Volunteering experience in Armenia!

Hi! My name is Olya and today I want to share my story!

At the beginning of October 2024 I finished my European Solidarity Corps volunteering project and came back to Latvia. I spent 14 months in Armenia as an ESC volunteer with the wonderful organisation “Future in Our Hands”. My sending organisation was European Association “World-Our Home” from my home town Rezekne. During this time I managed to realise two volunteer projects: a short-term project for two months and a long-term project that lasted for a whole year! During these months I gained many warm memories, wonderful friends and so much life and work experience that, to be honest, I can’t believe it myself!

I have done so many things during this time and tried my hand at so many things! Thanks to this European Solidarity Corps programme, I helped with the organisation of international projects and local events; I have conducted Russian language classes for young people and studied Armenian; helped with children’s New Year performances in the theatre; developed skills in graphic design; learned various administrative work; learned how to write projects; attended various trainings, got a glimpse of an Armenian engagement and even managed to star in a real movie! Incredible, isn’t it? And all this in 14 months, can you imagine?

But of course, my volunteering was not only about work. Numerous excursions and festivals, exhibitions and museums, and just cosy evenings with friends – all this became an integral part of my little journey around Armenia.

Armenia is an amazing country that instantly falls in love with itself! From the first breath of the purest mountain air, from the first sound of Yerevan bustling with life, from the first bite of incredibly tasty national cuisine and from the first smile of the locals. So often I was asked: “What struck/impressed me the most in Armenia?”. And the answer has always been the same – the people! First of all, the people!!! I have never met such kind, open, positive and ready to help people anywhere! It is thanks to these people that a year ago I decided to extend my stay here without a second thought!

I can say that I was incredibly lucky: it was like winning the luckiest lottery ticket to come to this NGO!

Thank you very much to my colleagues who have become a real family for me, thank you for new knowledge and acquaintance with the rich Armenian culture! The time spent together will stay in my heart forever! Thank you to my host families for their hospitality and cosiness! And of course, thank you to my sending organisation World Our Home for this amazing opportunity!

See you soon, my beautiful and beloved Armenia! I know for sure we will see each other again!