Soy Águeda, una chica asturiana de 24 años. El 1 de septiembre llegué a Hendaya (Francia) a un programa de voluntariado del European Solidarity Corps.
Durante este año estaré colaborando junto con otro compañero en una oficina de información juvenil para fomentar las relaciones entre el ayuntamiento y las diferentes asociaciones de Hendaya.
Además, colaboraremos como animadores sociales en los colegios de la ciudad y aprovecharemos para echar una mano en la Cruz Roja y en donde se nos necesite.
Águeda en su voluntariado CES en Hendaya
Personalmente, lo que me motivo a participar en este programa fue que, tras haber vivido en otros países como Italia o Brasil y haber participado en otros programas europeos como Comenius y Erasmus; el Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad me ofreció la oportunidad de conocer un nuevo país, una nueva cultura y una nueva lengua a coste cero.
Estoy segura de que esta experiencia nos va a abrir muchas puertas y va a ser muy enriquecedora a nivel profesional, pero también personal.
Animo a todo el mundo a conocer el Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad ya que da la oportunidad de poder vivir una experiencia que se adapte a tu interés personal, de forma accesible para todo el mundo.
I’m Teresa, I arrived less than two weeks ago to start my service civique in Bilbao, so I thought about introducing myself! I’m 25 years old and I come from France (although I’m Portuguese). Although, I have just been here for a few days, I have loved every minute of it. It’s the perfect combination: the work, the people and the city.
Bilbao is a charming and beautiful city, full of life. You find young people everywhere and there are loads of places to spend your free time. But be prepared, the Basque rain can be tough! I have been to Spain before, but never to the Basque country that is so unique and full of history. I’ve been enjoying getting to know this culture, eat delicious pintxos and learn the basics in Euskera. Moreover, having a big football team in the city, and me as a big football fan, I can say I’m living my best life.
I also get to spend this experience with two other volunteers, Chiara and Diego, from Italy. When you are away from home, having friends is crucial. Here, at Kiribil they put the 3 of us living together, so you are never alone and have someone that is there for you, going through the same struggles like you.
In the next few months, I will be volunteering at Kiribil and Harribide Fundazioa. My work involves supporting migrant people. For now, I have been doing in-depth training that goes from Spanish law to evaluation methods. This is been very valuable in equipping me with all the skills and knowledge needed for my role. Furthermore, I couldn’t ask for better colleagues. They are patient when I ask loads of questions, speak my terrible Castellano (it is more like portunhol- mixing Portuguese and Castellano) and support my ideas.
I’m super excited to be here and can’t wait to see what the next months have in store for me!
Agur,
Teresa
Esta acción del programa de voluntariado europeo de Kiribil Sarea, se realiza con la financiación del programa Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad y el apoyo del Área de Juventud y Deporte del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao.
Eight months have passed, and it is time for me to tell you everything about this experience.
This experience has been life-changing for me. From all points of view. The work within the foundation made me realize how important entities are when it comes to helping people. I understood that the scale isn’t important and that each one of us can make a difference in this world. I started this volunteering not knowing if I would really be able to help… Turns out my work was rather essential to helping properly the migrants and I must say this: The feeling I get when I know I have helped someone in some way is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had without a doubt.
Not only have I found particular joy in helping but I was also lucky to meet great people within the association, like my colleagues who were always looking out for me, but also the young Moroccans and Algerians I got to spend time with who made me forget that I was working and instead feel like I was just hanging out with friends. So, I want to thank all of them for their hearty welcome and kindness that made these eight months memorable.
A volunteering experience abroad is more than volunteering per se, you’re living in another city/country and discovering a new culture and new people. Without realizing it, I experienced all the above. I got to visit the city and learn more about the Basque culture through food, “fiestas”, language and so much more! Even though I come from a neighboring country (France), I still felt the cultural difference between the two countries which is crazy if we come to think about it. There’s Spain and then there’s Pais Vasco and I can only encourage you to see for yourself how amazing this region is thanks notably to its gorgeous landscapes.
I guess I’m being redundant, but I have to tell you again to take this opportunity of doing what you love for a few months by going abroad, discovering places you wouldn’t have thought of visiting, all this while gaining experience by helping others J
Finally, I would like to thank again all my colleagues for making me feel like I was an integral part of this “family”, and also a big thanks to Alex who was always there for me when I needed help. Eskerrik Asko !!!
La acogida de voluntariado europeo de Kiribil Sarea, se realiza con la financiación del programa Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad y el apoyo del Área de Juventud y Deporte del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao.
Hi everyone, let me introduce myself! My name is Salma Ibrahim, I am 21 years old, and I am currently volunteering in Bilbao with Kiribil Sarea. Today, I want to share with you my experience as a volunteer and as a young living in Bilbao.
It’s been 5 months since I’ve started volunteering here in Bilbao and the least, I can say is that I’ve been learning new things daily since I arrived.
First, let me talk to you about the city. Bilbao is situated in the Basque Country, which makes the city even more unique within Spain. Not only have I been improving my Spanish since arriving, but I’ve also been picking up some words and sentences in the Basque language called Euskara. Bilbao is a city with its own Basque identity making it a place incredibly unique filled with history and culture.
EXCURSION WITH THE YOUTH MIGRANTS
My favourite place in Bilbao must be the Azkuna Zentroa, where you can find a cinema, a library, and an exhibition centre but also a pool. You can go there, to relax, study or do some physical exercise, it is up to you! The other great aspect of the region is that there are so many different landscapes around the city. Indeed, I have been able to go to the beach that is an hour far from Bilbao, I‘ve also been able to go hiking notably in Mendikosolo Parque with the young migrants. Whether you are a city or a nature person, Bilbao is the best option for you!
These five months within the association have been more than eye-opening. Indeed, when I arrived, I did not know what to expect from the people working there, or the young migrants benefiting from the structure. Today, I can say without a doubt that I do not regret coming to Bilbao and this association in particular. I have met wonderful people that are my colleagues. They always do their possible to make me feel at ease among them by answering all my questions and doubts without hesitation.
COOKING WORKSHOP
The team has been helping me understand the way the Spanish and Basque administration work when it comes to immigration, and even though I had a bit of knowledge regarding migration in general, I learned a lot about the specifics of the Spanish law system. I’ve been taking part in multiple activities organized by the team for the young migrants such as cooking workshops but also excursions to the beach and the mountain. It is such a delight to spend quality time with the young and the team away from the usual environment.
Overall, my experience with Kiribil has been incredibly rich and pleasant. I am more than grateful for this opportunity and encourage everyone to take the leap !
AZKUNA ZENTROA
La acogida de voluntariado europeo de Kiribil Sarea, se realiza con la financiación del programa Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad y el apoyo del Área de Juventud y Deporte del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao.
Kiribil Europa 