Oleksandra's volunteering experience

Oleksandra, a volunteer from Ukraine, is doing her volunteer work in Ventspils, Latvia, from november, 2024 to september, 2025. Here’s what Oleksandra has to say about her volunteer experience:
1. What inspired you to become a volunteer, and why did you choose our organization Attistibas fabrika?
I have been volunteering in various areas since high school and I also had the desire to learn more about the Baltics. With this project, I can work in both fields, either in non-formal education or individual projects, so I recognise it as a perfect environment to effectively harness my skills and explore the beauty of Latvia.
I truly want to grow in my ability to be more open-minded. It's surprising to realize that some of the most comfortable connections I made during my time here were with individuals whose life experiences were so different from my own.
Every literary event I have organized is a cherished moment I will carry with me for a lifetime. Exploring Latvian literature has offered me valuable insights into its culture. I was fortunate to personally collaborate with inspiring researchers and authors whose impact has been lasting.
4. What have you learned from the youth you work with, and how has it surprised you?
It is fascinating to witness how different groups of kids display diverse behaviours and environments within their circles. Also, it's remarkable to observe how they evolve over time, shaping and developing their unique personalities.