Impresiile voluntarilor din cadrul proiectului Building Solidarity - Tomislav Gospodinov

Experiențele noi ne provoacă, ne aduc multe bucurii, prietenii și lecții de viață. În perioada septembrie 2019 - iulie 2020, 7 tineri entuziaști din țară și străinătate au făcut parte din echipa Green School, în cadrul proiectului Building Solidarity, un proiect finanțat de Corpul European de Solidaritate și implementat de Green School și Centrul de Voluntariat Cluj-Napoca.

Tomi a fost voluntarul preferat al copiilor pasionați de șah, mereu deschis la noi provocări și la antrenarea minții.

1. What did you do in your ESC project?
My main responsibility during my ESC mobility consisted of delivering activities for children /  from 5 to 11 years old/ at Green school. The workshops I implemented were predominantly held online due to the pandemic. For instance, I cooked with my pupils. We also worked on various origami. Moreover, we fulfilled numerous science experiments and had fun by using different online platforms or playing games.

2. What motivated you to do an ESC project?
Originally, I had no clear idea what field I would like to do my ESC in. I was just zealous in participating. I believed this experience was going to broaden my horizons. The opportunities to meet new and inspiring people, improve my personal and professional skills, and become more culturally aware were the reasons why I endeavoured to take part in this mobility.

3. Why did you choose this specific project?
My determination to undergo this experience was my major incentive. As a consequence, I could have compromised regarding topics and destinations. Nonetheless, I knew I would love to be involved in the educational field or something related to  NGOs, international programmes, etc. Working in a secluded area in the countryside did not appeal to me. Therefore, Cluj was a fantastic choice. 

4. What did you learn?
This is undoubtedly a vast topic. I could not cover or even summarise it in a few sentences. In brief, I substantially developed my digital skills, got familiar with new educational methodologies. I certainly improved on a personal level as well due to the fact that I worked in both international and local environments and shared a flat with people from 4  different countries.
 
5. What was the biggest challenge and what did you enjoy the most during your project?
I would say that the global pandemic was the main hindrance because it dramatically affected my daily routine. Switching to online activities and meetings or in other words working remotely was a completely new realm to me. I enjoyed the most inspiring and intelligent individuals I met. 

6. What would you tell someone who is about to do an ESC project?
I would recommend him to do it straight away. There is definitely no reason to hesitate or procrastinate. Some people might consider it as a " risk,", however,  I can assure them this "risk" pays off tremendously well. It helps you grow up, become more responsible and put your priorities in order.