Şefika BÜYÜKYILMAZ

Hello everyone,

I am Şefika Büyükyılmaz. Between 15.11.2024 and 15.01.2025 I took part in a short-term volunteering / ESC project in Egypt. It was a valuable period that was both instructive and full of new experiences.

Throughout my volunteering in Egypt I took an active part in a range of social and cultural activities. Our daily tasks included contributing to project writing in the office, producing short films and promotional videos, helping run events and working with participants from other cultures. Through this I did not only get to know another culture closely; I also developed significantly in teamwork, effective communication and adapting to changing conditions.

A Day in Egypt

My day usually began with breakfast at home, and I would be in the office by 10:00. Through the day we gave presentations, contributed to project writing and shot short videos. It may sound intense, but it was both enjoyable and instructive, and a valuable experience for building teamwork.

During the day I drank plenty of Egyptian tea — and even learned to make it. After finishing at 17:00, the more social and enjoyable part of the day began. We often joined different events and had cultural experiences such as Mevlevi performances. As three Turks, an Arab and a Spaniard we wandered the non-touristy streets of Egypt, tried local food and got to know the city better. Those moments were both a real pleasure and culturally enriching.

What the Project Gave Me

The project gave me a great deal both professionally and personally. I developed particularly in project writing, content production and teamwork. Working with people from other cultures strengthened my communication skills and helped me adapt more easily to changing environments.

Taking responsibility in an international working environment raised my confidence and gave me a more disciplined way of working. One of the most concrete contributions was to my career: thanks to the skills and experience I gained, I felt better equipped and more confident when looking for work. So this volunteering was not just a short project for me but an important step in my career.

An Unforgettable Moment

One of my most unforgettable moments was the day we visited the Saqqara pyramids. As I ate the last biscuit in my bag out of hunger, dogs began to gather around me. When I threw a small piece to one of them their numbers grew fast, and within moments about ten dogs had surrounded me waiting for food. I was both startled and unsure what to do.

What made it truly unforgettable and funny was that my Spanish friend was filming the whole thing as if shooting a film scene. That evening at home we projected the footage onto the wall and watched it together. We genuinely did not know whether to laugh at the situation or be amazed at watching it back like that. It remains one of those memories that entertained us hugely and will stay with us for a long time.

Final Word

Volunteering in Egypt did not only give me new knowledge and skills; it helped me know myself better, discover my strengths and grow personally. Looking back today, I can easily say this period holds a very special place in my life.