What, it has already been three months?!
What, it has already been three months?!
It is incredible how time flies. Three months ago, a lot has changed for us. New people, new city, new adventures. And so much happened in our first three months in Prague. We went on our first activity with IYNF to Cecina, Italy. We talked about it a bit in our last article. We’ve also been to our on-arrival training, where we got to meet other volunteers from all over Czechia.
It has been three incredible, interesting months, but see for yourself, as we would like to tell you a bit about our own perceptions of the last few months.
Coming to Prague for my volunteering was quite a big step for me. Having just finished high school, it was my first time living on my own. It was a little scary to come here without knowing anybody, but so far, I have enjoyed every second of it.
I love discovering new cities, and with a city as big as Prague, there is always something new to explore. Already on my first day here, I started looking for a café that I could call my favourite. I also enjoyed making the most of the last few summer days, eating dinner by the river or simply strolling through random streets.
Work started soon after, along with our onboarding. There were lots of new impressions, as we got to see what our tasks would be and how everything worked. But it was also a lot of fun! We were even introduced to some nice lunch places.
And then, after just one and a half weeks, we started preparing for our roles at the activity in Cecina. I was really excited, not only because it was my first activity with IYNF but also because it was my first time in Italy! But first, there was preparation to do. I was happy to plan an icebreaker and a creative evening activity as I really enjoy doing those things. And then it was time for the activity. Personally, I was super nervous but happy to see for myself how the activities organised by IYNF work. After a really (REALLY) long trip from Prague to Cecina, we finally got to meet the participants. It was an amazing group of unique people who made it way easier and incredibly fun! Designing the games was fun, but even more fun was the time at the beach. Of course there was also some swimming involved, because how could there not be? We enjoyed the lovely, sunny weather, and I got to collect one or two (or more than that if we’re being honest) rocks on the beach. All in all, it was a really great first activity for me as an IYNF volunteer.
After coming back from Italy, we were given some time off. I used the time of to explore more of Prague. I went on a hike to Divoká Šárka exactly at the perfect time, as autumn was slowly arriving and the trees were starting to change their colour. I really enjoyed having some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We also had our on-arrival training. I didn’t really know what to expect from it, but in the end, it turned out to be not only fun but also helpful for our work as volunteers. We learned about non-violent communication, which was one of the topics I found most interesting. It was fascinating to realise how difficult resolving conflicts can be if you don’t take the time to reflect on your own needs and feelings. I found that to be very useful in day-to-day situations. Another thing I enjoyed was seeing the other projects people were volunteering for. We also had a session about wellbeing, where we were taught different methods. I enjoyed a session on meditating, which was a nice change of pace to the otherwise eventful training.
We had an amazing time together during the training. We had great conversations, both in the seminars and afterwards. We played games together, one of our favourite ones was Hitster. In the evening, we also went out to the city, walking through it in search of a nice place to sit down. On a different evening, we went to Petrin Hill and got an amazing view of the city at night.
And then it was time to say goodbye, but not without promises to visit each other or meet up again in Prague. It was nice to know that I now have even more people I can meet up with.
The end of the training didn’t mean that we would be going straight back to work. Instead, we had more time off! But that was the perfect time for a visit from my friend. I took here around the city and to some nice little cafés Even though the time was short, I enjoyed spending time with her again.
And now we’re back! Work started again, and after such a long time away from the office, we came back full force, diving straight back in.
The last three months have been incredible, even more so than I could have imagined. I enjoy everything we do and love that we have so much freedom to be creative with our work. I am super excited for the next activity in February and can’t wait to see what else is waiting for us!
Nantje
"The sun has to rise on your own street someday". I've been telling myself before getting this opportunity. And so, it did. Winter is approaching, but the sun keeps shining in Prague for me. I had many days dreaming of a chance to change my life into something I am happy and satisfied with, and here it is: I am a part of IYNF in the beautiful city of Prague. To describe my first two months is a bit of a challenge considering how many things have happened, but I will give it my personal-best view overall.
While on the train coming here, I was eager and excited, telling myself that this is it, the change I've been waiting for, time to enjoy and experience everything that I can, without any breaks. And I've carried this thought with me throughout the first months in here, I am happily saying that I had the chance to be part of so many beautiful and joyful moments...but I cannot say that I carried this attitude everywhere; there were times when I've felt like I am a stranger, even to myself, nothing was familiar, and that can make you feel lost.
With this big of a change, it can be hard to manage everything, from personal to social to professional, it's like juggling them, careful to not drop any. In these first months, that's what I tried to do; luckily, there is much support coming from IYNF. I came to love this organisation for the people and the experiences it gave me. In the first activity in Cecina, I've had the chance to meet so many kind and like-minded people; I've had the chance to develop myself as well and expand my horizons. At the ESC On-Arrival training, the same energy, isn't it beautiful to meet people who have the same interests as you? In the office, I can put my creative mind to work. I can involve myself in something with my own skills, just like I wanted, and sometimes strange things might come out of my imagination. I can't express how grateful I am for this, and I am wondering how everything will be after more months pass by. I doubt it will be a bad time, so I am looking ahead to the bright days, and I will keep you updated!
Gabriel
These were our first three months with IYNF. It was amazing and adventurous. We are so happy to be part of this and are excited for what is still coming!
Bergfrei,
Your ESC-Volunteers Gabriel and Nantje
The European Solidarity Corps Volunteers are kindly funded by:
