Abel’s Volunteer Experience at OCC Greece

Over the last two months I had the opportunity to volunteer at Open Cultural Centre in Greece, and this was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had.

When I first got involved with the organization I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, however it became quickly obvious that this project impacted me in ways I didn’t anticipate.

From the moment I set foot into OCC, I felt warmly welcomed and part of something more important than I had imagined.The environment was supportive, and everyone had similar/ shared common goals. Through my time at OCC, I took part in different activities, such as informal teachings of English classes, children classes, and managing social media. More importantly, I realized that even my smallest contribution to the organization’s activities had a meaningful impact on people’s daily lives.

What stands out to me most from this experience is the human connections I built

I had the chance to meet people from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with their own stories, challenges, and perspectives. These encounters not only broadened my understanding of the world, but also strengthened my empathy and ability to connect with others on a much deeper level.

Moreover, volunteering at OCC also helped me grow personally. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, improved my confidence level, and taught me the importance of patience and open-mindness. I learned how to adapt to complex and unpredictable situations and work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Overall, my experience at Open Cultural Centre has been incredibly impactful. It has shown me the value of community, compassion, and active contribution. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have been part of such an amazing and inspiring family, initiative and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned with me into the future.

Our volunteering programme is funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps. For more information about our open ESC positions, visit our page.