Volunteering

Adriana D'Amato
Adriana D'amato
I was just thinking of how am I going to start
describing European Voluntary Service
to those who have (or maybe not) just heard of it by chance. Well here is my
answer, the photo above. It is just food yet the most hearted expression of
gratitude and interest from the people with whom you share everyday life, even
the most ordinary events. In order to help staff from the kitchen, I was a
special ‘waitress’ for a group of teenager students coming from an excursion
and I gained in return this delicious plate that will last for a whole week :P.
Well, EVS is of course more than just sharing food and having fun. This experience
encompasses all positive and negative aspects that help a person to grow up, be
responsible and proactive.
If I may use a metaphor, I feel like one of the many
Lithuanian rivers, such as Merkys
River. Just like me it comes from another place/country (Belarus for Merkys, Italy
for me), it flows in Lithuania and goes through rapid and slow pace until it
reaches Nemunas, one of the major
rivers in this country. At Dzukija
National Park, I go through ordinary yet important activities like doing
English lessons or working at the visitors’ centre and suddenly I find myself
involved in unique and significant events that stimulate my constant curiosity
and imagination like hiking by following in partisans’ footsteps.
As for me, it is always difficult to describe me in
few words. Capable of making some funny gaffes and a bit shy, I find interest
in many things such as old places that look abandoned yet vivid source of
imagination and creativity (at least for me ;)).I am passionate about pop
music, manga art and exploration of historical places and I like challenges. When
I found on InCo website the possibility of having a wonderful EVS experience at
Dzukija National Park, having a direct contact with wild and fascinating
nature, I said WHY NOT?!.
I hate staying still and now that I am in the largest
protected area in Lithuania, I take every opportunity I can to explore this
vast park especially by bike. There is always time to lie down on a bed (I also
need to recharge). At Dzukija NP there is an interesting mixture of everyday
life in rural homesteads and farmsteads and genuine commitment to the
protection of natural landscapes and reserve areas, like Čepkeliai swamp.
If you want to
learn more about my experience as a volunteer here is the link to my blog that
I try to update frequently:
https://adrygoestodzukija.wordpress.com/