My Volunteering Journey

It has been already one month that the project started, and time has spent sooo fast!

I enjoyed every single day. Ankara is a great place to be and as any capital city, everything moves very fast and there are a lot of things to do. We visited museums about the story of the town, Atatürk memorial and the old castle from the ancient times, but we also spent some good time playing bowling or eating in restaurants.

The missions we took part in with Anders were various, and I especially enjoyed the food delivery and to make Youtube videos. Sadly, the food delivery stopped, but we still get to shoot and edit the Youtube videos for Anders’ channel. It was no piece of cake but I really enjoyed it. I have the feeling that I have learned many things doing it, especially to put myself in the viewers’ shoes to make videos as clear and entertaining as possible. We shot a video about celebrating Ramazan and Easter at the same time, and we ended up cooking specialties from our home countries.

We arrived during the Ramazan period, when (almost) everyone is fasting, and the thing I liked the most during is time is that people easily invite each other. Once we get to eat with a lot of people, who were refugees from the earthquake, in a quite nice place that also serves as sport campus. There is also a special bread baked only during Ramazan, which was so good that we all miss it ☹.

Also, I’ve been stroke by people’s kindness: although most don’t speak English, they were always ready to help and explain things to us. To shop without speaking Turkish was a real struggle, but looking back at it, I must confess it was also quite funny.

Furthermore, food is also a crazy good discovery in Ankara. Here is a non-exhaustive list of what I have tested and highly recommend: of course Turkish breakfast, çiköfte, durum, cold baklava, goatmilk ice cream, çiborek, Izmir bomb, boyoz, çorba... 

Travelling in other cities was a big part of the last month, so we discovered some of these specialties in the places that we visited: for the Eid (sort of Ramazan holidays), we had days off and took the opportunity to go to cities near the western cost : Izmir, well-known for its nightlife, Ephesus, which is a delight for ruins and ancient Rome lovers, and Pamukkale, with its beautiful landscape of natural hot water pools.

Personally, Turkey has also struck me for other reasons : I come from the western part of France, Bretagne, and I’ve been amazed about how some traditions between my region and Turkey are close : some traditional songs and danse, like the one when you old pinky fingers and danse in circle with little steps, are pretty similar to what I’ve seen in small villages’ fest, and even the rhythm and the instruments sound alike. 

 

In conclusion, I really enjoy the reserved but undeniable charm of Ankara, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. We’ve planned to visit Antalya, Cappadocia and Sivas, and I hope the next month will be as joyful and interesting as the last one!

 

Thank you Ankara!

Thank you Ankara!        

        I was pleased to be part of a program that brought new values to my life and those around me. Interesting it is that you choose to go into this program without knowing a lot of details. Being my first project, I honestly didn't know what to expect, I only know the experiences of those around me, which encouraged me to participate.

Today I am talking to you about my experience and what I have achieved in these two months that I was in a foreign country. Turkey gave me a lot of knowledge about my Romanian language, I understood better the meaning of the words taken from the Turkish language. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that we share many similar words. I got to know my identity better by understanding the words I took from these people. Also, the traditions are taken from this country, being similar to those of the Romanians, indeed they have changed but come from the same place. I fell in love with the Turkish dances that reminded me of my childhood and the band I was a part of.

The fact that I had the opportunity to know the traditions of Turkey helped me to understand more the importance and connection with which people open up. For example, when I went to visit the victims of the earthquake, I noticed the joy despite the situation of the people who shared food and danced together to make their day better. They were so happy by our presence that they invited us to eat with them and dance.

    Volunteering brought me closer to people and I began to understand the difficulties they face. I never thought how important my work could be for those around me. It is a pleasure to have the people around me. This experience opened up new opportunities for me, I created new friendships with people from all over the world.

       It's very interesting how an individual from a safe social environment who knows a lot of things and knows himself, comes to discover a variant of his personality that he was not aware of. Through my experience, I realized that an individual can adapt to the environment. Maybe in my case, it was a positive adaptation because it helped me gain some different perspectives on my position. 

C. Diana

Volunteering during Ramadan

Volunteering during Ramadan

Merhaba güzel ınsanlar my name is Eya i’m 24 years  old and i’m a youth worker . In this personal blog, I will share my experiences and insights gained from volunteering during Ramadan in Turkey. Ramadan, the holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, is not only a time of spiritual reflection and devotion but also a time of giving back to the community. Volunteering during Ramadan in Turkey provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural traditions of this enchanting country while making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.One cannot help but be inspired by the overwhelming spirit of generosity that pervades during Ramadan in Turkey. From organized charity events to individual acts of kindness, the people of Turkey embrace the true essence of this month by extending a helping hand to those less fortunate. Volunteering allows me  to witness firsthand the incredible warmth and compassion of the Turkish people as they come together to support various charitable initiatives.

Homelessness remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, and Turkey is no exception. Volunteering in disadvantaged areas during Ramadan provides an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those people in need. From offering hot meals and hygiene pkits to engaging in meaningful conversations, the experience sheds light on the struggles faced by these individuals while fostering empathy and understanding.. Our first activity During Ramadan was the food delivery we worked with refugees in order to provide them food to have a nice iftar . Our role was to pack the food and then deliver it in Different places in ankara , there we met the people we were working for and their innocent children that they welcomed us with huge smiles on their faces and great energy we heared their stories , we danced we laughed we played .

Ramadan is also a time when earthquake affected families in Turkey receive extra attention and support. Volunteering at these institutions allows me to bring joy to the lives of children who may lose their home , families and who don’t have someone to celebrate the month with. We were Engaging in various activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, and organizing special iftar events helps create lasting memories and leaves a positive impact on the children's lives .l learnt from them that despite all the difficulties we must be strong and never lose our hope .We visit some mosques in ankara , eskişehir I have the chance to pray there it was really good also we organise an iftar with the team we prepare some traditional dishes from Romania,  france , Italy,  Ukraine,  tunisia . It was an occasion to celebrate Ramadan .

Turkey's cultural diversity provides a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and understanding. Volunteering during Ramadan fosters connections with people from different religious backgrounds, promoting tolerance and acceptance. Engaging in conversations about Ramadan, sharing experiences, and participating in joint efforts to support the community create bridges of understanding and strengthen social cohesion.

Volunteering during Ramadan in Turkey is a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows you to witness the true spirit of giving, connect with the local community, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The month of Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility. By immersing yourself in the volunteering activities during this sacred month, you not only contribute to the betterment of society but also cultivate personal growth and understanding. Turkey's rich cultural heritage and the generosity of its people make it an ideal destination for those seeking to engage in impactful volunteer work during Ramadan.

 Eya Ben Aicha

Experience in Turkey

 Experience in Turkey 

Here we go again after one month! I can’t believe that I’m already writing the second and last blog page. This  was a really full and intense month. The time flies away so fast and I still have to realize well all the things I’m living. So, let’s go deep in this reflection moment.

On May 14, Turkey held its presidential elections. The vote was historic, for several reasons. First, it was the first time that almost all the opposition parties had united against the current president, Erdogan. Second, the president went through to the second round, which was also unprecedented: since 2014, Erdogan has been systematically won with more than 50% of the votes from the first round.Now let`s talk about my feelings during these two months here. I was so nervous before I moved to Ankara. I was afraid of how friendly the environment would be here, whether people would like me, and whether I would be able to get close to them. The reality exceeded my expectations. I remember how pleased I was when I was warmly welcomed into the office on the very first day. 

In my second week of last month, we went on a picnic together. All the volunteers were there. We talked a lot, played, took a lot of photos, and had Turkish breakfast together. The place where we went for the picnic was very beautiful.

You might think that two months is a short time, but I made a lot of memories and met a lot of good people in this short time. Most of them are my teammates with whom I spent the most time during this month. I never imagined that in such a short time, someone would become so special. Our volunteering is ending, we are leaving soon and I'm sad about that. I think I will miss them a lot. We spent a good time together during these two month and we managed to accumulate many memories together. Volunteering is fun and exciting. I'm sure all of us had 5 months of great adventures behind. 

Thank you for everything!

Lessons Learned: My volunteering journey in Turkey

 

 Lessons Learned: My volunteering journey in Turkey

Volunteering is a transformative experience that allows me to make a positive impact on society while gaining valuable insights and skills. For two months, I had the privilege of volunteering in Turkey, engaging in humanitarian work and utilizing social media tools to drive positive change. This personal blog reflects on the profound lessons I learned during this journey, highlighting the significance of empathy, resilience, cultural understanding, and the power of social media in shaping a better world. Working in the field of humanitarian aid requires a deep sense of empathy. Witnessing the struggles and resilience of refugees and earthquake-affected families allowed me to truly understand the power of empathy. It taught me to listen attentively, to put myself in their shoes, and to respond with compassion and understanding. Empathy became the foundation for building meaningful connections and providing genuine support to those in need.

The individuals I encountered during my volunteer work displayed incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. From refugees who had fled their homes to earthquake survivors rebuilding their lives, their strength and determination inspired me. I learned that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but also about finding hope, adaptability, and the strength to move forward despite the odds. Actually, volunteering in a foreign country exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It taught me the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation, fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds expanded my worldview and deepened my appreciation for the beauty of human diversity. During my time in Turkey, I witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of social media as a tool for driving change. Leveraging platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram, we were able to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and connect with individuals passionate about humanitarian causes. Social media provided a powerful platform to share stories, advocate for policy changes, and rally support from across the globe.

Volunteering in Turkey filled my heart with a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. Witnessing the positive impact we made in the lives of individuals and communities was incredibly rewarding. Whether it was helping a refugee child learn to read, distributing essential supplies to earthquake survivors, or amplifying voices through social media campaigns, every small act of kindness had a ripple effect that touched lives in meaningful ways.

My two-month journey volunteering in Turkey in the field of social work and social media tools was a transformative experience. It taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, cultural understanding, and the power of social media to drive positive change. The lessons I learned will stay with me forever, reminding me of the profound impact we can make when we come together to support one another. Volunteering has not only enriched my life but also ignited a lifelong commitment to making difference in the world.