Volunteering in Mussomeli, Italy
Mid-September until the middle of November I participated to a European Solidarity Corps
project, as a volunteer for I Girasoli organisation, in the small town of Riesi in Sicily.
There I had the opportunity to meet migrants and asylum seekers from central and North
African countries. We were working together with the team of the organisation, educators,
social workers and mediators in order to support these people with their daily needs, skills
and adjustment.
I worked together with other 2 volunteers from different European countries to organise
educational activities, to enhance the learning process of the children and adults, to offer
them support, new skills and opportunities. That included teaching them English and other
languages like Greek and French, helping them with their homework, writing and reading.
Also, we organised dancing classes, letting everybody express their feelings through the art
of dancing. We prepared lunches and special dinners together, while everyone cooked
something particular inspired by their country of origin.
We shared photos and videos, prepared presentations, helping the people develop their
digital skills.
At the same time, we were visiting all the accommodations that belonged to the
organisation and are hosting asylum seekers, helping them with chores, speaking with them
about their needs and playing educational games with them.
It was a wholesome experience for me to be able to meet these beautiful people, to hear
their stories, their dreams and fears, and to offer them the safety and the knowledge that I
could offer them. Not only them received knowledge and support by me, but also I felt
warmth and love being around them every day. They embraced us and our cultural
differences very openly and I felt at home.
For these people, I will always want to return to Sicily and specifically the small town of Riesi,
as a reminder of our beautiful memories together, and the importance of friendship,
respect, equality, sharing, giving and receiving. ❤️
I’m thankful for this experience and I hope for more opportunities like this, because they are
really life changing and precious.
ANGELIKI ANASTASIA KOUTSARI
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