Volunteer Stories: Finding a sense of belonging – by Melike

Hello again! I’m Melike Doğan, a 24-year-old volunteer from Turkey, I’ve been here for over three months, i can truly say this journey is helping me grow. If you’re wondering what I’ve been doing during this time, read…

Since the school year ended, our project activities have shifted a bit. Every Wednesday, we work with Pirita Children Assosciation. We meet with local Romanian children to spend time with outdoor activities. These outdoor activities are filled with joy, creativity, and connection.
We play games, do crafts, and simply enjoy nature together. I’ve noticed how much these children need attention, care, and someone to listen. Being there for them, even for just a few hours, feels incredibly rewarding.

On Thursdays, I take part in sessions with an organization that supports people with disabilities. (Esperando Association) We gather to chat, laugh, and share simple but powerful moments of human connection. Sometimes we draw, sometimes we just sit and talk. It reminds me that being present can mean more than words.

This project has taught me that belonging isn’t about where you’re from — it’s about the connections you build, the smiles you share, and the impact you leave behind.

I can’t wait to see what the next months will bring.

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.