My European Solidarity Corps Experience

1. My European Solidarity Corps Experience Martyna Michalowska

2. Beginning When I was a student, I heard many times about Erasmus projects, but I never took part in any. Till last year. Two years ago, when I moved to Warsaw I met a friend, who introduced to me topic of Training Courses and European Solidarity Corps. Last year was my last chance, because this year I turned 30 y.o. I decided to go to beautiful Portugal to help local society.

3. I chose this project because I would like to learn how to make a positive difference in a society, to help people to have a new life opportunities. This project is also a great opportunity to develop new skills for example about creating videos and arts or preparing workshops and work with young people. I decided for project in Portugal because it seems like very challenging because of language barrier and very different life style. I would like to learn about new culture, to learn Portuguese language, and also to use my skills and knowledge to have an impact on society around.

4. My main tasks to do in organisation My other tasks to do were going with Nuno to help him with workshops he prepared for schools and municipality too. One of my main task was to create tutorials videos for youtube. I was very happy when I could create them about program I like, for example Excel. It was also a challenge for me to learn how to use Camtasia and Photoshop, and also because I started with short and simple videos in english but at the end, I made long and more advanced videos in portuguese! Writing a post on a blog, one post per week. What was nice and I didnt expect that, is the fact that I started to write it in english but at the end I was able to write it in portuguese. Helping with workshops for seniors. It was very heartwarming to see all of them, like grandparents, ready to learn something new like downloading an app, making video calls or printing documents. And I'm very happy I could help them to follow instructions and talk a bit.

5. Workshops We had three kind of workshops: ● Workshops for young people ● Workshops for local society ● Jah Moment

6. Workshops for young people Mostly I was going with Nuno to schools to help with with workshops for teenagers. My job was to help preparing the place, take pictures, take part in some activities and also very important at the end of almost all workshops was that I had some minutes to share about my experience, my reasons why I chose to go for this project, and in general I had opportunity to tell young people why it is important and useful to go for it. At the end they could ask me questions and we had very nice talks and discussions! Organisation was a host for some amazing workshops for young people not only at schools, but also in the office. One of them it was about creating CV and thinking about future and career. What was interesting one of those workshop was based on past life experiences. Through this, it was possible to get to know ourselves better and be ready to looking for an answer about future plans.

7. Workshops for local society Workshops which weren't for young people but for example for seniors. We helped them to learn how to use computers and their phones so they could print some documents or informations they need or they could make a video call with their loved ones. We were also going with workshops to very poor neighborhood to help unemployed people to think about their abilities, skills and help them to prepare own CV. It was very challenging for me, because of language barrier but also because they are young but really didnt know how about looking for a job or creating a CV.

8. Jah Moment It is project of workshops for young people, which also we volunteer prepared but also we could take part in this. It is to build awareness of young people about world, sustainability and more independents ways of living. For first day of it there were 4 different activities; Eurodesk, Arduino Workshop, Yoga Workshop and Workshop about Poland (which I prepared). During second session of workshops there we had a photography, sewing and pin machine and even 3D printer workshop. The idea is to help young people to try new things, to inspire them to try and to create a safe space for them to express their creativity and artistic needs. This project just started and it is going to be really big and well done event in the future!

9. My daily routine As a volunteer I started my work at 10am. So I was always in the office this time. Usually I was working using computer, creating some tutorial videos, which later went uploaded on youtube channel of my host organisation. I had one hour of break during work so or i went home to prepare food or I went with others volunteers to park to sit and enjoy the nature and our talks. On some days we had portuguese classes, so first thing in the morning was to go to school to meet a teacher and spend time learning portuguese. Sometimes my days didn't look so calm because I had to go with Nuno to schools, so it got more chaotic, for example some workshops at schools started at 8 am or at 3pm. Anyway, there was always something to do and time passed very fast!

10. Free time Mosty after work we shopping or during hot days we went home to rest. When the weather was enjoyable we usually go to visit Lisbon, sit in our favorite miradouro and talks for hours. Me and other volunteers really like travel cheap, so we visited cities close to Almada and Lisbon. We took many beautiful pictures and we have amazing memories. My favorites places are Costa da Caparica beach, which is an amazing beach, together with others it takes 26 km. Other good place to relax is Ginjal in Almada, place with great view of LIsbon, Tejo and 25th april bridge.

11. Other amazing way to enjoy Lisbon is going to museums, concerts and parks. I loved Berardo Museum, National Azulejos Museum and also our tradition of thursday jazz concert nights in the oldest jazz club in Lisbon!

12. Lisbon and surroundings

13. It is also very important to mention how different portuguese people are. And who we can call portuguese people. Portugal is very open and open minded country. On the street you will see every skin color, people of all genders, all sexual orientations, many artist wearing own designed and colorful clothing, many punk and rock and roll lovers, and also many simple, people of every race. I felt there so safe and inspired by people on the street. By their appearance, energy but also how kind and tolerant they are. It could be an great example of a country who united all races and all people of the world.

14. Portuguese classes During my project I had opportunity to learn local language. Before coming to Portugal I knew some words which I learned for my short trips to Brazil. When I arrived, I was really surprised how different this language is in Portugal and in Brazil! Almost like two different languages. But i got an amazing opportunity to learn it. I could use app, which I downloaded on my phone, but also organisation assured me portuguese classes. In the beginning I had them twice per week. Later the organisation agreed to have it three times per week. This beautiful woman from picture was a teacher, the best teacher I could ever wanted. She is so lovely, patience and funny! I miss her so much! Saudades de você!

15. Friendships Im very thankful for opportunity to meet such an amazing people! During this project I met other volunteers, which are very creative, talented and open minded. I really enjoyed spending time with those young people. It was great opportunity to share a flat with Anna and Mimi, to get to know Gonçalo. I also create a connection with one ex volunteer, who is currently living in Portugal - Magda. I got to know people from different countries: Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Norway, Macedonia, Austria. We created beautiful memories which will always stay with me!

16. I just mentioned the most important things and my memories, but there is much more reasons to go for this project. I really recommend to get involved and try, it will be unforgettable experience!