Francesca's experience in Greece

My experience here in Kalamata is about to come to an end, and after two months spent here I am living every moment with great intensity, realizing how lucky I was to come across this volunteering opportunity at this particular moment in my life. I immediately fell in love with this city and with the people who live here. I felt welcomed as if I were at home, and that does not happen often.

I found myself sharing an apartment with six other girls: two French, two Polish, another Italian girl, and a Spanish one. It was not always easy, but it was wonderful to share different moments and habits. In particular, with two of the girls I was able to organize trips and activities, such as mountain excursions, spontaneous weekend trips, and fun evenings out.

I carried out my volunteering at the Kefiap facility, a structure of the Kalamata hospital that hosts people with disabilities. Our task was to support the staff during the various activities and workshops offered. The boys and girls at the center could take part in ceramic workshops, physical exercise activities, dancing, language courses, and music. At the beginning, communication was not easy, since neither I nor the other two volunteers knew any Greek at all. It took a few weeks, but we eventually managed to build strong bonds with the people hosted at the center and to feel useful during the activities.

I am truly satisfied with this experience; it has been very important both professionally and personally. In fact, it gave me the opportunity to reflect and work deeply on myself, constantly trying to improve and to live every moment to the fullest.

Francesca