The big project of our volunteers!

Our volunteers Deniz and Tomas participated in the "Go for it" project! 😁 What did they do? You can read about it in today´s article.

''Ahoj everyone, I'm Deniz from Türkiye, currently volunteering at Effatha Frydek-Mistek, where I work with elderly individuals with disabilities, engaging in activities like ceramics, woodwork, and other crafts. Recently, I had the chance to collaborate with Tomas, a fellow volunteer from Lithuania, on a special cultural exchange project.

Our aim was to introduce our respective cultures to the people we work with, as both Turkish and Lithuanian cultures are not widely known in the Czech Republic. We decided to organize two special days at each other's volunteer centers to share our traditions, cuisine, and stories.

One day, Tomas visited my center and delighted everyone with traditional Lithuanian dishes, creating curiosity and conversation about his homeland. In return, I visited Tomas' center, where I gave a presentation about Türkiye, covering aspects of our history, daily life, and traditions. To make the experience more immersive, I prepared "kısır," a beloved Turkish dish made with bulgur, vegetables, and spices. It was a joy to see people enjoying the flavors and asking questions about Turkish cuisine and culture.

This project was a wonderful opportunity to create connections and understanding between cultures. It allowed both of us to share personal stories and traditions while learning from each other's experiences. The positive feedback we received showed that we achieved our goal of fostering curiosity and cultural appreciation.

On a personal level, the project was incredibly enriching. It not only strengthened my bond with Tomas but also gave me a chance to represent my country proudly and witness the warmth and interest of those we engaged with.

Overall, this cultural exchange brought smiles, started conversations, and created memories that we will cherish. I am grateful for this experience and the chance to bring a piece of Türkiye to our little corner of the Czech Republic.''