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Discovering and embracing the spirit of the community

Volunteering in Olde Vechte for two months was similar to immersing oneself in a vibrant mosaic of culture and community. Each day brings new experiences, allowing me to connect deeply with the locals and contribute meaningfully to various projects. The time I spent there will stay with me for the rest of my life, as it was my first volunteering experience abroad. The connections I made and the insight I gained from various situations and experiences significantly broadened my perspectives. Emphasizing thinking within the community itself also leads to personal development; such situations can sometimes be acceptable or unacceptable for us. The result is more important: whether we feel we’ve improved, whether it helped us, and whether we have a better self-image or reject it.

This journey of self-discovery and growth often challenges our preconceived notions and pushes us to adapt. Ultimately, it’s this evolution that shapes our identities and influences how we interact with the world around us. The journey of self-discovery and growth often makes us rethink what we think we know and forces us to evolve. The process of change constitutes what makes us who we are and shapes how we connect with the world around us.

Olde Vechte is a lively community that is also hidden and untouched in the beautiful nature. This makes it a one-of-a-kind place for people who want to relax and connect with nature. This mix of liveliness and solitude makes for a rich experience that honors both the calm of nature and the life of the community.

You may create moments that strengthen relationships and spread joy when you share the food you prepare with those you care about and when your everyday activities bring vitality, worth, and happiness to the place. It was a tremendous joy. Every meal is an occasion for laughter and conversation, and it serves as a reminder of the small pleasures in life. Many unique moments, many events, funny friendships, and countless memories shaped our experiences during those two months. Sharing our challenges, worries, or whatever brings us to a more profound understanding of one another strengthened our bond.

In addition to my activities and tasks, this experience helped me identify my shortcomings and strengthen my skills, significantly changing the perception and the way I worked. This experience has made me more confident and given me advantageous tools to address problems in the future.

Likewise, this period helped me and caused me to reflect on many aspects of my life and myself. I was able to meet people with similar experiences and gain a new perspective by attending one of the program’s trainings. In addition to gaining new knowledge, this journey inspired me to welcome change and pursue my passions with renewed vigor.

I hope that my time with Olde Vechte is not coming to an end, as I believe there is still much more for us to learn and achieve together. Continuing on this journey could lead to many more connections and insights. The unique atmosphere and sense of community have left a lasting impression on me.

Boris Ristoski
Short-term ESC volunteer in the project “Extra Mile” in Ommen, the Netherlands

Hosting organisation: Olde Vechte