Hey! My name is Inês Tavares, I’m from Portugal (Lisbon) and I am 20 years old. I finished high school in Science and Technology and was super indecisive in what I wanted to do after. Society a lot of time pressures you from a young age to know what to do for the rest of your life… And I knew I liked different things, but nothing to choose right away to study for a few more years.
I decided to take a break and work for a little bit, while I figured it out and maybe go to college after… and I’m glad that my family has always supported me in my decisions.
I always wanted to volunteer abroad and to have an opportunity to help people while getting to know another country and culture, but never found a good opportunity that also provides you financially support.
Through social media I had the chance to find information about European Solidarity Corps and how to volunteer with a good support (pocket money, health insurance, accommodation and travel costs covered) even to get a chance to have classes to learn the language! Good opportunity – I said!
I choose Croatia and specifically Vukovar because it’s a super different environment and culture. It’s a way to push me for something completely different.
I came in Vukovar at 15th February and I am volunteering in PRONI Centre in Vukovar on project My inclusive Community. That project really interest me because I get the chance to do creative and dance workshops with kids with special needs from Primary school Josip Matos Vukovar and assist to them on therapeutic riding, sport activities… I am filling satisfied working with kids.
Also, I am learning Croatian language. Now, I can say “Dobro jutro – Kako si – Ćao – Vidimo se” – etc.
In Vukovar I have met new people and also others volunteers from different countries and I spent my free time with them and travel around.
This is just the beginning of my one-year volunteering journey and I’m excited to see all that I will be able to learn during this experience! Step by step…
Project “My inclusive community!” it is co-financed by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union.
Autor: Inês Tavares