Q & A

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, 
but by the moments that take our breath away.' George Carlin

As you know, recently I finished process of my EVS. And I came back to home, Istanbul. I loved almost everything about my time spent in Slovenia. I believe that we all created a world together, with my friends. After this experience, I understood that friendships are the most important cornerstones of our life. Many thanks to my friends for supporting my dream.

kamnik

Within this article, I would like to share my last interview with Marta Kwiatkowska. I met her via Facebook after I published ‘EVS Volunteer Speaks’ video series. I thought that I could create an interview in an article about her EVS experience:

Could you please introduce yourself and give us some information about your life?

My name is Marta and I'm from Poland. Now, I work as an EVS volunteer in Greece.I live on a small island called ‘Lefkada’ and I work in the Elderly Care Centre. The aim of my project is to be a company for old people, spent time with them and help in daily activities. I and the other volunteers work with try to bring some animation to the life of residents. We organise events, make artistic workshops, play music, decorate the house, and invite guests. We try different ideas and techniques to make the daily life of the residents more colourful and happy.

 Marta Kwiatkowska

When were you happiest time in EVS?

There were already a lot of moments during my EVS when I felt really happy. For me personally especially important and memorable are moments in the Elderly Centre. My project is very emotional. There are difficult moments but there are also a lot of beautiful and happy situations. I remember the moment when I first felt that the residents know me, when I gained their trust and friendship. It was very nice and moving. When I see that they wait for me, like my company it makes me also very happy. But EVS it’s not only the project itself of course. I have an opportunity to live with other volunteers from different countries. Our life together is also full of beautiful moments I will never forget.

What is the most important lesson EVS experience has taught you?

EVS is surprising me all the time. I think all the time here I am learning how to be more open and tolerant. The experience of EVS is really exceptional. There are a lot of fun and beautiful moments but sometimes I also have to face some challenges and deal with difficulties. But I guess this is how I can learn developed and become better person. I think the biggest treasures we are getting from EVS are the changes inside of us. We are getting new skills gaining knowledge in many fields we are developing in many different ways. Than after we come back from EVS we can use all of this in our home countries, make projects of our own, develop the youth field. I also think that one of the greatest things about EVS is all the people we can meet. Both the local people with whom we work and the volunteers from all over Europe with whom we live, work, have fun and share this experience. I am sure these are the relations which will last for long time.

What do you think about EVS programmes and non-formal learning opportunities for young people?

I think EVS is such a great program and great opportunity for young people but it is still not well known across Europe. I think one of the most important things is to advertise EVS in the first place. Then more people can get to know about it and at the same time more organizations and institutions can be involved too.
Because, EVS is not only an opportunity for volunteers but also for the local communities that host them.

Special thanks to Marta Kwiatkowska.

Näkemiin.