Perfect Saturday in January

I and my volunteer friends went hiking to Budaörs hill which is in Budapest metropolitan area.  It is the end of January but the day was so sunny, cloudless and a bit chilly.

The peak of the hill is magic. You can see a wonderful panorama with red roof houses. The stone with a cross and a little church beside it gives an impression that here pagon and Christian cultures merge together. That was a perfect Saturday. Getting up early, climbing the hill and being overwhelmed by many positive feelings of peace, eternity and happiness.

January was a very productive month to me.  After the winter break I felt a big kick to start working and wanted to implement my ideas as soon as possible.

Firstly, I made a class in Forrai about constitution. The topic is very actual since Hungary started 2012 with a new constitution and the issue brings a public debate. I did not want to go into very deep discussion or criticize the new constitution. I wanted to give some historical background for the students about the spirit of constitutional law making. I wanted them to look at the issue from aside. Also, it is important for them to understand the philosophy, principals, and ideas that are in democratic constitutions. The class was successful and I decided that I want to continue with this topic. I will prepare the simulation about constitutional law making. The students will have to pass the law fallowing democratic procedures by American and British traditions. Also, I plan to invite an expert on Human Rights Law.

REcreativity tour

In Karinthy we started with a school day. There were no classes, but the students had to give workshops. There were United Nations assembly about the chocolate crisis in the world, teahouses, video games room and etc. We assisted our mentor Barka in REcreativity workshop. It is her project which teaches how to make creative and useful things using recycling materials. I learned how to make a wallet of a TetraPak, a bracelet of colourful tights, a box of plastic bottle and a notebook cover of plastic bags.

I also travelled with her to Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs to assist in her REcreativity workshops in high schools. I not only learned how o run workshops but also visited some other Hungarian cities. Here are some moments. 

Take the challenge! EVS’ers are in the house

The first weeks we visited and introduced ourselves to the schools where we will create voluntary activities for students and in the framework of non-formal education. They are Berzsenyi Daniel Gimnázium, Karinthy Frigyes Gimnázium and Forrai Magániskola.  

The first task we got from Berzsenyi was to organize the event for the school and introduce ourselves.  It seemed to be a challenging task. However, after brainstorming in the tea house, selecting the pictures and preparing the slides we were ready to present the quiz show. The event was interactive and fun, even though we expected more students to show up. The students managed to answer even the most difficult questions  and draw Lithuanian, Dutch and French flags correctly. We were happy with the result and I enjoyed the teamwork. In the following weeks we presented the quiz in English classes in Forrai. 

My way to EVS

I knew about EVS program for a long time since I was involved in many youth activities. But I did not know if I ever choose to go for EVS myself. Luckily, the perfect time came. I had a job in a call center which I wanted to quit and I graduated from university. After a year full of ‘MUST DO’ such as combining studies with part-time job, internship and thesis, I needed a gap year to understand my professional career aspirations and awaken my creativity.

EVS is a suitable program for me because I have been volunteering most of my life and I do not think to stop. I am in love with volunteering because it has individual and societal benefits. Seneca told that if you want to live for yourself, live for others. This statement defines my philosophy of life. Volunteering raises awareness of who I am and what my capabilities are and in more broad sense it promotes active citizenship, and brings people together. Volunteering is a way of living and it spices up my ordinary days and makes them special. Volunteering is about caring and being proactive which makes my life meaningful.

EVS is a life time opportunity which will involve me in a different society where I can create something significant for people and be proud of it. 
Why Hungary? Firstly, I was attracted by Egyesek Youth Association. My goal is to use all my professional and non–formal skills and experiences, and to implement a project which would have an impact for people. I appreciate that Egyesek welcomes volunteers to propose their own initiatives because it is exactly what I have been looking for. Also, I admire Synergy personal development courses. I participated in Synergy personal development courses in 2008 and it had a significant impact in my life. They provided me with tools how to set up and achieve my goals and I would like to learn more about their methods. Finally, Hungary is a country with its strong cultural identity which I wish to explore. I have never lived in a big European city. Budapest is a city full of European spirit and character which I want to feel.