Shamin´s experience as a volunteer!

"Greetings! I'm Shamin, a Spanish volunteer helping in the organization Slezská diakonie.

I'm currently placed in the Streetwork Gabriel. We help adults with substance abuse issues in Karviná and Orlová. At my current placement, I prepare the materials before we go outside to do the fieldwork. We give our clients clean needles and other materials so they can use subtances safely and not get any diseases. We also help them get tested for diseases and encourage them to use any substances safely.

What I like most about my placement is that we can help our clients use substances safely and that they feel comfortable speaking with us and sharing their stories or just telling us how their day is going.  
 

What I like least about my job is that some of them are close to my age, which saddens me. Some of the most important things I have learned from the clients and colleagues is that no matter where we are from or who we are, we all have something in common, and you never know where life will take you next. I'm also grateful to work with my colleagues and hope to keep learning from them. 

I would say that my experience as a volunteer is far from over, but I'm very glad I've embarked on the journey I'm currently on. I've learned many things from different people and embraced getting out of my comfort zone. I'm also pleased to have met my colleagues, clients and fellow volunteers and for all the experiences and moments we shared!"