...where the sun warms the sky Volunteers say

The experience of volunteering is not new to me. During university, I often conducted afternoon activities for children, which partly led me to try myself in a completely new field. The AUSER Molfetta Onlus organization provides programs for active seniors while promoting communication across cultures and generations. My work mainly involved continuously assisting with the existing regular programs and ensuring the smooth daily operation of the organization. The organization also supported my own projects, allowing me to hold activities for the elderly almost every month. Working with them greatly contributed to my personal and professional development. I was able to experience the Southern Italian lifestyle, mentality, and even the food firsthand. The wisdom, experiences, and good advice I received are things I want to keep and carry with me throughout my life.

Inco, as my host organization, greatly assisted with my stay in Italy. I could turn to the staff at the organization with any problem, and without exception, they always helped.

Volunteering and getting to know another culture, helping local organizations and life in the city, giving something back to society while developing myself, is an experience that, in my opinion, every young person should have in life.

Although I often heard locals say that Molfetta is not the most beautiful city in the area, I do not agree with this. Upon my arrival, I immediately fell in love with the city, the beautiful green windows, the kind and smiling locals, the slow-paced life, and the strong sense of community. I could write poems about the sunsets, they are so beautiful. But perhaps it is the multitude of experiences that truly make this city beautiful for me. The many conversations about life with my friends, whom I met here and formed lifelong friendships with during the year I spent here. I might even look back on the conflicts fondly because if they hadn't happened, the year I spent here would have been too perfect an experience. 

As Winnie the Pooh said it best: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”