Beyza Nur ASLAN

A Volunteering Story in Craiova

Hello, I am Beyza Nur Aslan.

This summer I had a different and unforgettable experience on a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project in Craiova, Romania.

This time I went to a country not simply to travel, but to meet different people, work with young people, learn new things and contribute through volunteering.

Learning Together with Young People

A large part of our project took place in the youth centres of Craiova, where we ran presentations and workshops on a range of topics.

Listening to young people’s ideas, getting them actively involved and creating something together was a real pleasure.

We also introduced them to different intelligence and strategy games. Through the games we had fun while practising problem solving, focus and strategic thinking together.

At another youth centre we worked with younger age groups, running games, activities and workshops. The children’s energy and creativity often made our planned activities turn out very differently — and far more fun.

Not Only Teaching, but Learning

The project showed me that volunteering is not only about teaching something or providing a benefit.

I learned to communicate with different age groups, to act according to their needs and to change my plans when necessary.

Working alongside volunteers from other cultures, meeting new people and creating towards a shared aim also gave me new perspectives.

What I Brought Back from Craiova

Looking back at the end of my time in Craiova, I do not think I collected only good memories and photographs.

I came back a better communicator, more creative and more able to adapt to new environments.

Best of all, on a journey I set out on to give something to others, I turned out to be the one who learned the most.

So Craiova is not just a project location for me: it is a special stop in my life, marked by new people, new experiences and good memories.

Thank You

Thank you to KOZ-DER for making this experience possible, to the volunteers I worked with and to the young people and children I met at the youth centres in Craiova.

This project, which gave me the chance to meet new people, experience other cultures and grow, will always have a special place in my life.

I will always remember the time I spent in Craiova and the memories we collected together.