Anders's summer doing volunteering in Ventspils
Anders from Norway wanted to spend his summer usefully, so for one month he did voluntary work in Ventspils. Here he organized events at the Ventspils Youth House, took part in activities at the Sea Festival, and also helped children learn English at Ventspils Universities summer camp.
1. What inspired you to become a volunteer, and why did you choose our organization?
I enjoy social work and I thought it would be a nice and educational way to spend the summer. It seemed interesting to work with the local community and get more experienced in organising events and activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to see more of Latvia and spend some time close to the beach! The beach is definitely a factor for why I wanted to come to Ventspils.
2. What have you learned during your volunteering time?
I have learned to work together in a team with people I at first didn't know, and how to effectively co-operate with people from different backgrounds. Getting to plan activities with the younger ones seemed somewhat daunting at first but turned out to be very fun!
3. What has been the biggest challenge you faced as a volunteer, and how did you overcome it?
Coming together as a group without a lot of experience or a strict hierarchy and cooperating together on projects and solving tasks together. It's a balance between taking space and letting others contribute and reading the room. Lots of learning.
4. What would you recommend to someone who is thinking about starting volunteer work with youth?
Have a relaxed attitude and have fun, but also take initiative and work towards your goals in a flexible way.
5. Would you like to continue volunteering in the future? Why or why not?
I wish I had the time but I don't believe I will. It is fun however. I enjoyed my time in Ventspils and got to know new people! When I get back to Riga I will probably greet the bussdriver and say thank you for the ride, like they do in Ventspils :)
Projektu "Youth of Tomorrow" līdzfinansē Eiropas Savieniba. Šī publikācija atspoguļo vienīgi autora uzskatus un viedokli, un ne obligāti Eiropas Savienības, Eiropas Komisijas vai Valsts agentūras (Jaunatnes starptautisko programmu agentūras) viedokli, kuras nav atbildigas par tajā ietvertās informācijas jebkādu izmantošanu.