places, gardens, viewpoints. Over time, I’ve got to have my favorite of many things: favorite park – Gulbenkian, favorite beach – Parede, favorite Portuguese food – bitoque from Portvgalia, favorite foreign food – Korean bbq, favorite place to chill – south bank… the only one I don’t have is a favorite pasteis de nata place, simply because they are amazing wherever you get them.

My Portuguese is still not at a level I would have hoped, but I’ve got only myself to blame, as I think I should’ve dedicated more time to studying. I understand quite a lot though, and finally I don’t have any problem maintaining the necessary conversation with the supermarket workers during the check-out.

I think this is it for now, I guess that I’ll be back here and writing my final testimony faster than I can know. Until then, I will continue enjoying my life in Lisbon the way it is and saving a special place in my heart for some experiences and people that happened to me in this very place.

Beijinhos,

K

O testemunho no. 1 da Katarina (Spin)

 

Hello, my name is Katarina and at the moment I am doing my ESC project in Lisbon. My host organization is SPIN, and I'll be spending 11 months in total on this volunteering position, helping them to organize and implement their projects in Barrio Padre Cruz, where their office is located.

I first visited Lisbon back in 2018. and I fell in love with the vibe of this city. I promised myself that I would come back sometime, but thinking about it right now, if someone told me that I would be spending almost a year in this magnificent place, I would not believe them for sure.

In the first months I was just wandering around, getting to know places and admiring all the beauty Portugal has to offer: amazing beaches, parks where I can rest and enjoy the nature, I even climbed Serra de Estrella, the highest mountain in Portugal, which for me was a great achievement and adventure, considering I didn't have a similar experience before.

People in Lisbon are very friendly, there are also a lot of people from different countries, so you can say that Lisbon is a very multicultural and open minded place, with lots of amazing places and events to offer.

I am also very happy to have other volunteers around, to share their experience upon arrival, because they have already went through their first encounter and cultural shock, so you feel less alone in the adaptation process. Team at SPIN is also very welcoming and helpful, and also easygoing, which I figured is also a part of their amazing Portuguese mentality.

Time is going by so fast and I am constantly learning new things and getting more experience of living in Lisbon. I am still not brave enough to speak Portuguese, although I understand a lot, but I promised myself that I will work on my skills in the months to come.

Lisbon is kind to me, so far it brought me many amazing experiences, great people and moments to remember, and I hope it will remain being generous with new adventures for me in the next months of my project. Until now, I am grateful for all it has offered so far.

Until the next check in, and more updates,
K.

O testemunho No. 2 da Dina (Bola p'ra frente)

Half a year has passed since I came to Portugal. During this time at the association where I  volunteer, we were super busy because of the many activities that were going on. Apart from that, I was occupied by so many opportunities that Lisbon is offering and spending time with my lovely flatmates and dear people me.

By collecting the food and necessities for the people of the neighborhood where the association is located, we made bags from reusable materials to put all these together. Later, together with the kids and colleagues, we visited around 20 families and distributed presents and wished them happy holidays. To wrap up the 2022, we organized an unforgettable and joyful dinner where we celebrated with almost 50 kids and spread some motivating and warm wishes to each other.

The first days of 2023 were crucial for us as we made plans and later on organized so many interesting activities, some of them with the help of partner associations, such as: promoting and joining a local theatre group, theoretical and practical bicycle activities and rides around the neighborhood and Lisbon, street football tournaments, picnics, pilates, yoga, music and dance classes, outdoor scavenger hunt games, visit to elderly house and socializing with elder people, master chef, safety walks in the neighborhood and overall education by police how to follow street signals, and so many. All this was done to improve skills and help kids gain knowledge regarding various things, as well as let them express themselves in different ways. 

By attending activities and spending time in the association, the bond between kids and me became so strong that now we can´t imagine days without each other. I must say that even though I work daily with them on different topics and help them do homework and learn more, they help me grow as well.

Next to volunteering, I had plenty of time to dedicate to myself. I joined a volleyball club and started training there. Therefore, I connected more with locals. 

 

I would like to add that Portugal is fascinating with its amazing nature, landscapes, beaches and cities. I had the opportunity to visit many of them and enjoy each moment.  

Overall, life here has been amazing, especially with all the people around me, who I appreciate and love more and more each day. 

 

 

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?

SVE do Ângelo na Sérvia

Greetings from Serbia! Im in the second of 9 months of EVS in the city of Vranje and everything is snow white here, it looks really beautiful.

I've been in Serbia before, for two Youth Exchanges and for filming one short documentary. Now I'm back for EVS and it's been great, I've been making lots of videos, which is the main purpose of my project, check them out here.

I'm also working hard to prepare my Cinema Workshops that I'm going to start giving to local participants. I will give two classes every week and my students will learn about all areas of filmmaking, I hope they are excited as I am.

My hosting organization, Generator, made sure my experience here is as rich as possible. I've been visiting all tradicional serbian situations, parties and new cultural events. The food is tasty, my co-workers are great and my work is interesting. So far I can't complain, it's going to be hard going back home after EVS, the adventure is addictive. See you soon on this blog!

Ângelo