Sedef DİZLEK

Hello, I am Sedef Dizlek, and I took part in the project as a KOZ-DER Egypt volunteer between 15.11.2024 and 13.01.2025.

My volunteering in Egypt was both highly instructive and full of memories I will never forget. I sensed right at the start of the journey that this would be a different kind of adventure. My flight was at night, and I got to see the pyramids while still in the air. I would even say that, until something better comes along, the photo I took from the plane that night is my favourite. Seeing the pyramids through the aircraft window was an indescribable thrill in itself.

Moments I Cannot Forget

One of the most unforgettable moments of those two months was the night we galloped without stopping for nearly an hour, in pitch darkness, across open desert. Having the reins in my hands gave me an incredible sense of freedom. The pyramids were our view, and the only light in the night came from there. It is genuinely hard to put into words the excitement, freedom and wonder I felt. It was a very special experience I will never forget.

Another striking experience was making my first dive in the Red Sea. The colourful world beneath the water enchanted me. Having never done anything like it before, it showed me again how impressive and awe-inspiring nature can be.

I also celebrated New Year in another country for the first time in my life — and on the River Nile. Being in another country, in a different atmosphere, on such a special night meant a great deal to me. That moment too is one of the most special memories of my time volunteering in Egypt.

One of the Best Parts of the Project

One of the things I most enjoyed was organising an intelligence-games tournament and bringing local young people together. We had a great time and made new friends. It showed me again what a powerful tool intelligence games are for bringing people together, easing communication and building sincere connections.

Sharing a space with local young people, communicating through games and getting to know each other better meant a great deal to me. My only regret about that event is that it happened in the last week of our placement. I kept thinking how good it would have been if it had come earlier so we could have enjoyed that interaction for longer.

What This Gave Me

Volunteering in Egypt gave me not only good memories but the chance to get to know another culture, build bonds with new people, adapt and appreciate the value of creating together. From the moment I first saw the pyramids from the plane to the night I rode in the desert, from my first dive in the Red Sea to New Year on the Nile, every moment carried its own meaning.

This project will always be very special to me, and one that brings a smile whenever I remember it.