Every volunteering or exchange experience always starts with a question – why?
Let’s dig deeper in my personal experience in this project.
Looking back on the Green Fun project, I’m filled with a deep sense of accomplishment and inspiration. What began as a simple idea to promote environmental awareness evolved into an unforgettable experience that made a real impact on the community and brought people together in ways I never imagined. Over these five weeks, I was part of the Non-Governmental Organization AIDE, where I had the chance to meet our project coordinator, Andrea. She was a significant reason I decided to join this project in the first place. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection with her, and I knew she was someone I could learn a lot from.
At the heart of the Green Fun project was the sense of community that emerged. While the workshops, activities, and creative projects were incredible, it was the people and the connections I made that truly made this experience stand out. We had participants from diverse backgrounds, including Italy, Spain, Turkey, Georgia, and Romania, all coming together to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This sense of unity was the most rewarding part of the entire journey. It made me realize that real change happens when we unite, exchange ideas, and support each other in our efforts.
One of the most unforgettable aspects of the Green Fun project was our time at the festivals. The absolute highlight for me wasn’t just attending these events but fully immersing myself in them—sleeping in tents under the stars and working side by side with others to make each festival a success. There’s something magical about setting up tents together, turning a patch of land into a temporary village, and sharing that space with others. Each night, as we gathered around our tents to reflect on the day, we exchanged stories, ideas, and laughter, creating bonds that extended far beyond the project itself. This sense of community truly shone as we worked together from preparations to late-night clean-ups. Whether setting up eco-friendly stalls, organizing workshops, or ensuring everything ran smoothly, the hard work felt immensely rewarding because we knew we were all contributing to something bigger.
It was amazing to see how everyone naturally fell into their roles and knew exactly what to do and where to be. Nisa and Alessia were always busy painting kids’ faces, bringing smiles to everyone around them. Leon and I often found ourselves at the tote bag painting station, adding a creative touch to the event. Pablo and Guillermo, while always willing to lend a hand, had a knack for trying to sneak away from the work. Malina, Nicolas, and Darie were the all-rounders, ready to jump in wherever help was needed. Dachi was constantly tinkering with the 3D printer, trying to bring ideas to life. Andrei and Andrea were like our “mama and papa,” always checking in to make sure everything was going smoothly. And, of course, there was Theo, our festival coordinator, who kept a watchful eye to ensure everything was done right.
The great thing about this team was that you were never alone—if you ever needed help, there was always someone ready to step in and support you. Maybe that’s why I truly believe the most meaningful part of this experience was the bonds we built. There’s a unique connection that forms when you share both the challenges and joys of such an immersive experience. We didn’t just learn from each other—we supported and encouraged one another every step of the way. By the end of the project, we weren’t just fellow participants; we were friends who had shared something truly special.
The Green Fun project was more than just a series of workshops and activities—it was about coming together, living in the moment, enjoying life, and creating lasting memories. It reminded me that the most powerful experiences are often those where we connect with others in unexpected ways, live our values, learn something new about others, and, most importantly, about ourselves while working towards a common goal. Looking back, I realize that these shared experiences with people—under the stars, in the tents, at the festivals, on the football field, at our home, in the YouthHub, during our 10-hour hike, and more—are what I’ll cherish most. They were the moments that brought us closer, inspired us, and made the Green Fun project an unforgettable journey.
