Hello, guys. I’m Tiemei from China. I’m a volunteer of Vicolocorto in Pesaro. I’m participating to the European Volunteer Service (EVS). This project is about non-formal education. The aim is to help youngsters (the age is from 18-30) to develop themselves, and let them gain knowledge and new skills from this specific project.
It was my great honor to go on 20th October to Girolamo Genga school, which is a normal Italian vocational school, with Carolina – a girl working in Vicolocorto association – and Milena and Claudia from Pesaro Informagiovani.
I graduated three years ago,
but when I see these students,
it looks like I’m the student.
Everyone is ready to listen to our presentation. They are full of energy. When I’m on the stage, I really feel like sharing my experience with these young people because, from my point of view, it’s necessary to let them know the knowledge I gained from this project. It’s the first time I go abroad and spend nine months living in Italy. For me it’s a tremendous challenge, I have to adapt to the new environment, I have to survive in different situations and put ideas into practice. I should always make a decision by myself without depending on my parents. This experience is changing my perception in terms of reality and foreign cultures.
I’ m aware of the benefits I’m receiving from this project. When I finished my presentation, students were interested in this project. I could see the energy and hope in their eyes. I think EVS is not only interesting, but also youngsters can learn some competences from it. For example, you can use your mother tongue to express your thoughts. I know some students can’t speak English very well at school. As we all know, English is very important in the world, so just being a European volunteer it’s a good chance to practice English. Also you can learn what the social and civic competences are and how to develop yourself. For me the most important competence is learning to learn. It’s totally different from formal education, because you can use theory to practice your ideas during the project. It’s worth to participate: the experience you have gained will influence your personal growth and increase your potential learning.
Our other volunteer Trang from Vietnam wanted to share her ideas:
“It’s a great thing to inform, spread the news to young people about their opportunities to do some meaningful work, to meet new people, to learn new languages, to experience the world from different aspects. And only EVS can provide them with all of that. While doing an EVS, they can also develop their personal skills, get life experience that will help them to deal with problems, struggles or difficulties in life or in finding a job especially when we all are facing with global economic crisis situation like now.”
At last, I just want to say that if you are motivated and active, please let us know and join us. Let’s enjoy together!
Tiemei
Vicolocortini 