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Sure that you have seen in several pictures of our activities: a smiling, positive girl who eager to support in all working areas for JOVESOLIDES. Here's the testimony of our volunteer Petronella Katona, a Hungarian girl, who came 9 months ago to JOVESOLIDES to realize her European Voluntary Service.
Almost exactly 1 year ago I participated in an Erasmus+ program in Portugal. The name of the Youth Exchange was “Design Your Future” and when I applied I did not expect that it will change my life.
In this program I met EVS volunteers at first time. After that exchange I realized that I want a change. I want something different in my life, I would like to break the routine so I applied to be an EVS volunteer in Spain in Valencia.
I know other volunteers who applied for a lot of projects, I applied for one, when I read the project description I already knew this project was written for me. I believe everything is happening for a reason, my path was Valencia.
I arrived to Spain again after 4 years full of positive energy. I didn’t know what was awaiting me I just knew I am in the right place in the right moment. And right now after spending 9 months of volunteering I am really grateful to Jovesolides for giving me the opportunity to get this incredible life experience.
Through my volunteer work I learned a lot about myself, I got to know how to work with people from different culture and background. I learnt about tolerance and patience. I had the opportunity to teach courses (EmpoderaT) about how to use internet, looking for a job, write CV and encourage the students to see their future in a positive way. It makes me happy that I had a positive influence over their life. I have nice memories from Mayores Movilizados where we teach digital inclusion for elderly people. They made me smile and I enjoyed working with them.
Jovesolides gave me the opportunity to learn about social innovation, be part of the staff of our great event - the II. Forum about Social Innovation, participate on Laboratory by Red Creactiva and Think Big, where youngsters learn about social entrepreneurship.
I am thankful to my co-workers who help and support me despite the language difficulties I get the opportunity to learn and work in the areas that I am interested in: graphic design, communication and discover my own strengths and potential. This is why I wanted to be an EVS volunteer: discover more about myself through helping.
After 1 year spent in this international environment, sharing my flat and life with Bulgarians, Jordanian, Bosnian, Columbian and of course with Spanish people in this beautiful city, I can´t imagine my life without Spain, without travelling and adventures.
Every day when I’m walking home I am grateful to be here, I know this was the best decision: to go abroad and get this unique experience through volunteering. I can recommend for everyone, be brave, be an EVS volunteer!
More testimonials can be found here. If you are interested in European Voluntary Service, write to evs@jovesolides.org.
