So, we came to the end and this is the last chapter/article of the VOLUNTEERING serie. I will write about why people are working in these kind of volunteering or helping organizations, in this field, or why do they become youth workers. To be honest, I have nothing in my mind to tell you what and why.. I will try to give some ideas and information based on my experiences.
As I wrote in the earlier articles of this serie, these people do not make a lot of money, earn less than they should have earned, generally minimum wage. Even they spend from their pockets. So, why many people are doing this?
I think they also have similar reasons as I wrote about mines. They want to change lives of some people with talent, skills and lack of opportunities without any return but true connection. I met some former volunteers and interns. I even met a Turkish person, who is quite famous in the circle of Rato and who had help from Rato, Enes. I met him 6-7 years ago on my first adventure here. He was also here few weeks ago with his wife. Think about that, more than 10 years ago, he was doing his volunteering project here and then these people helped him to stay here after the project. This is what he says about his Portugal story. He is well educated and a kind person. Could not he find a good job in Turkey? Of course he could but he wanted to stay here, so he has stayed with the help of these nice and friendly people. So that, Portugal also won a skillful expat, now a citizen.
In the training activities, we teach many useful information and knowledge. We are visiting many and very different places, such as public schools, NGOs, associations, communities, nursing homes etc., to give trainings and for other activities. All these are provided by Rato for better and more options and opportunities to those who attend. For example, Rato provides many activities to seniors for their social inclusion by using IT. We have 85 years old and older attendees. Isn’t it awesome?!
Just a quick note: I was a conference interpreter on the similar topic which is social inclusion of adults by taking advantage of social media and information technologies. I had more information while preparing to the conference and it made me comprehend more what I experienced here during 2 months in 2017.
I am trying to cut short but there are many things to say. The reason why do these people working in these kind of fields is obvious; helping people with open heart and mind without expecting any return but a personal growth and personal satisfaction, which make me adore and respect to those. It is blow-minding for me to devote yourself to develop others’ life in someways while you can have much more better conditions but you are working for people. It is only possible if you really love what you are doing. I also have done many things without any return but personal satisfaction even in my professional life after my working hours. Here also, I go home after my working hours because I am not feeling that I am working but I am adding value into the organization and into myself. I stay sometimes too long that even Monica is kicking me out =))
For example Nuno.. He works after working hours to make the things be on the rails. Why? He is getting extra money for this? NO! But he (I am also) thinks that it is vital for the organization.
Aren’t these people having bad experiences, other issues like personal life and family issues, health problems etc? Of course, they do. But they help others even in the middle of the night or the very early morning like 5 a.m. to make them sleep at their beds. For more info about this, ask Justyna to hear more funny stories. 🙂
At the end, look at those happy faces of people who has become more than friends.
Até a Próxima Malta!
Fica Bem.
Written on 29.01.2024
Published on 03.02.2024
