Two Months in Madan: Solidarity, Hard Work and Lasting Friendships

Hello, I am Selim ESKENTEPE.

This summer I had the opportunity to take part in Grandchildren for Rent, a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project carried out in the town of Madan, Bulgaria. Before setting off, I had my share of questions about spending two whole months in a mountain town I knew nothing about, surrounded by dynamics I was not used to. But from the very first day we arrived in Madan, the natural warmth of the place and the energy of the team swept away all my hesitation and left behind a wonderful adventure.

Our Volunteering Work in the Field

The main aim of our project was to stand in solidarity with the local community and, above all, to support elderly people in need with their daily lives. There were days that demanded serious physical effort: we took on many tasks together, from chopping and carrying firewood for the winter to landscaping work and the upkeep of shared spaces.

We carried logs on our backs, we sweated, and there were plenty of moments when we were physically exhausted. Yet once the work was done, seeing the heartfelt gratitude and warm smiles of the women we had helped made all the tiredness disappear at once. Knowing that our work directly made someone’s life easier was the most rewarding and meaningful part of the whole project.

The Nature and Daily Life of Madan

With its calm atmosphere and lush green surroundings, Madan was a wonderfully peaceful place to volunteer. Starting the day with fresh mountain air and, in our free time, being able to step out for a walk and find ourselves surrounded by nature within minutes was a great feeling.

The unassuming, welcoming character of the town, combined with the sincere connections we gradually built with local residents, made any sense of being a stranger disappear quickly. Madan soon became a second home for all of us.

Thanks and Farewell

Looking back as I left Madan at the end of those two months, I realised I was returning with wonderful friendships, work we had seen through together, and experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.

I would like to thank my sending organisation KOZ-DER, who gave me this opportunity and stood by us from the very beginning, the host team in Madan, and all the companions with whom I shared these two months.