Another beautiful chapter has come to an end

I’ve now completed my third month of volunteering—and with every passing day, I continue to discover more about myself, about others, and about the kind of world we can create together. Before reflecting on the entire journey, I’d like to dive into what made this particular month so special.

As in previous months, I continued taking part in the regular English and Turkish speaking clubs, which have become a comfortable and stimulating space for cultural exchange, personal growth, and open dialogue. These sessions are more than just language practice—they're a platform where ideas are shared, friendships are built, and confidence is nurtured.

One of the highlights of the month was attending a training course dissemination led by our fellow volunteer, Talha. He walked us through the experience of writing and implementing a project—turning ideas into real-world impact. It was an eye-opening session that made me realize how accessible meaningful change can be when you’re equipped with the right mindset and tools. For someone passionate about youth development and education, this workshop planted seeds of future ambition in me.

Throughout the month, we also organized a variety of creative and educational activities with children in two different youth centers. Every week was a new adventure—drawing, storytelling, group games, and most memorably, a recycling project. Using bottle caps from mineral water bottles, we created colorful keychains and coasters. This activity was not only environmentally conscious, but it also became a powerful medium for expression. Watching the children unleash their creativity, helping them shape their ideas, laughing together, and recording those moments on video made me feel fully alive and present. Their joy was contagious; their imagination, limitless.

Additionally, I had the chance to attend morning yoga classes in the fresh, crisp air of Ankara. Those calm early hours brought a beautiful balance into my routine. Starting the day with mindfulness helped me stay centered, energized, and ready to give my best throughout the day. It’s fascinating how even a few moments of intentional breathing and movement can transform your inner state, making you more compassionate and attentive in your interactions with others.

But beyond the activities, the true essence of volunteering lies in the invisible bonds we form—with people, places, and values. Volunteering has taught me to slow down and really listen. It has shown me the importance of being present, of showing up even when it’s not easy, and of offering what you can with an open heart. Every child’s laughter, every thank-you, every shared moment has quietly shaped my character.

More than just giving time or effort, volunteering is about being part of something larger than yourself. It's about creating bridges—between generations, between cultures, between dreams and reality. You begin by thinking you’re helping others, but soon realize how much you're growing in the process. You learn patience, leadership, empathy, and above all, humility. You stop measuring impact in numbers and start seeing it in smiles, in progress, in hope.

This journey has made it clear to me that volunteering is not just a role—it's a way of life. It invites you to live with intention, to contribute meaningfully, and to believe in the quiet power of consistent, compassionate action. And as I look forward to the next chapters, I carry with me not only memories but also a deep sense of purpose—because when you give a piece of yourself to others, you gain a fuller version of who you are meant to become.

 

My July in Turkey: A Month Full of Connection, Learning, and Discovery

 July has been one of the most enriching and memorable months of my life. From volunteering with children to discovering breathtaking corners of Turkey, this experience has left a deep mark on me — not just as a volunteer, but as a person.

Volunteering in Ankara: Mamak and Altındağ Youth Centers

My daily routine in Ankara was anything but ordinary. In Mamak GENÇLİK MERKEZİ, I worked closely with children, organizing energizers, group dynamics, mind games, and even a fun tote bag painting activity. Watching the kids smile, create, and express themselves was a powerful reminder of how small actions can bring joy.

Meanwhile, at Altındağ GENÇLİK MERKEZİ, I had the chance to explore a wider variety of workshops. I taught English and basketball, supported activities like robotic coding, art, and cinema, and led more mind games. Each day was full of laughter, learning, and shared curiosity — a beautiful cultural exchange through play, creativity, and teamwork.

A Life-Changing Trip to Hakkari

One of the most impactful experiences this month was traveling to Hakkari, in the far southeast of the country. There, I joined a different kind of volunteering project that allowed me to connect with an entirely new reality.

We visited the homes of families of martyrs, centers for people with disabilities, a Quran school, and took part in cultural visits that helped us understand the local way of life. We also went hiking through stunning landscapes, helped clean a lake, and shared meaningful moments with local people. I felt deeply welcomed and touched by the warmth, generosity, and strength of the community. It was an unforgettable experience that opened my heart and mind in so many ways.

Exploring Antalya

During my free days, I had the chance to travel to Antalya, a beautiful city on the southern coast. It was the perfect getaway — full of sunshine, sea, and surprises. I loved connecting with locals, exploring the historic streets, and of course, swimming in the Mediterranean. The trip reminded me of the beauty of balance: working hard and making space to enjoy life fully.

Training and Connection in Van

To wrap up the month, we attended a training in Van, where we learned more about volunteering, community impact, and youth work. It was also an amazing opportunity to meet other international volunteers from all over the world. Together, we explored Van’s vibrant city life, its natural surroundings, and its delicious cuisine. The energy was inspiring, and I came back full of ideas, connections, and motivation.

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Final Thoughts

July was a month of discovery, human connection, and cultural exchange. I’m grateful for every child I played with, every conversation I shared, every place I visited, and every person who made me feel at home.

Turkey continues to surprise and inspire me — and I can’t wait to see what the next months bring.

 

My July Blog – ESC Experience in Ankara

 Hello! I’m Magda, and this is my July blog. I’d love to share the unforgettable moments I experienced while being in Ankara and taking part in this wonderful ESC project.

A Life-Changing First Experience

To be honest, this was my very first experience like this, and I never expected it to be so unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything felt new, exciting, and surprisingly meaningful.

Our Daily Activities

Let me start with the daily activities. Every single one of them was not only interesting, but also so much fun! One of the most special parts for me was working with the children. The joy and energy they brought made each day brighter and more fulfilling.

We also organized various workshops and engaging activities that allowed us to connect, share, and learn in creative ways. One highlight was the Speaking Club, where we gathered each week with young people to discuss self-development topics and share perspectives. It was an incredible way to grow, learn, and feel the power of connection through meaningful conversation.

Cultural Exchange & Friendship

This project gave me the chance to strengthen my skills, share knowledge, and learn from others – all in a fun and inspiring environment. I met people from different countries, cultures, and languages, but it was never difficult to find a common language. That’s the beauty of being open and respectful.

In my opinion, when you're in a new country, surrounded by strangers, the most important thing is to find a way to connect with people you live and work with—and to do it respectfully. And I really felt that, especially through the sweet and curious eyes of the children.

Exploring the Beauty of Ankara

Ankara is a beautiful city, full of depth and charm. In the very first week, I started visiting places, and one of the first was the stunning Kocatepe Mosque. We also visited the Biosphere Museum and enjoyed peaceful picnics in green parks where live music added to the magical atmosphere.

We walked through the lively streets of Kızılay, which offered a true taste of the city's daily life. And something that made each day even more joyful? Seeing cats everywhere! Every corner had a cat lounging or walking by — Ankara truly felt like Catland, and as a cat lover, it brought a smile to my face daily.

Unforgettable Trips: Amasra & Antalya

We also went on beautiful trips outside the city. Amasra completely stole my heart — every street was charming, and the people made it even more special. It’s a place I’ll never forget, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting Antalya. The views were breathtaking — from the old town to the beaches, every place was full of beauty and peace. I’m so glad I got to explore it.

Final Thoughts

ESC was not just a volunteer program for me; it was a life-changing journey. It opened doors to growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. I’m truly grateful for this experience and everyone who was a part of it.

July Highlights – Volunteering, New Experiences & Summer Vibes

 
This month has been full of variety, good energy, and meaningful moments, both in the volunteering activities and outside of them.

At Mamak GENÇLİK MERKEZİ, we organized several creative and interactive activities with the kids:

 Painting tote bags

  Cooking cookies and pasta together

   Making bracelets

    Going on a picnic

     Visiting the Biosphere Museum

      Hosting weekly Speaking Clubs every Saturday, where we practiced English through fun and open conversations.

At Altındağ GENÇLİK MERKEZİ, the schedule was just as full, but with a focus on sports, creativity and learning. Together with the children, we took part in:

   Tennis, volleyball, basketball and gymnastics

   Music and arts sessions

    Mind games, robotics and English classes

 Besides everything happening in the centers, July also brought some personal highlights. I got the chance to visit Amasra, a beautiful town by the sea, which offered the perfect setting for a short break, fresh air and summer vibes. I also attended the graduation ceremony of my friends at TED University, which was such a special moment. It was wonderful to see my friends and colleagues from TED again, to catch up, share memories and just have a great time together.

 Another special moment this month was celebrating my birthday here. The volunteers and the children surprised me with homemade cookies and even brought a cake. It was such a thoughtful and sweet gesture that made me feel truly appreciated.

Looking back, July was a month that kept me busy, connected, and constantly learning, both through the work with the kids and through the small personal experiences along the way. I’m looking forward to what’s coming next! 🤍🍒

July description

It has already been one month since I arrived in Turkiye and I am halfway through my journey. These past weeks have been full of people, activities, trips, children, and games, so let’s start from the beginning.

I remember my first night, arriving exhausted in Ankara, hungry, and sweaty. The following day I met with the other volunteers from various countries in Europe, Azerbaijan, and of course, Turkiye. We did the first activity and went to eat outside all together, the orientation week had officially begun. We were introduced to the youth center where the main of our activities would take place, we wrote down all our fears and expectations, and reviewed the schedule we would follow. We started to work with the children, painting, doing energizers, playing games and presenting our own countries.
I was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm during the activities we did and by their determination to learn English, even though it is not an easy language for them. After the orientation week was done, I was reassigned to another youth center, farther away, but bigger. That place impressed me because of its infrastructure, number of teachers and the many children. As teacher assistants, we were able to choose the classes we wanted to take part in, and we had a lot of options, from football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, cinema to drama, English, arts, music, robotics, and gymnastics. The place was so lively, full of energy, we have been well integrated thanks to the teachers who helped us.

            Ten days after the project started, my friend and I had a great opportunity to travel to another city of the country for over a week. It was still a volunteering project, working with children again, but they were from disadvantaged areas. There I met people from all over the country, we were more or less the same age, but with very different backgrounds. I am grateful because everyone from there tried to include me, get to know me better, to share their culture and treated me like a special guest. I took part of a wonderful group which helped me to understand more deeper the country of Turkiye. I did a ton of activities there, but the most common one was dancing with children. The smiles, the hugs and the small conversations with them remained printed in my memory and marked my journey here.

 We went to mosques, study places, and youth centers to bring joy and happiness. In addition, we did ecological actions, cleaning places around the city, a lake, a cemetery and near our dormitory. We visited many people who had lost their children in wars or terrorist attacks or people with disabilities. Nevertheless, we visited different institutions which offer emergency services in case of an earthquake, and the police authorities. We travelled a lot around the city and around the region in order to reach as many places as possible. We had a lot of fun too, we had the opportunity to see historical sites, local bazaars with traditional clothes and products, and famous tombs. We arrived in two marvellous natural places that truly amazed us: a waterfall and an ice lake. It was an unforgettable experience where I learnt and saw many things and left from there with many friends and memories.

   In the end I returned back to Ankara, where things seemed to have stayed the same, I continued my daily activities with the children, but I returned changed. Now I feel more confident, experienced, fearless and ready to face future challenges. Overall, I can feel the impact of the project on me, in the way I think and in how I see the world. It is not over yet, there are still many lessons to learn and places to discover, but I am entering the new month just as enthusiastic as I was at the beginning, with the same interest, but wiser.

Unique June

 

My volunteering journey, which began in May, turned into an unforgettable experience that left a deep mark on my life. During this time, which passed by in the blink of an eye, I had the chance to meet new people, connect with different cultures, and grow both personally and socially. Each day was a new opportunity to learn and contribute.

June, on the other hand, was the month when this experience reached its peak and found a special place in my heart. Through the Slovakian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian Culture Days, I not only got to know different traditions but also shared in their emotions, energy, and stories. These days reminded me once again how vast the world is, yet how deeply connected we all are.

In addition, the “Leadership and Participation” seminar allowed me to be more than just a participant—it made me an active learner and contributor. The discussions, exchanges of ideas, and workshops all helped me grow, transform, and feel empowered. During this journey, I became more than just a volunteer; I became part of a community, a family.

As the time to say goodbye arrived, memories of the friendships I made, the laughter we shared, and all the challenges we overcame together came flooding back. This has not just been a project for me—it was a life experience. I leave with a mix of sadness and gratitude, because the time I spent here gave me not only knowledge but also a true sense of belonging.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to both the ESC program and ANDER organization for making this entire experience possible. Their constant support, encouragement, and trust in us volunteers transformed this journey into something truly meaningful and unforgettable.

I genuinely hope our paths will cross again—maybe in a different place, through a different project, or simply somewhere along life’s road. Until then, a part of me will always remain here, with the memories, the people, and the moments we created together.

A Month of Meaningful Memories: My Volunteering

June was more than just a month on the calendar—it was a journey filled with learning, connection, and personal growth. As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities that not only enriched the lives of others but also deeply shaped my own perspective.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this month was the time I spent with children in village schools, youth centers, Altındağ Imam Hatip Project schools, and colleges. Through the lessons and workshops we organized, I felt like I was able to truly touch their hearts. It brought me so much happiness to share knowledge, create joyful moments, and offer them new experiences. The laughter we shared and the memories we created together are things I will never forget.

Volunteering has a special place in my life—it brings unforgettable moments and emotional connections. But it’s not just about giving; it's also about growing. I had the chance to attend cultural events organized by my friends from Azerbaijan, Slovakia, and Georgia. These experiences allowed me to dive into different cultures and traditions, opening my eyes to the beauty of diversity. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this international project, which gave me the opportunity to build

Our youth center was a hub of creativity and learning. Each volunteer led workshops on various topics, sharing their unique perspectives and skills. From speaking clubs for secondary school, high school, and university students, to sessions on self-expression and creativity, every activity played a role in mutual development. Leading these speaking clubs helped me grow in confidence while also supporting the deve.

At the university level, we organized events about ESC (European Solidarity Corps) and Erasmus programs. These moments spent collaborating, learning, and having fun with my peers were some of the most fulfilling parts of the mon.