Testemunho da Miríade - França, Projeto ''Have Less, Live More''

 O projeto Have Less Live More me permitiu expandir a experiências e poder desenvolver diferentes competências durante o tempo que aqui estou, escolhi fazer um projeto short term devido a fatores pessoais, mas pude perceber que apenas dois meses acabam por ser pouco tempo no que toca a criar laços e a habituar ao espaço.

Estou a viver num mobilehome que partilho com outras raparigas no camping de Bevedere em Lastours, e uma vez por semana no apartamento que existe para os apartamentos na cidade de Carcassone. Estou a fazer de tudo um pouco no que toca às tarefas, algo que não estava nas minhas expectativas antes de aqui chegar, faça tanto trabalho do parque de campismo, como cuidar dos animais, jardinagem, às vezes e também quando vou para a cidade o trabalho na produção de cogumelos.

As minhas tarefas em relação ao parque de campismo são ajudar na preparação de mobilehomes para clientes, em relação aos animais estou encarregada de alimentar os burros e póneis, e na equipa dos cogulemos todo o trabalho que é exigido para a sua produção.

Também é importante salientar o sentido de comunidade que é preciso existir para a vida com os outros voluntários, desde a confeção de refeições, a limpeza do espaço e o respeito aos mesmos, algo que faz toda a diferença.

Não eramos muitos voluntários, em meses anteriores estes passavam dos 20 devido a outro projeto, ao que posso contar menos de 10 voluntários durante o tempo que estive a desenvolver este projeto, e que acredito que tenha sido benéfico no que toca à criação de laços. Nos tempos livres, sempre que era possível, saíamos para explorar outras cidades e vilas, ou fazer algo diferente, durante os tempos de trabalho sempre existiam grupos para a realização de tarefas.

Posso dizer que desenvolvi um melhor sentido de comunidade, resiliência, aprendi sobre sustentabilidade, tudo o que diz respeito ao trabalho que desenvolvi e muito mais, e a lidar com diferentes perspetivas. Também me inspirei em histórias de vida de outras pessoas.

Gostei muito da minha experiência, que também foi um desafio que lancei a mim mesma uma vez que nunca tinha trabalhado nestas áreas, mas que é possível que alguns dos próximos voluntários achem muito diferente das suas realidades e zonas de conforto, posso dizer também que eu pessoalmente sou uma pessoa muito calma e centrada na resolução de conflitos, nunca tive nenhum, mas ouvi falar de histórias de antigos voluntários com diferentes personalidades que tiveram.

Posso finalizar dizendo que vale muito a pena sair da nossa zona de conforto e fazer algo diferente que no desafia e nos faça crescer, e fazer grandes amizades! 

 

Cumprimentos, 

 

Miríade Martins

O Testemunho final da Magda (Spin)

I knew it would happen, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. My project in Lisbon is coming to an end and I would like to share some thoughts and experiences about it, because the last few months have been full of adventures and new people.

What did I do at Spin?

-I gave 12 Portuguese Language lessons to other volunteers. It was challenging, but also a really valuable period for me. I was able to see how other people started using the language with my help, and watching them interact was something I really enjoyed;

- I experienced my first Youth Exchange and met people from several European countries, including my own - Poland;

- I helped organize the interns from La Vibria organization first days in Lisbon.

What places have I visited?

- I visited many places that were on my bucket list:

*The Alentejo region with a rented car,

*Serra da Estrela Natural Park,

*many beaches

*Guadiana River from Vila Real de Santo António to Ayamonte.

*Andalusia

..... and much more

What I learned?

-Living with people from different countries can be difficult, but you can learn a lot at the same time, which makes you grow as a person;

-People can have REALLY different concepts of time;

-You don't have to choose between a smaller, strong coffee (uma meia de leite) and a large, lighter one (um galão), but you can just order um galão escuro :D

Honestly? I'm really glad I made the decision to come to Lisbon. I've learned a lot about myself, grown as a person and experienced things I hadn't thought of before. The people I met will always hold a special place in my life. I recommend you to take this step and enjoy volunteering in Portugal.

 

Magda

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.