“There is nothing stronger in the world than the heart of a volunteer”
Today some of our volunteers tell us the essence of solidarity and volunteering based on their own volunteering experience.
Sometimes just being there for somebody is the most meaningful thing you can do.
Mikael Tiilikainen
Mikael is one of our volunteers he has been participating with us in many activities, making the best of himself to help those who need it most. But it is better if he tells you with his own words:
What is the main idea of the youth Revolution activities?
I would say the main idea of the youth Revolution activities is mindfulness and being compassionate towards others. Helping other people in ways we can and taking action towards a greater planet.
Mikael Tiilikainen
Why are you doing this volunteering instead of a different one?
I learnt about this type of volunteering through the school and I really enjoyed the idea because it seemed interactive and personal and I really liked the coordinators as they were very welcoming and helpful.
Mikael Tiilikainen
Volunteering to me symbolizes the translation of my aspirations to offer change to the world and hopefully help to those that require it.
Haohao Liu
HaoHao one of our volunteers she has been participating with us in many solidarity activities: In an interview about her experience being solidarity she tell us that about some questions:
Could you tell us a moment or experience that has marked you?
I believe one of my most cherished moments from volunteering at IYC occurred around the summer of 2020. It was only my second time volunteering and we visited an elderly lady who showed us to her apartment, told us her life story, and even played the piano for us. To this day, I still remember how beautiful her playing was.
Haohao Liu
How would you encourage young people like you to do this volunteer?
I would encourage any youth who would consider volunteering at IYC to be patient: with themselves and those that they help. There’s a slight learning curve as to how one should conduct themselves with the different families, and so on. Sometimes, you meet a warm and friendly Spanish family that makes you feel a part of their household instantly. Sometimes, you meet an elderly man who takes some time to warm up to you. Have patience and persevere. Trust me, it’s an extremely rewarding experience.
Haohao Liu
A great chance to enjoy time with friends, weather and the knowledge that you are helpful for someone!
Alina Adamko
Alina, brilliant volunteer, she really know about what we need to be solidarity and she spreads her happines to everyone around her:
Why are you doing this volunteering instead of a different one?
First, I love meeting new people and learning something new about the world and their experiences. Second, I think it is extremely important for them to receive help and support, and as doing it not difficult for me at all, I’m glad to contribute.
Alina Adamko
What are the greatest needs?
Talking about food we distribute, the most essential is bread, some vegetables and fruit. Also, many people appreciate ready food because they find it not easy to cook by themselves. And if we talk about the moral side, then conversations. Especially elders, who sometimes do not have anyone to talk to really need support.
Alina Adamko
To me volunteering is one of the most important parts of life and I believe helping others is always time well spent☺!
Emilia Lerche
Mia, she is one of our most active volunteer, she really know how life works; “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they have the heart”:
What are the greatest needs?
Today the greatest needs that volunteering can meet are probably bringing and/or cooking food for people. This is because the level of unemployment has recently risen, and at the same time mental and physical disorders make it difficult for many to cook for themselves.
Mia Lerche
Could you tell us a moment or experience that has marked you?
One particular experience that marked me would be that a couple of months ago when we gave food to a woman and her child, who we had visited before, they gave us a box of wonderful ginger bread cookies as a thank you. After that I realized how important these seemingly small gestures are.
Mia Lerche
How would you encourage young people like you to do this volunteer?
These volunteering activities don’t require more than a little bit of free time, and it would be wonderful to get more participants! Other young men and women could come and try it out, even if just once, and see how they like it.
Mia Lerche
We will come back with more experiences of our volunteers in another post. If you want to participate as volunteer just write us and keep rocking!
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