Pass it on… parting advice and reflections from ESC volunteer Ines, Italy.
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Volunteering with Solas project has allowed me to discover the power of community, to uncover my skills and apply them to make a difference, to convert challenges into precious sources of learning. Once back in Italy, I plan to become more involved in my community, volunteering as an Italian language teacher for refugees and offering my help and experience for after schools.
These were some parting comments from Ines, one of our European Solidarity Corps volunteers who finished up last month (August 2021).
We asked Ines a few questions and we’d love to share her experience with you.
What did you enjoy most about Solas Project?
I think its one of the experiences in my life where I have learnt the most.
Peer learning was invaluable to me. To spend so much time with the young people in a horizontal learning setting. Before I came to Ireland I worked as a teacher and I found that there were more limitations in my relationships with young people due to differing boundaries.
It was so rewarding to finally establish some bonds with the pre-teens in The Bridge group after several months. Even the most self-protective young people opened up eventually.
I know that everything is possible now. Even the hardest case is not worth giving up on.
I’ve enjoyed Ireland in general particularly the landscape. I’ve enjoyed great friendships in work and in the YWCA residence. Dublin has a lot to offer culturally. I love the outdoors and nature. I’m not a partier or a big drinker so it didn’t bother me that pubs were closed due to the pandemic.
What did you learn about yourself from your time here?
To give more time. Don’t give up so easily.
Change can take a long time. You can’t force results to be seen immediately.
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Communicate honestly with teammates.
I learnt about respecting yourself and meeting people halfway.
I learnt not to take things personally and how to build healthy boundaries with young people. I also learnt how to set healthy boundaries for my own well-being.
I have learned never to judge a book by its cover, to try to bring as much joy and light as possible.
With Solas Project there is a constant hope and resilience, always seeing the positive even if the negative seems overpowering. It’s always about focusing on the good to start afresh.
The energy of Solas Project is so positive and hopeful.
What advice would you pass on to our new ESC volunteers?
I would recommend to always feel free to talk with their supervisor, to share ideas of restorative practice for episodes of challenging behaviour, to be extremely patient and hopeful: the results will show, even if later on during the year.
I wish them the best of luck.
