Ilaria Busato - October 2024

" I'm Ilaria, I'm 25 years old and I'm an Italian volunteer in Porto. My first month as an ESC volunteer in Portugal has been a mix of unexpected challenges, new friendships and meaningful experiences. It all started with a bit of chaos because my flight was cancelled, forcing me to postpone my arrival. It was a frustrating setback that definitely discouraged me, but then once I arrived, I met the staff and my fellow ESC volunteer, and that definitely boosted my morale. We got along immediately, which made it much easier to adapt to this new place, and having another ESC volunteer next to me who shares the excitement and the challenges along the way has been a huge relief.

I volunteer in a refugee center, where, to my surprise, there were no refugees when I arrived. This gave us time to prepare the space, organize the rooms, organize the supplies and make sure everything was ready for the people who will soon arrive. One of my main roles will be managing the canteen, so I have also spent a lot of time in the kitchen learning the ins and outs of meal planning and cooking routines. It has been challenging but rewarding and I look forward to putting these skills into practice once the center is full.

The language has also been a challenge at times. For this reason, the staff at the center helped me find a Portuguese course which is helping me connect more with people. Even though learning a new language is not easy, I am excited and look forward to being able to communicate more naturally and directly.

Aside from volunteering, I have also had the chance to explore Porto. The city is beautiful, from its river views to the vintage markets and historic streets. I even took a short trip to Lisbon, which was incredible! The unique atmosphere, history and architecture made the experience unforgettable. Looking back on my first month, I realize how every challenge, every new connection and every adventure has enriched my experience. While this is just the beginning, I already feel connected to the mission here and can’t wait to see what the next few months will bring as we welcome new arrivals and continue to build a supportive environment."

O Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade é financiado pela Comissão Europeia. Este projeto conta também com o apoio do IPDJ e do Município de Oeiras.