Volunteering is not just about helping others – it’s an opportunity to discover new cultures, gain valuable experience, and explore your own potential. The Humanitarian Volunteering for Solidarity Activities program, implemented by ADRA in cooperation with the European Solidarity Corps, offers young people the chance to join projects that truly make a difference. One of these volunteers is Ertan from Turkey, who spent a year in Serbia. His story shows how deeply a volunteering experience can impact both the communities we serve and ourselves. 

Ertan’s Journey

“Before coming to Serbia, I had no idea how similar Turkish and Serbian cultures are,” Ertan says.

From his very first week, he felt the warmth and hospitality of the local people, which made him feel at home.  He was inspired by the rich traditions and the community spirit od the locals from Kragujevac. Also, Ertan admired the city’s history and its story.  

He  volunteered in a shelter, caring for ten beneficiaries. His daily tasks included playing card games, organizing workshops, going for walks when the weather was nice, serving meals, cleaning, and even trimming the beneficiaries’ beards.

“Each person’s story is unique, and understanding their situation requires genuine compassion, which made every day meaningful.“ 

This experience was not only about helping others but also about personal growth. Ertan learned patience, the power of ampathy and teamwork. “My relationship with colleagues in the shelter is something I deeply value. We worked closely, supported each other, and created a friendly and trusting atmosphere. I will definitely miss them and the strong bond we shared.“,  he concludes. 

Despite the routine nature of some tasks in the shelter, he did not ever find his job to be boring. Every day brought new challenges and opportunities to connect with people.  

“This experience has strengthened my interest in pursuing a professional path in social work.”, adds Ertan. He was inspired by the impact that his work had on people’s lives. He found motivation to continue developing his skills in this field.  

Listen to Ertan´s story

Video about service in Serbia

HOW TO GET INVOLVED?

The Humanitarian Volunteering for Solidarity Activities (Project No. 101140258) runs from February 2024 to January 2027 and is co-funded by the European Union. Volunteers take part in humanitarian activities in Serbia and Zambia and Uganda gain new skills, experience cultural exchange, and contribute to community development.

If you’d like to experience something similar to Ertan, register on the European Youth Portal and complete the required training. More details are available also here on our webpage.

 

 

THE PROJECT IS SPONZORED BY: