An Unforgettable Volunteering Story in Madan

Hello, I am Miraç Mustafa KARABAŞ.

I had the chance to visit Madan, a small and peaceful town in Bulgaria, twice. With its silence, calm atmosphere and nature, Madan gradually became more than just a project location for me. It turned into a special place where I felt peaceful and wanted to return again.

This time, I stayed in Madan for nearly two months as part of the “Grandchildren” volunteering project. During this process, I had the opportunity to meet different people, discover different cultures and experience volunteering by living it.

My Volunteering Experience

Throughout the project, we supported elderly people, carried out environmental cleaning, chopped wood and took part in many different activities together.

Sometimes we got tired, sometimes we faced challenges, but we always supported one another. This process showed me that volunteering is not only about helping others; it is also about solidarity, sharing and producing something together.

Communicating with people from different cultures and working together for a common purpose contributed a lot to me both personally and socially.

A Difficult Goodbye

Before I realised how fast the two months had passed, the day of departure arrived. Leaving Madan was very difficult for me. It was no longer only a place where I volunteered; it had become a special place where I collected beautiful memories and friendships.

I went to Madan twice, and both experiences gave me something different. Some places are visited only once, while some places make you want to return. For me, Madan became the second kind.

Thank You

I would like to thank the KOZ-DER team, my dear Halil ÖZKARACA teacher, whose support I always felt throughout the process, and all my friends who made these two months unforgettable for me.

The “Grandchildren” project will remain not only a volunteering project, but also a very special experience that I will remember throughout my life.

I left Madan, but I took my memories and friendships with me. Maybe one day I will return to Madan again.