My name is Jordi, and for six months I had the opportunity to volunteer in Izum. Izum became the place that welcomed me during this time, a small, colourful youth centre and kindergarten full of life, creativity, and warmth.
My daily routine was very diverse. In the mornings I helped at the kindergarten, playing with the children, teaching them some Spanish, preparing workshops, and accompanying them on museum visits, excursions, or outdoor activities. In the afternoons I supported the youth centre, where young people came every day to take part in activities such as Lego engineering workshops, ukulele lessons, or English classes.
I also had the opportunity to organise different activities open to the community, from an Intercultural Evening to language, cooking, and theatre workshops, and even an Open Stage where anyone could step up and share their talents.
Another meaningful experience was taking part in a Human Library event, where “books” are people who share their personal stories to help break stereotypes. We also organised a Taboo Workshop, creating a safe space to discuss topics that are often not openly addressed among young people in Estonia, such as discrimination, gender, and mental health.
Outside of the youth centre, volunteering also gave me the chance to discover Estonia and its unique culture. I explored forests and wetlands, experienced traditional Estonian dance, visited frozen lakes and islands in the Baltic Sea, and travelled across the country.
My experience in Izum has been unforgettable. I have had the chance to discover this small and peaceful country where sunlight can sometimes be scarce. The winter can be long and dark, but the snow, the landscapes, and above all the people make it a place full of warmth and unforgettable experiences.
After these six months, I can say that Estonia feels a little like home.
My daily routine was very diverse. In the mornings I helped at the kindergarten, playing with the children, teaching them some Spanish, preparing workshops, and accompanying them on museum visits, excursions, or outdoor activities. In the afternoons I supported the youth centre, where young people came every day to take part in activities such as Lego engineering workshops, ukulele lessons, or English classes.
I also had the opportunity to organise different activities open to the community, from an Intercultural Evening to language, cooking, and theatre workshops, and even an Open Stage where anyone could step up and share their talents.
Another meaningful experience was taking part in a Human Library event, where “books” are people who share their personal stories to help break stereotypes. We also organised a Taboo Workshop, creating a safe space to discuss topics that are often not openly addressed among young people in Estonia, such as discrimination, gender, and mental health.
Outside of the youth centre, volunteering also gave me the chance to discover Estonia and its unique culture. I explored forests and wetlands, experienced traditional Estonian dance, visited frozen lakes and islands in the Baltic Sea, and travelled across the country.
My experience in Izum has been unforgettable. I have had the chance to discover this small and peaceful country where sunlight can sometimes be scarce. The winter can be long and dark, but the snow, the landscapes, and above all the people make it a place full of warmth and unforgettable experiences.
After these six months, I can say that Estonia feels a little like home.