Between 19 – 27 of July, three representatives from CID attended a training course “ESC Kick-Off” in Agros, Cyprus organized by Agros environmental group. The project aimed at exchanging of good practices, success stories, learning experiences of the organizations that have been working with EVS volunteers, and the volunteers themselves. Here is what Besart, Gordana and Kristina have to say about their experience:
The first impression of Agros was at the passport control, the officer asked me where are you going? I sad Agros, she replied: Agros Village? Omg, what will you do there? I was confused of what she only meant!
We arrived in Agros, and what do we see? we were surrounded by great mountains, we had an amazing view of the village from our hotel, clean air, and that chilly mountain breeze that you need in high temperatures.Our training started with getting to know each other and group building activities where we got to see the rest of the participants from across Europe.The other days we got to learn about European Solidarity Corps, differences between ESC and EVS and we also got to hear the ups and downs of attending solidarity corps or voluntary service from past volunteers by sharing their stories from which they were inspiring and a lot of people were inspired and intrigued to apply for one.We also got to visit Limassol and Nicosia which we learned about their culture and learn about their history.
Everything went well for us, but the best thing was that everyone from other countries was asking if we (from North Macedonia) knew each other from before. That was one of the best things that our group was always supportive and we never had a misunderstanding between each other.The ending was tough for everyone, however now we have new friends in different countries and cities from where we can visit them and have more fun.
I am really glad that i took this training course because it helped me build myself of being a better coordinator and it gives me access to share that knowledge with my team as a part of CID.
Besart SHABANI
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It was an amazing experience, met amazing people. We were learning and having fun in the same time. It was one of my best projects. As an ex EVS volunteer I was sharing my stories and encouraging the others to do it, also learning about the other ESC possibilities I can do. I could only say positive things about the facilitators, the group in general and especially my team from Macedonia. I’m very happy that I had this opportunity to participate in this project and meet a life time friends.
Gordana BLAGOJEVSKA
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This training course was a wonderful experience staring from day one up until the very end of the project. We were introduced to this new initiative by the European Union, the European Solidarity Corps, and all it has to offer to those interested. I shared my experience as and EVS volunteer, and hopefully encouraged more people to apply for the program.I learned more about ESC from the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs whose office we visited in Nicosia. I also heard about Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, an EU program of cross-border exchange that supports ambitious young people, who either just started or plan to start their own venture.More importantly, I met exceptional people from ten different countries whose contribution to the project made it even more incredible. We visited Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca and had an amazing time together. I have only great things to say about the facilitators and their hospitality.All in all, the training course was very informative, and I am grateful for the friends I made during the project and all the fun times we had.
Kristina GERASIMOVA
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