Why is it worth volunteering when you’re a young person in your twenties from the
countryside?
If the thought has already crossed your mind to look into what kinds of programs or
organizations you could try yourself out in volunteering, then you probably already have that
„volunteer quality” that’s essential for taking part in such an experience.
From my experience, you simply won’t meet ill-natured people in a workcamp.
But why now?
By definition, volunteering is an act of free will that serves the benefit of others. So why
wouldn’t we, at the beginning of our lives, not because our parents or high school teachers
want us to, do something that helps our fellow human beings?
We live in a world where self-centeredness drips from every other billboard and social media
post. Dare to be different! Dare to bring change!
Our international team gathered in the German town of Enkenbach, where we renovated a
barefoot park and painted the fence of a kindergarten.
The project’s goal wasn’t to „save the world” or make global headlines. It was simply to
make the life of the small local community a little bit better. And in the process, ours became
better too.
I’ve already been to many camps, group activities, and events, but I had never before been
part of a group that captivated me so much. The heart of the group’s dynamic wasn’t a shared
hobby or goal, but a similar outlook on life, made all the more exciting by the differences in
our cultural and personal experiences.
We shared our cultures mainly through cooking our national dishes for each other.
At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t find a common language with my teammates. You might
think I was just one of the lucky ones, but that’s not the case. Friends of mine who have been
to several camps told me this is typical of such programs.
The organization supporting the camp, ijgd, makes sure no one feels left out. Every camp is
led by two leaders, but don’t think of them as strict bosses - rather, as two kind-hearted
helpers.
For example, it was one of them who came up with the idea to watch the meteor shower
together. Almost every afternoon we planned some kind of activity. Of course, this varies
from camp to camp depending on the opportunities, but I want you to know that these aren’t
forced, meaningless time-fillers.
The group decides together, and nothing is mandatory. The leaders coordinate, they don’t
command.
Youth is the time for gaining experiences. The more often you try new things, the more you
step out of your comfort zone, the more you’ll be able to give back to the world. International
volunteering is a perfect opportunity for that, and even if you never try this exact path,
experiment with new things that challenge you.
Your limits can be broken down.
And it helps especially when you’re not doing it alone, when you’re surrounded by people
who will hand you an imaginary hammer and help you tear down those walls.
