Volunteering in Don Bosco Foundation

My name is Ksenija and exactly one year ago I made a life-changing decision and applied to do my long-term ESC (European Solidarity Corps) journey in Malta with the Don Bosco Foundation organization. It was an adventure filled with social media madness, lots of local activities, some amazing projects and a lot of culture shock!

Picture this: I landed in Malta on the 10th of June 2023, greeted by the Mediterranean breeze and my ESC coordinator (Dawn, who actually made my stay as perfect as it could be). The climate change was rather difficult at first since I arrived exactly at the beginning of summer but the tan was undoubtedly worth it! And then it was time to get to know the organization and the country that would be my home for the next 12 months.

My primary role was managing various social media accounts. It might sound easy and glamorous but behind every perfectly curated Instagram post and Website update, there was a person (me) frantically typing, editing, and sometimes, even talking to the screen.

Next on the list was helping to organize projects and local activities. Over the past year, we did a loooot of different

things! From community clean-ups to educational workshops, each project was a unique challenge. But being a part of such a fast-paced and diverse lifestyle taught me a lot of flexibility and soon I fell in love with this lifestyle.

Also, if you ever want to test your creativity, try designing logos for an organization with a million ideas. In total, I think I created around 3-4 for different projects. I spent hours sketching, drafting, and revising until we found the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Beyond the tasks and projects, it was the people who made my experience unforgettable. My colleagues were passionate professionals, each bringing their own ideas to the workplace and all of them welcomed me with open arms and infinite support.

Also, I quickly learned that Maltese time runs on its own schedule. Meetings at 10 am? Expect them to start around 10:30-ish. It was a lesson in patience and adaptability. Plus, the locals' laid-back approach was a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle I was used to.

As my ESC journey in Malta came to an end, I realized how much I had grown—not just in my skills, but as a person. I learned to navigate new challenges, embrace different cultures, and find peace in the chaos.

So, if you're considering an adventure like this, my advice is simple: go for it. After all, life's too short to stay in one place, especially when there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll find yourself on a sun-soaked island, managing social media accounts, planning projects, and designing logos, all while enjoying the best pastries (pastizzi) you've ever tasted.

This Project was financed by European Commission’s European Solidarity Corps Programme.

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