In the Family Home in the Philippines, the new Universal Civil Service volunteers are arriving. They will stay for about a year and have decided to share their feelings in anticipation of this wonderful experience.
Universal Civil Service is a unique opportunity for many young people aged 18 to 29 to choose a project close to their hearts and decide to bring their experience and empathy to support a cause. For us at Isla, it’s the third year, and every time, we get excited to welcome young volunteers who will share a significant part of their lives with us and with the girls we welcome, often becoming true role models in the Family Home.
For Alice, Elisa, and Elena, the experience began in August, and they will be joined by another Alice (who will undoubtedly be given one of the usual nicknames by the girls to distinguish her from her namesake) arriving at the end of September.
Before their departure, we asked them to share their feelings, concerns, or, on the contrary, the enthusiasm they bring to their new adventures. This is how Alice, 19 years old and just graduated, describes her preparations, the excitement of the journey, the desire to discover what this experience holds for her, the will to challenge herself, and the willingness to share everything with her companions: “I don’t have specific expectations,” she confides, “but I simply hope to have fun and to live this undoubtedly unforgettable experience with serenity and joy”.
Elena and Elisa, being a few years older than Alice, bring a slightly different perspective to their experience, with a few more concerns.
Elisa is very excited about this new beginning and, at the same time, already looking ahead to the other side of the world. “I will have to learn the customs of a completely unfamiliar culture and leave behind the comforts that come with living in Europe. I’ve never done anything like this for such an extended period. I’m a little intimidated, but curiosity about the different, the desire to challenge myself, and to work on a socially meaningful project far outweigh the fear”. The first days were not always easy, as it takes time to find one’s balance in such a unique environment. However, after the first few weeks, Elisa started planning activities with our girls and bringing her many passions into the Family Home.
Alice, the fourth Civil Service volunteer, will arrive at the end of September. She is extremely excited at the prospect of joining her future companions in adventure in the coming months, and she is preparing herself as best as she can. She is also in touch with the other girls to share difficulties and initial feelings. Her professional background as a social and intercultural educator will undoubtedly be very beneficial in the Family Home. “I believe that in life, there is always a need for fresh eyes, self-reflection, and renewal. Each person sees in the world what they carry in their hearts, and perhaps that is what I expect from this experience: to return enriched with the beauty and simplicity that this wonderful country, the children, and young people bring with them”.
We eagerly await the moment when our four girls come together and, over the next few months, can tell us how their emotions and expectations have been confirmed or transformed as they dive into this marvelous journey!