Volunteering Stories: My Experience – by Rustam

Hello, my name is Rustam. I am a 26-year-old citizen of Azerbaijan. I am writing a blog about my two-month experience in Baia Mare, Romania.

I was able to find this project on the portal and applied thanks to the “Team for Youth Association” organization, included in the program of the European Solidarity Corps, opening the reception for the young people from Azerbaijan. After conducting an interview with our coordinator Remus Pop, we decided and tried to apply for a visa. I was able to successfully obtain the visa, and then my journey began.

I entered Romania on the Baku-Bucharest flight on September 19, and then arrived by train from Bucharest to Baia Mare on September 20. I was met at the station by our dear coordinator ”Sir” Remus. After arranging the things at home, we came to the office and gave me an orientation.

Since the beginning of the project, English was used as a common language and we communicated accordingly. I participated in various activities, including: kindergartens, colleges, schools, village life, institutions for people with disabilities, and social intervention. It was an irreplaceable experience, an interesting and entertaining period for me.

Meals, pocket money, travel expenses, medical insurance, Romanian language course, accommodation are fully provided during the project period. If you need anything else (computer, electronic signature, etc.), the organization will provide you with support.

As an Azerbaijani, I can say that it would be very beneficial for our other young people to participate in this project. I would advise you to at least participate here to create special moments of your life and you can be sure that you will not regret it.

Another good thing is that young people from other countries are participating here with you, and you have the opportunity to get to know their culture, learn English faster and learn to speak their own languages. I gave  presentations for students. I prepared a broad overview of my country Azerbaijan and tried to explain it clearly to the students in order to create an impression on them. My other presentation was related to COP29, which is related to Climate Change. I emphasized the importance of eliminating the consequences caused by global warming and protecting nature. The COP event is an international conference held annually in different countries and is an event related to the United Nations. Government officials participate here and prepare a plan of measures to protect the environment and conduct various negotiations.

The area where Baia Mare is located is very favorable and has an average temperature. I can say that it is a very suitable place for me. The city is very quiet, safe, clean, friendly people, and has beautiful places.

In the end, it was a story full of unforgettable memories for me, thank you for everything.

Rustam is a volunteer within the Year3 project, code 2023-1-RO01-ESC51-000125226. His volunteering project is co-financed by the European Commission with the European Solidarity Corps program and enables people like him to get involved directly into the local community in the field of interculturality, digitalization and environment. The focus of the project is young people and education.