My last month in Turkey as an ESC volunteer was intense and full of experiences, despite the initial difficulties. After attending the meeting in Van with the National Agency, the other volunteers and I returned to Ankara with the aim of addressing and solving some issues we had noticed. The first weeks were not easy at all: there were several misunderstandings and miscommunications that made me feel very bad and not fully understood by the organization. It was a rather difficult and stressful period, during which I felt deeply frustrated. Fortunately, with time and dialogue, these problems were clarified and resolved, which allowed me to regain peace of mind and to continue my volunteering experience in a more positive and relaxed way.
Once that phase was over, the month was filled with meaningful and stimulating activities. I organized several workshops and games with the children at the youth center: some psychological activities were particularly touching, as the children opened up a lot, sharing personal stories and showing a sensitivity that moved me. It was truly a privilege to be allowed into their world, even just for a short time.
One of the most unusual and special experiences was harvesting tomatoes in a state-owned field, where the produce was distributed to people in need. It was a beautiful but also tiring activity: under the burning sun, picking and carrying heavy bags of tomatoes was not easy at all. Yet, this effort was exactly what made it so meaningful: for a day, I could put myself in the shoes of people who do this work every day to make a living. I couldn’t help but think of the foreign workers in my country who carry out this extremely hard labor and are paid barely €4 an hour. This experience made me more aware and grateful: when we go to the supermarket, we find tomatoes already displayed and ready for us, but we rarely stop to think about the hard work behind them. Living that experience firsthand opened my eyes to the reality we often overlook and made me realize how privileged I am.
Another activity we often carried out was Ebru workshops, a fascinating traditional Turkish art that consists of creating designs on water with colors. It was a very interesting and creative pastime, though I must admit that the paints had quite a strong and unpleasant smell, which made the experience a bit less enjoyable from a practical point of view.
A truly unforgettable moment of this month was taking part in the International Youth Day, organized by the United Nations. During the event, we had the chance to listen to motivational speeches, meet young people from different cultures, and also encounter prominent figures such as the mayor of Ankara, the ambassador of Venezuela, the ambassador of Singapore, and several UN representatives. It was enriching to hear their perspectives and stories. As volunteers, we had our own stand, where we presented the Ander association, European values, the European Solidarity Corps, and Erasmus projects to the young people who visited us. Besides the presentations, we also joined games, met new people, made friends, and attended a spectacular performance of traditional Turkish dancers performing with swords. The day ended with a direct exchange with UN representatives, during which we were able to share our ideas on current issues such as healthcare and its connection with young people. It was moving to be able to express our views on such important topics.
Of course, there were also lighter and more fun moments: one evening, for example, we all went together to the amusement park. It was great to be outside the work context, just laughing and having fun, which also strengthened the bonds between us volunteers.
During my free days, I also had the chance to travel to Istanbul to attend a project on sustainability. The initiative was interesting and well organized, but above all it allowed me to meet new people who were truly kind and friendly, with whom I shared some wonderful moments. I also had the opportunity to revisit Istanbul: I had already been there the previous year, but returning was still exciting. The city struck me again with its unique beauty and charm, though I found it extremely chaotic. After a few days there, I almost felt the need to go back to the calm and quiet atmosphere of Ankara, which by then I had come to see as my temporary home.
Looking back, I realize that this month has been like a journey within a journey: from the initial difficulties, which challenged me, to the moments of growth, discovery, and personal reflection. It has been a period that taught me a lot, not only about volunteering and about Turkey, but also about myself.