top of page
%20(1).png)
Our Volunteers Experiences
Groups
- Public·1 member
“The project opened the doors not just to an engaging world of sports, fulfilling activities, projects writing, but most importantly to the rewarding multicultural teamwork and gaining skills and experience that would be helpful for the future.Thanks to the Genç Girişim, what appeared and intended to be two people's teamwork with my Spanish teammate, turned out to be at least ten people's cooperation on a weekly basis. Therefore, my arrival, daily life and work couldn't be easier, more productive and enjoyable. Ankara greeted us with hospitality, modern skylines and interesting events. Turkey astonished with unique and distinguished places to visit.”
Olga SHEREMET - Ukraine
“I was so happy when I found out that I have been selected to come, and within a week, I was supposed to be in Ankara. As much as I enjoyed exploring different regions of Turkey, I enjoyed exploring Ankara even more. Ankara in size is twice as Croatia, and coming from a town that barely counts 80,000 people. I felt like a local, slowly getting to know the city and its people. Step by step, Ankara started to feel like home. Two months passed so quickly, and it was time to go home. It was heartbreaking to leave the culture and people that opened their homes and hearts to a complete stranger from Croatia. I want to thank GENÇ Girişim and Syncro for dealing with all of the paperwork. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for you, and I hope you know it was a life-changing one. This is simply not a goodbye, as I hope I will return to Ankara as soon as I can.”
Jelena SAMAC - Croatia
"I’m really happy to participate in an evs project with genç girişim. this is a perfect opportunity to explore anew culture, meet new people, work on interesting projects and travel around turkey. Ankara is a big city with a different lifestyle from what i amused to and so far, it has been amazing. Turkish people are really nice, food is delicious and the whole experience of living here is unforgettable. Were it not for the evs, i would not be able to experience in turkey in such an authentic way."
Živa RAMŠAK - Slovenia
"Am I satisfied? Strong YES, more than I thought I would be. Genç Girişim is a perfect place for meeting amazing people, travelling around Turkey, doing sports with wonderful kids, improving your skills, and just enjoying your stay here. Truly saying, I really want to come back and participate once more. The organizers, mentors, and volunteers here are the people you can always rely on and make solid friendships, too. As well as the activities are the perfect mix of sports, education, improvement, and fun."
Diana SADOKHINA - Ukraine
"At first, even my family didn't support me strongly in going through this experience. For many people, Türkiye is a country that is too different from ours, even dangerous. I chose to come here to erase all the prejudices that we carry with us from Italy and Europe in general, I wanted to experience first-hand what it means to live in Anatolia. I chose Ankara because it is in the center, the capital, from here you can see all the nuances of the country. My project was about sports with children and support with English in a vocational school. From the swimming pool to tennis to lessons in completely different classrooms from ours in Italy, it was exciting. The association that hosted us, Genç Girisim, was truly incredible. From our coordinator Berke to President Belgin to all the local members of the organization. They accompanied us on this journey without ever leaving us and without ever making us regret the choice made. The same for our Italian organization, from pre-departure training to project recommendations. Getting to know the owners of small shops, talking to young people fighting for a different future, being among the children and war refugees, listening to their stories. This was one of the most amazing parts of this trip. From today I am a different guy, I can look at the world in another way. I can tell the young people around me to put aside prejudices and live experiences that seem difficult to face. Every country in the world is different. Every person and every culture needs to be heard and lived.."
Antonio LODİCE - Italy
.jpg)
"Coming to Turkey to volunteer is not what you expect. Not at all. The culture shock is felt, but not so much. Many people think this country is an Islamic and conservative republic. All bullshit. Or rather, some truth and some bullshit. It is a very large and diverse country. On the street you can see a woman in a burqa as well as one in high-waisted shorts. Cultures coexist here, and even fight. I fully understood the feeling of this complicated country during my two months of ESC volunteering: in the same week we played tennis with rich children and taught English at a vocational high school where almost everyone spoke exclusively Turkish. All as part of the ESC programme. Genç Girişim is the organisation that mothered us for two months. Where we found human and genuine relationships. Together with the support of our Italian sending organisation, they did not let us lack anything. Whatever we asked (as long as it was not drugs) was given to us. Of course with mutual respect, because there were a few asshole and disrespectful volunteers towards them. It cannot all be rosy. Some difficulties are always there. Obstacles, however, are made to be overcome. After two months of laughter, work, tennis, English, Turkish, swimming, beers and kebabs, I must say that I have gained a lot in terms of personal growth. And I have tried my best, because that is what volunteering is all about: donating your time and resources to leave something positive in the world. And of course, let's not be humble, to gain a little as a person, as part of this joke we call humanity."
Alberto ALLEGRETTİ - Italy
"My time in Ankara, with Genç Girisim, proved to be a very fulfilling and enriching experience. I had to to start my life from zero, in a new country, doing something that I had never done before. Thanks to Genç Girisim and all the amazing volunteers, this proved to be an easy task. I met new people, made new friends, saw the country, learned about its culture, discovered myself, developed new skills and much more. I can confidently say that I won’t never forget my time here and it’s one of the best decisions that I made."
Joao Vidal Alves- Portugal
"Ankara's ECS program has been an incredible experience. The welcoming atmosphere, Turkish culture, and beautiful places to explore make me feel truly fortunate. Learning from diverse Erasmus projects, engaging in sports, and teaching students have been opportunities for personal growth that I deeply appreciate. I'm grateful for the chance to learn, develop new skills, and create lasting memories during this unforgettable journey.."
Nouhaila ELHANTATİ - Morocco
"Two months ago, I embarked on a life-altering journey to Turkey, where I volunteered with Genç Girişim. From the moment I set foot in Turkey, I was welcomed with open arms in the Genç Girişim team. My two-month European Solidarity Corps (ESC) adventure was marked by profound experiences that reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education and sports. Through non-formal education, we engaged in interactive activities, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. Sports, too, played a central role, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and promoting camaraderie and teamwork. Immersed in Turkey's rich culture, I sampled local cuisine, learned some basics of the Turkish language, and explored the beauty of the country. However, it was the friendships I formed with both fellow international volunteers and local Turkish people that made this journey truly unforgettable. My ESC journey with Genç Girişim left me with a profound sense of purpose and a deep belief in the untapped potential of every young person, reaffirming the idea that the power of international volunteerism and cross-cultural exchange can shape a brighter future."
Hana Bali - Tunisia
My two-month in Ankara for an ESC program was a thrilling adventure packed with memorable experiences. Whether engaged in tennis matches with children, teaching English at school, or having Italian language classes, each day brought a fresh and exhilarating dimension. Yet, the real standout of this journey was undoubtedly the people I met. The friendships formed during this time are not just fleeting; they're destined to endure. Beyond the structured volunteering activities, it was the shared laughter, exchanged stories, and casual hangouts that truly defined this unforgettable experience. Ankara, you've gifted me not only with cherished memories but also a network of remarkable friends that I'm confident will stand the test of time!
Mariateresa Guarino - Italy
My adventure as a volunteer in Ankara, as part of the ESC project, was an unforgettable and enriching experience. During this period, I had the opportunity to be immerse in an international team of 11 foreign volunteers. Together, we undertook various activities aimed at making a positive contribution to the local community.
Teaching and Language Sharing
One of the main missions was to teach English to elementary school students. The teachers welcomed and integrated me very well, and there was quickly a lot of camaraderie and attachment with the children. I also had the opportunity to teach French and share my culture with groups of adults this time, within the association. This experience also allowed me to deepen my understanding of the culture and language of each volunteer.
I supervised tennis classes organized for children every Saturday. These moments of playing sports together helped us become closer and made it easier for us to talk about the activity.
Association Coordination and Social Media Management
I also had a role in communication and coordination within the association. Participating in the management of social media, sharing our achievements, and organizing the weekly schedule was a very educational role.
ESC Project: "Using Sport for Inclusion"
One of the highlights was the conception, writing, and implementation of an ESC project focused on "Using Sport for Inclusion" submitted to the European Commission. This project brought together people from different backgrounds around sports, demonstrating its unifying and inclusive power.
Personal Experience and Unforgettable Encounters
Beyond my tasks, the experience in Ankara was marked by exceptional encounters. The other volunteers, association members, became true friends, and the teachers and students enriched each day. I would like to warmly thank everyone who contributed to the success of this experience. Their support was essential, and this adventure will remain etched as a memorable memory. Thanks to all for making this experience exceptional.
Joséphine Béchu - France
bottom of page