Michelle's volunteering experience in Ventspils
Michelle, a volunteer from Ukraine who spent nine months doing voluntary work in Ventspils, Latvia. Here Michelle shares what she gained during these nine months, both personally and professionally, and what she learned from her experience.
1. Why did you choose Latvia and what did you do during your volunteering? (Please mention some projects you created/did)
I'm from Ukraine and I spent my exchange year in Sweden, so Latvia felt like something in between and best of both worlds (and it's true - Latvian shops sell groceries from both my favourite countries). During my volunteering, I established weekly English language cafés for local youth to improve their speaking skills while talking about fun topics and answering thought-provoking questions. I also did beginner English lessons for seniors at a local library - the old ladies were really motivated to learn. They are so sweet, one of them even gave me flowers! I also did several music quizzes and karaoke events, participated in non-formal education trainings, and Erasmus+ awareness presentations.
2. How has volunteering changed your perspective on the world or yourself?
I realised more things about my goals, strengths, values. This project has taught me how to set and defend my boundaries better, and for that I'm grateful. It also inspired me in many ways, from ideas for future creative projects to realising what I'm good at and what I want to do in life.
3. What have you learned from working with children/youth?
I learned to speak louder and give clear instructions - really necessary skills when you work with 30+ youngsters with no microphone🤭 Before this volunteering, I was a bit afraid of working with kids, but now I know that kids are sometimes also afraid of you - and it's your job to make them feel comfortable and at ease. You're not here to impose authority, but to help them grow and learn.
4. What has been the biggest challenge you faced as a volunteer, and how did you overcome it?
Getting used to living in a small town was one of the challenges. I was born and raised in big cities, so this change felt underwhelming at first - I felt like there was nothing I could do in Ventspils in my free time. This inspired me to come up with more event ideas at the youth house because other youngsters might feel the same. And stunning nature around was also really helpful - I will certainly miss watching sunsets at the seaside and walking through forests when I'm back home.
5. What advice or tips would you give to future volunteers coming to Ventspils to work on youth events?
Apply to as many projects as you can, but make sure they all fit your preferences and expectations (you can learn about it through their social media or previous volunteers who are always happy to help). Once you're here, try to find your niche. It may feel overwhelming at first that you can do ANYTHING and everything, but when you find what you're good at and develop in that direction, everything starts making sense.