Q & A II

Claire Florence Steiner

As you know, the EU has designated 2011 as the "European Year of Volunteering". In this context, I would like to share new interview with you. This article deals with Claire Florence Steiner’s EVS experience in Istanbul. Within this interview, I’d just like to emphasize how important it is for young people to be volunteer.

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

My name is Claire Florence Steiner and I am 20 years old. My mother is from Sydney, Australia and my father is from Wels, Austria.

I have had a very different and interesting life so I will try to put it all in a nutshell and be brief as possible.

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and moved to Pakistan with my family when I was 4. I spent most of my childhood there, our family ended up living there for 13 years in different cities such as Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which is on the Indian boarder. My parents ran a deaf school for young people who wanted an education. We taught them International sing language, computer programming as well as how to read and write in English. It was set up in such a way that we were able to get them jobs once their training was over so they would be able to support their families as a lot of them were from poor families. I helped out with running the center while doing my High School. I was also a member of a dance team with a few of my sisters which performed at functions such as local weddings, government school events, private parties, or company events. We learned the local dances as well as Bollywood style.

When I was 15 we moved to Adana, Turkey. I lived there for 4 years as a volunteer for ‘Family Education Association’ assisting in the “Anything for a Smile” Hospital project and the training of Turkish student volunteers who would work with us part time. I also worked as a volunteer for “Coloring the World” Art Project to beautify the environment of children suffering from long-term illnesses. Another project I did was organizing and participating in shows and animation programs such as face painting and balloon sculpturing for underprivileged children. While doing this as well as finishing my studies, I took on other hobbies such as learning oriental dancing, culinary arts, guitar and singing, as well as traveling to other cities when I had the opportunity.

Claire Florence Steiner

In early 2010 I had the opportunity to work for 2 months in India with slum children. Around the same time, I was introduced to EVS via a friend who was working in Istanbul. I had visited Istanbul many times over my stay in Turkey and fell in love with the city. I applied and was accepted right away. I moved to Istanbul on the 15th of June, 2010 which was my starting period date. Since being here, I came to love the city and its people even more! My hosting organization here in Istanbul, ‘Family Education Association’, is the sister center of Adana so I was quite familiar with the projects. My Volunteer's tasks were: Secretarial and administrative work/communications, painting colorful wall murals in hospital wards (Coloring Their World), organizing children’s animations and working at a home for the elderly.

2) When were you happiest in EVS?

I think my happiest times working in EVS was my project, Coloring Their World. It was wonderful to work with my team as well as we had really good times together and learned the importance of team-working as well as how to effectively communicate ideas in a group situation while being willing to listen to criticism and other points of view. Also seeing the results of our project, the appreciation of the children and the hospital staff! It was really beautiful to see how such a small thing meant so much to the children such as having them help with panting a small part of the wall or just communicating with them and being able to help them get their mind off their illness or the depressing situation.

Of course, I loved the On- Arrival training as well as the Mid-term training. I had good times and built lasting friendships through these trainings.

Claire Florence Steiner

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

I can’t really name one specific so I will just put down what I feel I have really gained from experiencing EVS: Personal development. Flexibility, adaptability... During my time in Turkey doing EVS, I have learnt to adapt and be flexible when things didn't turn out as she would have expected or planned, and this has caused me to be more flexible and able to make the best of my situation. I have developed invaluable life skills, learned how to be open to others ideas and thoughts, and learnt to express myself in a better way. Communication skills and teamwork was also a major for me, how to effectively make a difference in the community, creating a project, resource mobilization, relating to children and people with disabilities, leadership skills.

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

I have found the work to be fulfilling and enjoyable. Meeting and understanding people from other cultures are something I truly love, and since I have been doing this type of work for a long time, I have found myself enjoying the work to the full. Two words that describe EVS in my opinion are interesting and challenging! A great way for young people to gain an amazing experience.

Special thanks to Florence...