Volunteering Stories: A New Chapter – by Karim

A few months ago, I made one of the most important decisions in my life.
I decided to volunteer in Romania, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was ready for a new experience, to discover a new culture and meet new people and most importantly, to grow.

I’m Karim, 24 years old from Egypt. I studied law, but I have always had a passion for sports, helping others, and learning about different ways of life. When I found the chance to join a volunteering project in Romania, I knew it was the right step for me.

Now, I live in a small city (Baia Mare) I liked this place too much and I feel like I am in the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life.

I like the nature and the people here are so friendly, helpful, and respectful. Here I work with other volunteers from different countries. I call them my family because we actually love each other and we spending a really good time together. We share stories, and learn from each other every day.

For my activities as a volunteer I organize sports and fun activities for children and help in educational workshops. Also I present my country in schools for the students. I like what I do because I find my experience is developing and specially my English language is improving. It’s not always easy, but every challenge teaches me something new.

Living in Romania taught me how beautiful it is to live simply, to connect with others beyond language, and to give without expecting anything back. I feel more confident, independent, and full of energy to continue giving and learning.

This experience is not just about volunteering. It’s about discovering who I am and how I can make a difference — even if it’s small.

I hope my story encourages you to try volunteering and to write your own story one day.

Voluntarul activează în proiectul Year 4 (cod 2024-1-RO01-ESC51-VTJ-000199420), un proiect implementat de Asociația Team for Youth în comunitatea locală pe durata unui an, cu sprijin financiar din partea Comisiei Europene prin Corpul European de Solidaritate. Opiniile exprimate în acest articol sunt cele ale autorului și nu reflectă neapărat poziția Comisiei Europene.

The volunteer is active within the Year 4 project (code 2024-1-RO01-ESC51-VTJ-000199420), a project implemented by Team for Youth Association in the local community for one year with financial support from the European Commission through the European Solidarity Corps. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Commission.