Have you ever imagined life in a small Italian village where every local knows their neighbor? Francesco from the house on the corner found a new girlfriend, and Signora Bianca's lemon pie unexpectedly got burnt…
About the author
Let me introduce myself. My name is Veronika. In June 2024 my fellow volunteers from Italy, France, Serbia, Ukraine and Slovakia and I were at the short-term volunteer abroad project “Policaffe” in the village of Dolce, near the famous Lake Garda. We had the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the Italian way of life and experience the famous “Dolce Vita”.
We worked on the creation of an art residency and were also involved in organizing the Tacabanda Festival, which brought together musicians, poets, artists and photographers from Dolce and surroundings. This was my second volunteer project, and what is more interesting, I’ve chosen the same location. The first time I participated in 2022 and already in 2024 it was interesting to see all the changes in the community.
About the camp
Organized by the young and ambitious association Eclettica with the support of European Solidarity Corp, the workcamp aimed to renovate an old abandoned building, turning it into a cultural space called Policaffè. This project involved not only construction work, but also the creation of a space for artists to foster a sense of community.
Challenges
Although the camp as a whole was an amazing experience, the pace seems slow at times. Renovation work included painting walls, carpentry, and general building improvement. These tasks were relatively easy, but at the same time working in an international team of volunteers required patience, adaptability and good communication skills. Another challenge was self-organization - we were responsible for keeping order, preparing food and ensuring comfortable accommodation for all participants. However, overcoming these difficulties made the experience even more valuable.
Benefits
Despite the challenges, the camp was a truly enriching experience. It was an opportunity to meet people from different cultures, learn about their views and participate in meaningful cultural discussions. The project fostered creativity, allowing volunteers to express their artistic talents and contribute to the aesthetics of Policaffè. In addition, Dolce's location was ideal for exploring the surrounding area, from hiking in the beautiful Valdadige region to visiting Verona and Lake Garda. The warm and welcoming local community made the stay even more special, allowing a touch of authentic Italian life, like spending evenings playing the traditional card game Briscola with the locals. Moreover, I am still in touch with many of the participants.
What participants learned
This project was not just volunteer work, but a real journey of self-discovery and cultural exchange. It helped develop independence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. And more critically, it reinforced the realization that even small efforts can lead to meaningful change. As I left Dolce, I felt a deep connection to this place and its people, knowing that our collective efforts will be part of something important to the future.
Without the involvement of the sending organization Egyesek, I would not have had this experience. They were always in touch, detailed what to expect from volunteering, and provided support every step of the way. Thanks to this, I was able to take part in this project and discover the wonderful world of volunteering while developing my personal and professional skills.
For anyone looking for an unforgettable experience that combines travel, culture, and rewarding activities, I highly recommend going on a volunteer project this summer!
