MERAKI

Most of the time we live without realizing that not all the people have the same opportunities nor resources than we do.

In September I was selected to participate in a project that would change my life.

Spending two months in Porto Rafti (Greece), living with 18 other people where I got the chance to develop non-formal learning activities for youth and people with mental disabilities.

I could spend some time with people with mental illnesses and get to understand them better. Also, I could learn some important values such as becoming more empathetic and doing good sharing with those who need it the most.

In November the lockdown came, and we stopped working with people with mental disabilities. So, we began to create activities and workshops to keep learning and developing ourselves.

Our value was a greek word Meraki, which means, a way of auto-boost yourself to make it amusing for you.

We did the foundation for the creation of a garden outside the house we have been living in. We learnt how to use a sewing machiner and draw like an outsider, among other workshops.

Of course, we made some parties ;). Once a week, we organized the “cultural night”.  It was about a different country.  We had a great time!

At the end of the Project, we created a “survival guide” with all the activities, food recipes and tips for the future volunteers.

Living with eighteen people from different nationalities and cultures can be sometimes a little bit challenging, but it is a life changing experience. In fact, after my experience in Greece, I can say that I have a big family spread all around Europe.

If you are thinking about volunteering, don't hesitate and join the experience! I can guarantee you that it will be one of the best experiences of your life!

Thanks to Globers for helping me with all the procedures, before, during and after the project and to IASIS for choosing me to participate in this wonderful volunteering.

PS: If you know Spanish, you can read more about my experience on this blog: Realizar un voluntariado europeo con ESC