Meet Friends of the Elderly's EVS Volunteers

European Voluntary Service (EVS)--Action 2 of the Youth in Action Programme--offers young people the opportunity to volunteer for up to one year internationally on projects run by approved organisations.

Through EVS, volunteers are given the oppurtunity for personal development along with practical experience supported by the National Agency (Léargas in Ireland) before, during and after their time abroad.

Friends of the Elderly Ireland has been hosting three full-time EVS volunteers since 2009. We would like you to meet our current full-time EVS volunteers

Meet Marina

Name: Marina Kisyova

Country:  Bulgaria

When did you arrive? 4 July 2011

Why did you decide to do EVS?

I wanted to travel, to do something that makes a difference in our world. I wanted to volunteer and EVS was the programme I trusted the most. As a person who travelled before with the Youth in Action I knew many people are taking care you will be happy with your project. EVS is a great way to discover the rich cultural environment in Europe and understand better the EU values and why your country is part of the union.

Why did you chose to do EVS in Ireland?

My project came first, then the country, but I’m very lucky to have a great project in such an amazing country like Ireland. In Dublin the sense of community is great, the charities work at the most possible professional level not only in Europe, but in on a global scale. I have to tell you is a great craic to live in Dublin where people are friendly and every day you can visit a different cultural event.

What do you like the best about volunteering with older people?

There is always tea and biscuits! I visit the elderly in their homes and is great experience for me and for them, just having a chat and listening their stories. Every day I discover different part of Dublin and new life story. In the summer we go on trips with them. Sometimes can be difficult, because they are like high-school students and not so easy to keep them away from the pub, but is great experience and way to discover the Irish culture.

What's the most interesting thing you have learned from your EVS experience so far?

I have learned a lot about myself and sincerely EVS changed my life. I know what I want to do with my life now and if it wasn’t EVS I might be still working a boring full-time job, probably having a nice apartment, paying a mortgage and not having an inspiring life.

What kinds of advice would you give to young people thinking of applying for EVS?

Choose you project, not the country or the city. Do the EVS because you want to do EVS, not to escape from something. EVS can be a very taught experience if you don’t know why are you doing it. 

 Meet Maria

Name: Maria Castillo

Country: Spain

When did you arrive? 5 September 2011

My name’s Maria Castillo. I’m from Spain and I arrived in Ireland almost 5 months ago.

I’m one of the full-time volunteers who came with the EVS programme.

To start with, my roll in the organization is working as the Southwest area coordinator, among other interesting tasks. I’m part of a team composed by 7 members and loads and loads of other helpful part-time volunteers. Adding our elderly, we all form the big family that Friends of the Elderly is.

 But I’ll explain all the procedure from the beginning .Why I decided to do EVS?

In this case I should clarify my personal situation. I’m 30 years old and before coming to Ireland I worked for 5 years in a big company. After working there, everybody expected from me to look for another job as the society expects from people of my age.

But my expectations were absolutely different. After working in a boring and stressful job, surrounded by ambitious people which only goal was make profit, I wanted to do something where I could learn and fulfil myself at time. (In my opinion and after my personal experience, I have reached the conclusion that money is not the best and unique remuneration we should expect from our work).

So one day, talking with a friend of mine, who did the EVS years before, she suggested that I should apply for this programme. She explained me all the steps I should take; and I did so.

First of all I looked for a sending organization which was located in my city.

In my case, my friend recommended choosing the one she chose and, by the moment seems to be the best choice. To be honest, they have been helping me a lot, especially at the beginning, when I was completely lost.

They helped me to find a project and to do all the paperwork necessary. Sincerely they did a great job with me.

The second step is choosing one project between a wide range of them. And…how I decided to apply for a vacancy at Friends of the Elderly?

Usually the most of people have no doubts about which project or, at least, which kind of project they want to apply for, but in my case I was confused because my personal profile was not directly related with any of the areas offered.

But after reading hundreds of projects, I finally chose this one. I was interested in it from the beginning, not only because of the goals of the project nor because of the target group but due to the fact that the personal conditions they offered and the attractive location were excellent as well.

And I was really lucky because they accepted me!!

Talking about this project, I have to confess that each day I like it more and more.

I’m learning not only to gain new skills but to develop the sense of justice and to be a little bit more ‘human’.

Here I’m meeting each day interesting people who have a lot of to offer. Is comforting to know that people who are aware about injustices and who are ready to fight against them still exist.

On the other hand, working with elderly is an amazing job, in spite of the fact that sometimes it would be a little bit difficult. Is rewarding to know how grateful they could be and what a little they demand.

 In general, I have realized that the elderly sector is one of the most vulnerable and less supported by society. The most of them the only thing they demand is a little bit of love; respect and be noticed. In general, we sometimes forget that our elderly have spent the most of their lives working and looking after their children, grandchildren and other relatives. They are as well the unifying element of all families, and a legacy of knowledge, experiences and wisdom. That’s why we should not only to take care of them but to learn about them. We shouldn’t forget that, in the end, we all will be elderly as well.

However, not everything is work. EVS is much more than the project you choose. Here in Dublin, I’m learning a new language. I’m adapting myself to a new culture; to new traditions; new meals; new ways of thinking…Here I’m discovering a new dimension of friendship and tolerance; love and respect. I have too many new friends from all over the world, some of them volunteers as well; others students...

In conclusion, in my opinion, EVS is not only one of the most complete and beneficial projects integrated in the non- formal education net aimed at young people. Furthermore, is a ‘life experience’

Meet Florina

Name: Florina Staicu

Country: Romania

When did you arrive? 06 July 2011

I am Florina-Carmen Staicu from Romania, I am 23 years old and I am one of the 3 EVS full-time volunteers from Friends of the Elderly.  Thanks to the information that I’ve received for volunteering with Friends of the Elderly, I have found out as well about EVS. One year ago I decided to immediately apply for this project which changed my life. EVS is a great opportunity for those who want to develop themselves and cross the barrier of cultures. It takes a little bit of courage to live abroad for a long period , but is a great challenge to discover who you really are , what you can bring and introduce in a project like this and  how you can cope with different situations. There were many reasons which made me take the decision to become a full-time volunteer. I really wanted to become part of Friend’s of the Elderly’s amazing team , mainly because I consider I can empathize easily with the older people and the team focuses on supporting the isolated ones. Communicating my ideas and feelings to them, helps me create a beautiful bridge between 2 different generations:  mine and their. Having a background in social work, made me be more motivated in improving my skills and apply what I have learned during the years of university.  

I chose Ireland for its mystical air given by culture and traditions. Ireland will always be on the top list of my dream countries.

Volunteering for the elderly is an absolutely unique experience. I met many lovely people and made a lot of friends amongst them. I appreciate the advices coming from wise people and also their kind words.  Wednesday represents a big day for me; is the day when more than 60 people come to enjoy the club. I love interacting with them and I can truly say I’ve learned one of the most important things from them: continue being positive no matter what happens. I feel honoured to be their friend and give my emotional support when they  need it.  No matter if I am working at the office, if I am on a visit , on a trip or assisting in the shop, I feel great  being part of the whole project.

EVS with Friends of the Elderly helps me be better organized, more flexible and adaptable to varied situations.  EVS made me open myself  and gave me the chance to meet people from all over the world.

The most interesting thing I’ve learned during my EVS experience was the fact that I have discovered in myself the necessary resources for being able to stay calm under pressure, accept other’s opinion easier and  continue keeping a smile on my face.

I would highly recommend to those who want to apply for EVS to expect to make compromises when living and working with the same people, to be open-minded and be ready for learning each day something new from the other people and to have patience when working with the older people.