Volunteering changed my life

 

Hi everyone!

Time flies! When I first arrived in Türkiye, I wasn’t sure if I could adapt easily. Everything was new – the environment, the people, the rhythm of life – and I knew I would need time to adjust. But now, as I reach the end of my second month, I find myself wishing I could slow down time. This experience turned into something much bigger than I ever expected. It helped me grow, build meaningful friendships, step out of my comfort zone, and most importantly – discover new sides of myself. ESC was not just a volunteer program for me; it was a life-changing journey.

Over the past month, I had the chance to work in different educational and social environments. One of our main destinations was Altındağ İmam Hatip School, where we conducted speaking lessons with students and took part in various school festivals. The time we spent with the students was full of laughter, curiosity, cultural exchange, and meaningful conversations. Their enthusiasm, honesty, and warm smiles are memories I will carry with me

We also had the pleasure of visiting Gülnihal College, where we organized creative activities for younger children. During the school festival, we hosted a range of fun and educational games – from box games and face painting to origami sessions and English Q&A games. The happiness on the children’s faces and their excitement during each activity reminded me why I love being part of these moments.

After these amazing school activities, we had a short Bayram holiday break, which I used to explore some of Türkiye’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. I finally had the chance to see the legendary Istanbul, walk through the magical fairy chimneys of Nevşehir, and discover the unique charm of Kırıkkale and Eskişehir. Each city offered something special – whether it was the mesmerizing views, kind-hearted people, or vibrant culture. The landscapes were simply breathtaking – so beautiful that even photos couldn’t do them justice.

Following the break, we resumed our weekly office-based tasks, including food packing for people in need. Although the task was physically tiring, it felt spiritually fulfilling. Right after that, we attended Speaking Club sessions at Damla Konak, where we met new participants each week and engaged in thought-provoking discussions. These sessions not only helped us improve our communication skills but also created a space for diverse ideas, cultural exchange, and deep connections. We continued holding similar sessions during the weekends in our main office, which added even more depth to the experience.

As ESC volunteers, we also had the opportunity to both organize and attend workshops and Culture Days. We explored the cultures of Slovakia and Georgia, learned fascinating facts, and broadened our worldviews. In the mental health workshops, we talked about how to protect our well-being and discussed methods to make learning more effective and enjoyable. These conversations were truly enriching and reminded me how important it is to care for both mind and soul.

Speaking of workshops, I had the honor of organizing and leading my own session on “Leadership and Participation.” Standing in front of a room full of participants, sharing my thoughts, and leading group activities was a bit nerve-wracking at first – but incredibly empowering. I challenged the participants with a real-life problem-solving activity, where they had to work in teams and present their solutions. The variety of ideas and creativity shared in that room amazed and inspired me.

And finally – perhaps the most emotional moment for me – was celebrating our Azerbaijan Culture Day in Ankara. Many young people joined us to learn more about my country. I had the chance to speak about Azerbaijani culture, traditions, and even cook traditional national dishes for everyone. Watching them taste our food with joy and genuine curiosity was such a touching experience. Sharing my culture with others in such a warm and supportive environment filled me with pride and happiness.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to both the ESC program and the ANDER organization for making all of this possible. Their support, guidance, and belief in us volunteers turned this project into an unforgettable journey.

I truly hope that our paths will cross again someday – whether in another city, another project, or simply in life. Until then, I’m leaving a piece of my heart here in Türkiye.

Teşekkür ederim, Türkiye.

 

WHAT I EXPERIENCED DURING THIS MONTH OF VOLUNTEERING

 

Hello! I’m Aytan Aghayeva!

I am from Azerbaijan and I’ve just completed my first month as a short-term ESC volunteer in Ankara, Türkiye. It’s also my first time living abroad, which makes this journey even more meaningful and unforgettable for me.

A month ago, when I first arrived in Ankara from Azerbaijan, I was filled with a mix of emotions — excitement, happiness, and a touch of nervousness. But those feelings gently faded away as I was welcomed into a warm and heartfelt environment. From the very beginning, I began building meaningful friendships, especially with my wonderful roommates, who made this new place feel like home. Living in a sister nation made the transition feel smooth and natural — the familiar culture, the kindness of the people, and the sincerity I encountered reminded me so much of home. Each day, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how deeply connected yet beautifully unique our cultures are. Noticing those small, heartwarming similarities brings me a sense of joy and comfort that words can hardly describe.

I also had the chance to explore some incredible places and take part in unforgettable events.

One of them was the “İş Bankası” Economic Independence Museum — not just a museum, but a journey through Türkiye’s economic history. Walking through its old vaults and historical halls gave me goosebumps. What touched me most was the presence of Atatürk — his vision for economic independence was powerfully reflected through photographs, documents, and his inspiring words. It It felt like I had formed a silent, invisible bond with the past.  Later, I visited Ulus, one of the oldest districts in Ankara. The atmosphere there felt frozen in time. Walking past the Atatürk statue built in 1927, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history and the pride of a nation’s transformation. After that, I made my way to the Ankara Castle. Standing on its ancient walls and looking over the city from above was truly breathtaking. It gave me a different perspective on the city’s rich layers of history and culture.

One weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Bursa. This city is full of life, but also deeply connected to its Ottoman roots. One of the most impressive places I saw there was the Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum. Its immersive panoramic structure, period costumes, and authentic weapons made me feel as if I were standing right in the middle of a historic battle. After that, I explored the Ulu Cami, admired its peaceful atmosphere and stunning calligraphy, and wandered through the ancient Bursa Castle, which offered beautiful views and a strong sense of the city’s rich past. Every step in Bursa felt like walking through the pages of history.

Of course, after visiting so many places, it was impossible to come to Ankara without going to Anıtkabir. The moment I set foot there, I immediately felt the powerful and special energy of the place. Watching the ceremonial change of the guards was especially moving — their discipline and seriousness left a deep impression on me. As I walked through the museum and seeing Atatürk’s personal items, reading about his journey, and learning about everything he did for his country truly left me in awe.

I also participated in the Engelsiz Ankara Festival, a truly special event held in Gençlik Park. It was my first time joining such an inclusive celebration. From concerts to dance shows, awareness stands to workshops — the atmosphere was full of love, equality, and energy. One of the stands was specially organized for us, the volunteers. It was a space where we engaged with visitors, played fun games, and helped run various interactive activities. It was not only enjoyable but also meaningful, as we contributed to creating an environment where everyone felt welcome and included. I met so many inspiring people and felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself.

During my trip, I had the wonderful chance to explore Gaziantep — a city rich in culture, flavor, and history. I visited several historical sites, including the Şehit Şamil Museum and the impressive Panorama 25 Aralık Museum, both of which brought the region’s past and spirit vividly to life. And finally, one of the most breathtaking places I’ve seen so far was Rumkale. The dramatic landscape, nestled between cliffs and water, truly took my breath away. With its deep historical roots and natural beauty, it felt like standing at the intersection of nature and legend. We also were invited to one of the local schools, where we joined the students in various fun activities. One of my favorites was trying Ebru painting — a beautiful and delicate traditional art I had never tried before. It was such a special experience that they even gifted me one of the pieces I made as a keepsake. The days I spent here are memories I will cherish forever.

One of the most beautiful experiences for me was visiting local colleges and educational centers. Spending time with students, joining various activities, meeting different young people, and learning about their thoughts and future plans brought me so much joy. One day, we were also invited to Lokman Hekim University, where we had the chance to speak and share our experiences. That visit was something different and very interesting for us. These moments will remain some of the most precious memories of my life.

As a final note, every week, I look forward to our Friday and Saturday conversation clubs, where people of all ages gather to practice English through games and stories in a relaxed atmosphere. These meetings not only boost language skills but also create meaningful connections. Alongside this, our Friday food-packing initiative holds a special place in my heart—preparing and sharing meals with those in need reminds me how powerful solidarity can be. Giving back like this is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

As I complete my first month here, my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. Being an ESC volunteer has truly opened my mind in so many ways, and I know that the coming month will bring even more discoveries, new experiences, growth, and unforgettable memories. I’m really looking forward to what’s next!