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Summary of the Volunteering in Portugal

Summary of the Volunteering in Portugal

Magdalena17
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Summary of the Volunteering in Portugal

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  1. THINK LIKE EUROPEAN – ACT LOCALLY European Solidarity Corps project in Lisbon Presented by Palina Belayets

  2. ABOUT ME At that time, I had already finished my master’s degree in economics and was working in my field for over two years. Everything was stable and "in place" — but something didn’t feel right. I realized that this might be the perfect moment to slow down, try a different rhythm of life, and look for something more than routine. I was 25, and honestly — the idea of an adventure felt much more exciting than the risk of early burnout. That’s how I ended up here: working with kids, learning Portuguese, and living a life that’s very different from the one I had before —and that’s exactly what I needed.

  3. ABOUT THE PROJECT In the middle of summer, I started looking for new opportunities through the ESC portal. After updating my profile and sending a few applications, ProAtlântico reached out to me in August. I sent them my CV, motivation letter, filled out the form — and after a short interview, I got accepted! In early October I arrived in Portugal, ready for a new chapter. I spent the next 6.5 months volunteering kindergarten — helping kids, supporting teachers, and learning a lot along the way. I became part of the ProAtlântico team and daily life in a local school. volunteering in a

  4. NEW HOME IN PORTUGAL During my ESC project, I lived in one of Lisbon’s outer districts, in a house shared with 25 other volunteers from different countries. Each of us had a shared double room, and the atmosphere was always lively and international. Every morning I took the suburban train (only 10 minutes to work and 20 to the city center). The house was just 8 minutes on foot from the ocean, which quickly became my favorite spot. I had never had such a beautiful commute before — so whenever I had time and energy, I would skip the train and walk home along the water. Locals still call it “the river,” but to me, it was already the ocean — and a perfect 1.5-hour walk to clear my head and appreciate the moment.

  5. A DAY IN THE KINDERGARTEN Every day I supported the educational and care routines for children aged 3 to 5. My tasks included: • preparing materials for creative activities, • assisting during arts & crafts, • helping in PE and outdoor games, • supporting during mealtimes and naptime routines. I worked closely with the main teacher and classroom assistant. I helped children express themselves, play together, and feel safe and cared for.

  6. SPECIAL MOMENTS AND CELEBRATIONS I helped organize and celebrate different events such as: • Halloween, Christmas, Friendship Day (Valentine’s), Carnival, Father’s Day, Birthdays. My role included: • baking cookies, making decorations, preparing costumes, • guiding games and group activities. we created a bond These were joyful and creative moments for the children — and for us!

  7. OUR FAVORITE TIME TOGETHER Some of the most fun moments were during free play, where we could explore together. We painted, built puzzles, played hide-and-seek, and laughed a lot. I also introduced simple gymnastic activities, which became part of our weekly rhythm. Children loved stretching, moving freely, and playing movement games. This was my small personal initiative that became "our thing" in the group.

  8. A LITTLE BIT OF POLAND I shared a bit of Polish culture with the children. I introduced them to: • a few Polish words, • songs and rhymes, • and facts about life in Poland. We used play and creativity to explore new cultures — and the kids were always curious and excited to learn.

  9. OUTSIDE ADVENTURES During the project, we often explored the world beyond the classroom. In the winter holiday season, we went on a two-day trip to a farm, full of new experiences and nature. We also took walks to parks around Lisbon, discovering the city together through the eyes of the children. With the youngest group, we even took a ferry ride — for many of them, it was the first time on a boat! One of my favorite memories is going to the post office to send letters nd a small gift — homemade pumpkin jam cooked by kids — to our friends from another school. The kids helped write, decorate, and prepare the package — and were so proud of the result.

  10. INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH OTHER VOLUNTEERS Living at Casa with other volunteers was a truly valuable experience. We became like a big family — supporting each other, cooking dishes from different countries, walking, traveling, laughing and crying, sharing hugs and sunsets, celebrating holidays together, watching movies, dancing, and playing. I’m really grateful for the friendships I made and all the unforgettable moments. I miss our evening talks, jokes during Portuguese lessons, and playing board games.

  11. On-arrival Training In December, I participated in a comprehensive On-Arrival Training organized by the Portuguese National Agency. The week included team-building exercises, intercultural learning, conflict prevention workshops, and project presentations. I also had the opportunity to participate in the "Agora EU" event, celebrating International Volunteer Day. This intense and engaging week brought together international volunteers from across Portugal, allowing us to connect, share experiences, and expand our networks through various indoor and outdoor activities.

  12. MY FREE TIME IN LISBON I discovered a new culture and everything that comes with it. Coming from a fast-paced and often stressful lifestyle, I began to slow down and truly notice the world around me. I learned to let go and to enjoy the moment. I fell in love with Lisbon’s sunsets, surfing, and of course —pastéis de nata. I was grateful to meet great people around me, and we made the most of every opportunity to enjoy things together. This time gave me a chance to explore not only the city and its surroundings, but also myself.

  13. EXPLORING AROUND LISBON I was amazed by the nature around Lisbon you didn’t even need to go far to feel recharged -

  14. TRAVELING AROUND PORTUGAL Being passionate about nature, I fell in love with exploring Portugal’s landscapes — but the cities also stole my heart. Portugal’s diversity is incredible — from wild cliffs to charming towns I had the opportunity to see a large part of mainland Portugal as well as the island region in the Atlantic Ocean, and I was truly impressed.

  15. WHAT I LEARNED During my volunteering, I learned to use basic Portuguese, which allowed me to communicate with children and colleagues! New environment taught me a lot about adaptability, patience, and creativity. I made new friends, learned how important human connections are, and got to know different cultures better by living and working in a diverse environment. This experience raised my international awareness and helped me build a network. Overall, it was great for personal growth and gave me skills that will help me in the future.

  16. Make the most of the opportunities that are available! If I ever had to decide again about going on a long-term volunteer project— I would definitely do it again.

  17. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

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