Hatice Gül ÖZÇELİK

Hello everyone,

I am Hatice Gül. The volunteering project I did through KOZ-DER in Orta Nova, Italy between 10 April and 3 June was one of the most instructive and enjoyable periods of my life.

Orta Nova is a small settlement with real character, far from the noise of big cities. When I first arrived I was met by the sincerity and hospitality of local people. They were so warm and helpful that I felt I belonged there very quickly.

My Project

There were moments during the project when my English made things difficult, but the Beyond Borders team and I worked through them together. They always took a solution-focused approach whenever a problem came up.

The part I enjoyed most was the Youth Exchange programme in the final week. Over that intense week we came together with people from all over the world.

Those days — cultures mixing, projects created together — meant a great deal to me. Being in an environment of debate, exchange of ideas and cultural difference was wonderful. That week I did not only meet new people; I gained many new cultures and perspectives.

What This Experience Gave Me

When I left Orta Nova I did not leave only a completed project behind: I came back with friendships that left a deep mark and a more global outlook.

The experience taught me once again that language is not a border but a common ground, and reminded me how much helping one another matters.

Thank You

A huge thank you to the KOZ-DER family and especially to Halil Özkaraca. Halil was not only a mentor to us but like an older brother. Whenever we got stuck, whenever we needed support, he was there and never left us on our own.

Without his guidance and the confidence he gave us we could not have been so at ease; we can never repay it. I am so glad I chose this organisation, and so glad our paths crossed.

It was one of the most wonderful periods of my life.

Thank you all so much.