Maissem’s First Month In Ankara

 Hello eveyone ! My name is Maissem. I’m from Tunisia. And I’m volunteering in ESC project with ANDER Association in Ankara, Turkey. 

Well, my experience was special since the beginning because I actually started the 2026 year with this project, literally. I came to Ankara on the first of January 2026, and today I officially have been here for one month. I’m not gonna lie to you, this month passed so FAST!I came here knowing only “Merhaba” and “Inshalah”, but today after 4 lessons in Turkish Language offered in this project, I know a lot more and I am so happy about that! Even the sweet lady from the Simit Shop that I go to almost every day is now proud of the progression that I made. I started understanding the prices that she’s saying in Turkish, doing a “Hi How are you” conversation with her in Turkish, and of course thank her saying the magical word that everyone here smiles when I say it: teşekkür ederim and I smile back when she responds Afiyet Olsuuuun 

Another beautiful new thing I learned during this month is Knitting! 4 weeks ago I knew Nothing about knitting, but look at me now! I almost finished quarter scarf! And the amazing part about this activity is that I’m making that scarf for a beautiful kid out there who maybe cannot afford buying one.

Also, since Ramadan the holy month is coming in two weeks, a generous hospital needed our help in food packing and we gladly answered the call! That activity was super cool and emotional, we were active and served with a smile.

For sure I cannot be living in a place for a whole month and I don’t try to discover the most of it right? Yes, exactly! We actually had an activity centered around Discovering Ankara where we went to the most famous places here. Our first station was Anıtkabir which is a mausoleum complex which serves as the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Then, we went to Hacı Bayram Câmii which is a very famous mosque in Ankara. We also visited İşbank Museum with an official name of “Economic Independence Museum”. And of course, we went to Ankara Kalesi which literally means the Castle of Ankara.

In only one month I did those activities and a lot more. That’s why I’m so excited about the next month: the new adventures that I will live and the new skills that I will learn!

My Second Month :)

 

The second month of my ESC project in Ankara felt like starting an entirely new chapter. My previous roommates returned to Azerbaijan, and a fresh group of volunteers arrived, bringing with them a mix of cultures from Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, and Georgia. Suddenly, my apartment transformed into a small, vibrant world of its own, where every corner held a story and every conversation was an opportunity to learn.

Having Tunisians at home provided a comforting anchor; it made the place feel familiar, even as I immersed myself in the diverse perspectives of others. This diversity quickly became a lesson in coexistence: with clear communication, shared laughter, and an open mind, people from very different backgrounds can truly connect. I am deeply grateful for having met these inspiring individuals, each of whom broadened my perspective in ways I had not anticipated.

One of the most moving experiences this month was participating in food-packing activities. Preparing food for people in need was more than just a task; it was a hands-on reminder of what real impact feels like. The work was team-oriented, full of energy, and profoundly meaningful. Beyond the physical effort, it created a space for genuine connection, reflection, and gratitude.

In addition, my involvement in other projects, such as the speaking club, school support, and media content creation, offered opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. These activities strengthened my skills in communication, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. More importantly, they allowed me to meet remarkable people, each of whom brought something unique to the table, often without even realizing it. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge and inspiration made the experience richer than I could have imagined.

Language learning was another highlight. Thanks to daily practice and weekly lessons with our mentors, I gradually became comfortable using Turkish in everyday situations. I could manage basic conversations, shop independently, read signs, and even sing along to Turkish songs. Adding Turkish as my fifth language is a milestone I am proud of, and it has made navigating life in Ankara smoother and more enjoyable.

This month in Turkey had a stronger impact on me than I initially expected. I developed a genuine appreciation for Ankara, its tea, ayran, cuisine, and the subtle details of daily life that make it unique. Exploring the city allowed me to experience its energy firsthand. I visited Ankara Castle, wandered through the charming streets of Hamamönü and Ulus, relaxed by Eymir and Mogan lakes, and even stumbled upon a Turkish wedding, where I joined in the traditional Hatay dance. Ankara strikes a perfect balance: lively enough to be exciting, yet small enough to feel connected rather than lost.

At the end of the month, I spent a few days in Istanbul; a city that is vibrant, breathtaking, and impossible to forget. The contrast between the two cities gave me a fuller sense of Turkey’s cultural richness and complexity.

Reflecting on my ESC journey so far, I realize that this experience has far exceeded my expectations. It has been about far more than discovering a new city; it has been about discovering myself, reevaluating priorities, and learning valuable lessons about life in a gradual, meaningful way. Even the challenges I faced became opportunities for growth, shaping a more resilient and reflective version of myself.

Turkey, this is not a goodbye, it’s a heartfelt see you soon!

November: A Month of Firsts, Fulfillment, and Tiny Notes of Love

 November proved to be a profoundly colorful and enriching month, perfectly balancing the excitement of discovering a new culture with the deep satisfaction of hands-on service. As the Ankara weather turned crisp, the connections I made and the lessons I learned provided all the warmth I needed.

 Stepping Out: Firsts and Cultural Sweetness

The month kicked off with a delightful cultural moment: sharing traditional sweets with new Azerbaijani friends was a sweet way to start deepening my understanding of the diverse region. This warm welcome set the stage for a period of exploration.

I took the time to truly discover the streets of Ankara for the first time, and with that came a few personal 'firsts.' I achieved something I never thought I would: I went ice skating for the first time in my life! It was a fun, challenging, and surprisingly rewarding experience, much like volunteering itself it takes patience, a willingness to fall, and eventually, you find your balance and glide.

Another unforgettable exploration was my visit to the magnificent National Library (Millet Kütüphanesi). Walking through its halls was awe-inspiring. I remember pausing and wondering:

"How much knowledge does these walls contain?"

It felt like disconnecting from the outside world, where every person was in a deeper connection with books. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of learning and reflection.

 The Heart of Service: When Helping Becomes the Point

The true fulfillment of the month came through community work, reminding me of the fundamental reason I am here.

One of the most meaningful experiences was packaging supplies for children with leukemia alongside the LOSEV organization. It was a very nice day, knowing that such a simple act could genuinely change someone's day for the better. This direct form of compassion was incredibly grounding.

Not far from this, we continued our regular mission of food packaging and distribution, preparing and delivering essential goods to needy people in the community. The feeling of satisfaction in this quiet, consistent effort is immense. Knowing that I helped even a bit so someone doesn't sleep hungry that small victory of ensuring someone is cared for is a powerful drive.

 The Pure Joy of Teaching

If there is one aspect of my volunteering that consistently fuels my spirit, it is teaching the children at the local schools. Their energy and love are truly amazing, and they never fail to make my day.

I will never forget one of my very first classes. After we finished our lesson, the children rushed up to me with bright smiles, surrounding me with warm hugs. They asked me to sign their notebooks, making me feel like a true celebrity! The moment that truly captured the magic, though, was when one child slipped me a small paper note that simply read: "I love you."

 Conclusion: The Full Concept

Looking back on November from the sweetness of cultural exchange and the exhilaration of new personal challenges, to the quiet power of helping others it all reinforces a central truth. The experiences, the anecdotes, the hugs, and the quiet moments of gratitude are all wonderful. But the core purpose, the full concept of volunteering, is this:

The rest are just feelings of satisfaction that I could help, which is the point of being here. To help : that’s the full concept of volunteering.

Thank you, Ankara, for a November filled with moments I will carry with me forever.

Two Months, A Lifetime of Memories

This is my second and final month of volunteering, and I still can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. Looking back, I feel grateful, proud, and deeply happy that I had the chance to be part of this journey. It was not just about discovering new places, but also about discovering myself.

Ankara was the city where everything began for me. A place full of history, culture, and life. I had the chance to visit Anıtkabir, the resting place of Atatürk, and it left me in awe of Turkey’s history. I wandered around Hamamönü, with its old wooden houses, colorful streets, and cozy cafés, where time seemed to slow down. I stood in front of the grand Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest in the city, admiring its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. And from the top of Atakule Tower, I looked out over Ankara, realizing just how big, vibrant, and full of stories this city really is.

One of the highlights of my time in Ankara was attending Youth Day. It was such an inspiring event, full of energy and hope. We met so many volunteers and young people from different backgrounds. It was a day of learning, exchanging ideas, and sharing joy. Together with my friends, we introduced ANDER, talked about our work, and also listened and learned a lot from others. There was laughter, music, and unforgettable conversations the kind of experience that fills your heart with motivation and positivity.

And then, there was Cappadocia. Simply magical. Waking up before sunrise, standing with my friends, and watching dozens of hot air balloons rise into the sky as the sun painted everything golden  it felt like living inside a dream. We hiked through hidden valleys, explored unique rock formations, and let ourselves be carried away by the charm of this place. Cappadocia is not just a destination, it’s a feeling, and it will forever remain my favorite place in Turkey.

Finally, Istanbul the city of two continents, where history and modern life walk hand in hand. Of course, we didn’t have enough time to see everything, but what we managed to experience was unforgettable. From the lively streets and beautiful mosques to the Bosphorus views, Istanbul was a perfect ending to this journey. Every corner had something unique, and it left me wanting to come back one day.

I’m so thankful to have been part of this experience: discovering the beauty of Turkey, learning new things, and most importantly, creating friendships that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Thank you, Ankara. Thank you, Cappadocia. Thank you, Istanbul. And most of all thank you, ANDER. These two months may be over, but the memories, the lessons, and the people

I met will always stay in my heart.

David's August Blog

 As an international volunteer in Ankara, the month of August flew by faster than I expected. Compared to July, it felt like time passed in the blink of an eye. August was filled with energy, meaningful activities, and countless learning opportunities. My main role continued to be working with children at a youth center, where each day brought something new and exciting.

Throughout the month, we engaged in a variety of activities: teaching English, participating in drama classes, playing mind games, and having fun together. One of the highlights was creating workshops on important topics such as recycling, pollution, and peer pressure: exploring whether it is good or bad and how to cope with it. These workshops helped the children express themselves and learn more about the world around them. We also spent time painting and drawing, expressing ourselves through art by illustrating our families, friends, and things that represent who we are.

Every week, we had Turkish language lessons, and I’m truly grateful for that opportunity. Thanks to these classes, I now feel more connected to the culture and can understand more of the language. August also brought with it a series of cultural days, where we learned about the traditions, food, music, and dances of countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, Spain, Italy, and Ukraine. We played Kahoot games, tasted traditional dishes, and even learned a few traditional dances.

Another significant experience was participating in events for International Youth Day. It was inspiring to meet young people from countries like Mongolia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Venezuela.

They shared insights about youth issues and solutions through their information stands. This event deepened my understanding of youth representation and global cooperation. One memorable day, we went to the fields to harvest tomatoes, which we later donated to people with fewer opportunities. This small act of giving reminded me of the power of community and the importance of solidarity.

Beyond the structured activities, I truly enjoyed my daily life in Ankara. I explored many parts of the city, visiting the Prison Museum, Ankara Castle, Atatürk's Mausoleum, and historical neighborhoods. I even started going regularly to a local sports center with a friend.

These experiences enriched my understanding of the city and made me feel more at home. Now that my two-month journey is coming to an end, I feel a mix of emotions. It’s difficult to say goodbye to the children, my friends, the city, and everything I’ve been a part of. However,

I leave with a heart full of memories, knowledge, and hope for the future. This amazing experience has not only shaped my summer, it has shaped my future. I am deeply grateful for every moment I spent here. I’m leaving a part of myself and my heart here, and carrying with
me a piece of the hearts of those I’ve met.

My First Month of Volunteering in Turkey: Activities, Discoveries and Daily Life

I am living my first month of volunteering in Turkey and every day I realize how much this experience is expanding my horizons. Ankara, with its chaotic rhythm has become the background of the activities I do within the association that hosts me. I work together with volunteers from different countries and with Turkish university students who join our events: a dynamic, stimulating and deeply multicultural environment.

The heart of our work is made of workshops and weekly events. During coordination moments, we analyze the previous week and prepare the post for social media, so we can clearly explain the activities we carried out. During the week, we prepare materials: we create scarves for children using the knitting technique, we prepare ideas and materials for the Speaking Clubs.

A very important role is played by the Speaking Clubs, events where Turkish young people come to practice English. These moments are very enriching: we talk about different topics (culture, travel, social differences, traditions) and we learn from each other. Sometimes one simple question is enough to turn the event into a conversation full of anecdotes, laughter and reflections. Thanks to these meetings, I am getting to know more about the local mindset and the daily life of Turkish students.

Another meaningful activity is the Cultural Days, when we present aspects of our home countries: food, music, curiosities, traditions and idioms. Learning more about cultures different from our own is stimulating and OF COURSE THE TEA IS ALWAYS PRESENT! We never start an activity without a warm cup in our hands, accompanying our conversations and discoveries.

Part of the volunteering experience also includes exploring the local area. During this first month, I visited symbolic places such as the Atatürk Mausoleum, traditional markets and different neighborhoods of the city. Entering mosques, covering my head and walking barefoot on the carpets is an experience that allows me to get closer to a different way of living spirituality. These small gestures, so normal for people who live here, are moments for me to observe and respect a cultural system that is distant from mine but deeply fascinating.

My week also includes Turkish language lessons every Saturday. Even though I am learning only the basics, every small word feels like a success: sometimes just saying “Merhaba” is enough for people to start talking to me in Turkish, and I find myself smiling, nodding and trying to understand as much as I can. It is a constant challenge, but also a daily exercise in adapting.

Alongside official activities, there are many spontaneous experiences: exploring the city, trying local food and taking small trips nearby. During this first month, I also had the chance to discover other parts of Turkey, like Istanbul and Cappadocia, which are giving me an even richer and more varied image of the country.

One activity that I found particularly meaningful was the food packing. LÖSEV, the foundation we visited, supports children with leukemia and other blood diseases by offering medical, educational and material support to their families. When I arrived at the bus stop, that was our meeting point to go together to the activity, I was impressed by the number of young people there: all of them, early on a Saturday morning, ready to give their time for a genuine act of volunteering. Seeing them participate so naturally, without expecting anything in return, was truly moving. It gave me hope and reminded me how much kindness still exists in people.

Looking at everything I am experiencing, I realize that volunteering is not only about organized events and tasks, but also about encounters, stories, challenges, surprises and moments of personal growth. This first month is teaching me about the generosity of people, the importance of adaptation and the value of curiosity.

In the middle of all this, I am also starting to discover new flavors, to get closer to different ways of thinking and to let myself be surprised by a daily life that, day after day, feels more familiar and meaningful.

With one month still ahead of me, I am sure that this experience will continue to surprise me and transform me in ways I cannot imagine yet.

Dominica's First Month

I spent my first month in Ankara as part of my volunteering project with the ANDER organisation, and it was a beautiful mix of meaningful work, cultural discovery, and simple everyday pleasures.

Together with the organisation, we explored some of Ankara's most important places. We visited Anıtkabir (Atatürk's Mausoleum), which was a powerful and emotional experience, as well as the Türkiye İş Bankası Museum, and Ankara Castle, where history and daily life blend naturally.

My work with ANDER was both hands-on and interactive. I helped pack food for LÖSEV, participated in knitting and crocheting workshops. I facilitated teamwork & communication workshops and took part in human rights workshops. One of the highlights was organising cultural days, where volunteers from different countries shared traditions, food, and stories. I also facilitated weekly speaking clubs, creating a space for discussion, language practice, and connection.

During my free time, I slowly fell into the rhythm of the city. I ate a lot of tavuk dürüm, usually paired with cold ayran, which quickly became almost a daily habit. Many afternoons were spent at Uluş Bazaar followed by long evening walks around the Kızılay neighbourhood. I also enjoyed watching volleyball games, playing Yüz Bir with friends, and sharing relaxed Turkish breakfasts with other volunteers one of the best ways to start the day together. On weekends, I had the chance to travel outside Ankara and visit Mardin and Gaziantep, two cities full of history, flavour, and unforgettable atmosphere.

This month in Ankara was not just about volunteering it was about learning, sharing, and growing alongside people from different backgrounds. It's an experience I'll carry with me long after it ends.