Barev dzes!
My name is Volodymyr, but friends call me Vova. I’m originally from Ukraine 🇺🇦 and currently based in Strasbourg 🇫🇷, where I work for a awesome music association. Through them, I was given the incredible chance to volunteer in Armenia 🇦🇲—a country whose culture and history I’ve long admired.
Let me share with you my unforgettable experience of how I gained plus 5kg! Okay, jokes aside. A short foreword. On my life path I met a lot of Armenians and I was really familiar with their culture and history, and the great beauty of nature. So when I received the invitation I did not doubt even for a moment.
From the very first meeting I understood that I’m really lucky to make my volunteering in the NGO « Future in our hands » and become part of the team. my mission involved using all my competencies and skills, such as music, languages and project management. The variety of tasks did not allow boredom, and the experience gained is invaluable. In two months, I helped to organize two large Erasmus projects, where I saw all the nuances of organizational work, learned to quickly solve problems and met a lot of wonderful people! I also cooperated with a language school, where I conducted a speaking club and helped create educational materials, which allowed me to practice my knowledge of English and Armenian. Unfortunately, due to my busy schedule, I was only in the music club twice, but the vibe and atmosphere of our meetings are forever in my memories.
To be honest before my trip I expected the most to see nature and museums. Of course, I visited them, but the greatest treasure I found was the people. I am really grateful to the host family for their hospitality, it was a window into the real non-tourist life. There I tried khorovats(barbecue) and dolma, played backgammon and had many unforgettable conversations. I will always be glad to return or host them in my home. Also, as I mentioned earlier, this whole experience was thanks to the association “Future in our hands” whose members became my real friends, partners in crime, teachers of the Armenian language and dances, and in short “Mernem janid”. And last but not least our Polish-French-Ukrainian trio, which went through fire and water together😅
So do not hesitate , Armenia is waiting for you!
