Naša ESS volonterka iz Španjolske, Andrea, sudjelovala je na višednevnom treningu za međunarodne volontere u Orahovici.

Trening je bio namijenjen svim novopridošlim volonterima u Hrvatskoj iz različitih dijelova Europe, kako bi dobili korisne informacije potrebne za uspješno volontersko iskustvo. Trening je organizirala Agencija za mobilnost i programe Europske unije.

 

Od 6. do 11. listopada imala sam priliku sudjelovati na treningu (On-Arrival Training Course) u Orahovici, Hrvatskoj, zajedno s 15 volonterki i volontera iz Ukrajine, Češke, Njemačke, Španjolske, Portugala, Gruzije, Turske, Hrvatske, Francuske, Sjeverne Makedonije i Bosne i Hercegovine. Ovo iskustvo bilo je pravo međunarodno druženje i važan korak na mom putu kao volonterke Europskih snaga solidarnosti, ispunjeno učenjem, promišljanjem i značajnim ljudskim vezama.

Tijekom tjedna sudjelovala sam u nizu inspirativnih i interaktivnih radionica koje su nam pomogle istražiti naša prava i odgovornosti kao EU volonterki, proces kulturne prilagodbe, te razviti ključne vještine poput timskog rada, komunikacije i asertivnosti. Svaka nas je aktivnost potaknula da dijelimo svoja gledišta, promišljamo o vlastitim iskustvima i rastemo – pojedinačno i kao grupa. Bio je to prostor u kojem se učenje događalo prirodno, kroz suradnju, dijalog i kreativnost.

Okruženje u Orahovici dodatno je obogatilo cijelo iskustvo. Mirna priroda i predivni krajolici pružili su savršenu atmosferu za povezivanje, razmišljanje i uživanje u svakom trenutku. Imale smo i slobodan dan za istraživanje grada – šetale smo njegovim šarmantnim ulicama, posjetile dvorac i opuštale se uz jezero. Posljednjeg dana nebo nas je iznenadilo prekrasnim zalaskom sunca koji nikada neću zaboraviti.

Još jedan poseban dio tjedna bila je tradicionalna hrvatska hrana u kojoj smo uživale svakoga dana. Od utješnih juha do domaćih lokalnih jela, svaki je obrok bio ukusan način upoznavanja hrvatske kulture i dijeljenja toplih, veselih trenutaka za stolom. Posebno je zabavno bilo tijekom večeri kada smo imale “svečanu večeru” i učile kako nazdraviti na različitim jezicima.

Ono što ću, međutim, najviše pamtiti jesu autentične veze koje smo stvorile. Zajedno smo izgradile topao, uključiv i siguran prostor u kojem se svaka od nas osjećala podržano, poštovano i slobodno biti ono što jest. Taj duh povjerenja i prijateljstva pretvorio je skupinu ljudi iz cijele Europe u pravu obitelj.

Završni dan bio je posebno emotivan. Tijekom završne sesije dobile smo pisma koja su napisale bivše volonterke koje su prošle isto iskustvo. Čitajući njihove riječi, osjetila sam duboku povezanost i razumijevanje s širim zajedništvom koje dijeli istu strast, izazove i snove.

Od srca hvala našim divnim trenerima, Mileni i Igoru, na njihovoj ljubaznosti, podršci i vodstvu, te na sigurnom i inspirativnom okruženju koje su stvorili tijekom cijelog tjedna. Njihova energija i toplina učinile su ovo iskustvo još značajnijim i posebnijim.

 

ENGLISH VERSION:

Our ESC volunteer from Spain, Andrea, participated in a multi-day training for international volunteers in Orahovica.

The training was intended for all newly arrived volunteers in Croatia from different parts of Europe, in order to receive useful information necessary for a successful volunteer experience. The training was organized by the Agency for Mobility and EU Programs.

 

From October 6th to 11th, I had the opportunity to participate in the On-Arrival Training Course in Orahovica, Croatia, together with 15 volunteers from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Georgia, Turkey, Croatia, France, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This experience was a truly international exchange and an important step in my journey as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer, full of learning, reflection, and meaningful human connections.

Throughout the week, we took part in a series of inspiring and interactive workshops that helped us explore our rights and responsibilities as EU volunteers, the process of cultural adaptation, and key skills such as teamwork, communication, and assertiveness. Each activity encouraged us to share our perspectives, reflect on our experiences, and grow both individually and as a group. It was a space where learning happened naturally through collaboration, dialogue, and creativity.

The environment in Orahovica made the whole experience even more special. Surrounded by peaceful nature and stunning landscapes, it offered the perfect setting to connect, reflect, and enjoy every moment. We even had a free day to explore the town, wandering through its charming streets, visiting the castle, and relaxing by the lake. Also, on the last day the sky surprised us with a beautiful sunset that I will never forget.

Another highlight of the week was the typical Croatian food, which we enjoyed every day. From comforting soups to traditional local dishes, each meal was a delicious way to discover more about Croatian culture and share warm, joyful moments around the table. It was a lot of fun the day we had the "fancy dinner" and we were learning how to say cheers in different languages.

What I will remember most, however, are the authentic connections we built. Together, we created a warm, inclusive safe space where everyone felt supported, respected, and free to be themselves. That spirit of trust and friendship turned a group of people from across Europe into a true family.

The final day was especially emotional. During the closing session, we received letters written by previous volunteers who had gone through the same experience. Reading their words made me feel deeply understood and connected to a wider community that shares the same enthusiasm, challenges, and dreams.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing trainers, Milena and Igor, for their kindness, guidance, and the safe and inspiring atmosphere they created throughout the week. Their energy and support made this experience even more meaningful.

 

"European Solidarity Corps" (ESC) is a program of the European Commission that finances various projects and initiatives. The program connects volunteering and solidarity, and the goal of the program is to build a solidary, inclusive and democratic society. The program brings together organisations and young people who want to travel, get to know other cultures and languages, develop their skills and contribute to the welfare of society through their engagement.