My name is Botond Horváth, I’m 23 years old, and I live in Velence. I chose volunteering because I wanted to meet new people, step out of my comfort zone, and open myself up to the world a bit more. I’d been curious for a long time about what it would feel like to work together with young people from different cultures toward a common goal, and this time I finally had the chance.
A Multicultural Team in Sicily
There were eight of us in the workcamp, coming from five different countries: volunteers arrived from Poland, Italy, Spain, Serbia, and Ukraine. Our work took place near Palermo, in the small village of Isola delle Femmine, more precisely on the nature-protected island just in front of it. The place is special because it even has an old Roman watchtower, so it carries both natural and historical value. The camp was organized by Associazione InformaGiovani, and the aim of the project was to protect and improve the island’s ecosystem. As part of this, we planted native species and collected waste. Our work took about three hours a day; the rest of the time we stayed in a campsite in the village and explored the beauty of Sicily together.
The biggest challenge for me was the language. No one spoke perfect English, so at first I was a bit worried about how we would communicate. In the end, it didn’t turn out to be an obstacle at all—using lots of humor, gestures, and sometimes a mix of different languages, we managed every situation. In fact, this made our bond even stronger, because we learned to “speak the same language” together. The physical work and the heat also tested us, but the strength of the group made everything easier.
What left the deepest impression on me were the people and the local culture. I got a real taste of Sicilian life: we visited Cefalù, Agrigento, and Palermo. One of the most unforgettable experiences for me was the Santa Rosalia Festival in Palermo, where hundreds of thousands of people were celebrating together. It was incredible to feel the power of community in such a massive event. Cooking together, evening conversations, and watching sunsets by the sea also gave us moments I’ll never forget.
Lessons Learned
I learned so much from the project. My teamwork and problem-solving skills improved, I became more confident communicating in a foreign language, and I learned to manage my time better. Through the environmental work, I also realized that small steps can create change when taken together. On a personal level, it gave me so much: I became more patient, more open, and much better at adapting to new situations. It was truly inspiring to see how much we can learn from other cultures when we approach them with an open mind.
I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to travel with purpose, meet new people, and understand themselves a little better. A workcamp isn’t only about helping—there’s so much you receive in return: friends, confidence, memories, and the feeling of being part of something bigger.
If someone is thinking about joining one, I have a few tips: choose your project intentionally—pick something you’re genuinely interested in. When packing, think practically: comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and work gloves are priceless. You don’t need perfect English—courage and patience are enough. Flexibility is important too, because plans sometimes change, and of course, so is being part of the community: the more actively you participate, the more you gain from the experience.
For me, this project in Sicily became a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I truly believe that community work not only makes the world a better place, but enriches us as individuals—and that’s why I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone open to new experiences and adventures.
