Article by Santtu and Minttu (Finland)
Embracing Diversity and Growth in Krioneri: A Volunteering Experience
We recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Krioneri, a charming village of about 900 residents. Arriving a day earlier than the other volunteers, we found ourselves both intrigued and nervous. Meeting new people is always a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially when the conversations happen in a foreign language. However, our first dinner together at the hostel quickly eased those nerves and set the tone for what would be a remarkable journey.
On our first Tuesday, we embarked on a hike to the Karamanos Cave, traversing the same paths that Rivka’s family had walked back in the 1940s. This connection to history made the hike even more special. The following day, we began our work, starting with learning to use various gardening tools and later transitioning to maintaining the footpaths. We found the work both enjoyable and fulfilling, as it was neither too strenuous nor tedious. It was rewarding to feel that our efforts contributed positively to the community.
We had work for five days a week and discovered the other towns on weekends. The first weekend led us to Kíato, where we enjoyed a relaxing day at the beach. The following week brought a fascinating study visit to Kalavryta, where we learned about the town's significant history, particularly during World War II.
Afternoons were often filled with leisure, allowing us to bond through card games and meaningful conversations, further deepening our understanding of one another. One of the highlights was a long weekend trip to Athens, where we marveled at the Acropolis and visited various museums that offered insights into Greece's rich history.
Throughout the month, we not only learned about diverse cultures and perspectives but also gained valuable insights into ourselves. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy and understanding, skills that are crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. As we worked together, shared stories, and navigated the challenges of communication in a foreign language, we discovered the beauty of collaboration and the strength that comes from community.
Our time in Krioneri was a profound journey of personal growth, cultural exchange, and the joy of making lasting memories with people from different backgrounds. We returned home with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, eager to continue fostering connections and understanding in our own community.
Article by Alessandra and Laura (Italy)
We’re almost done a month of volunteering in Kryoneri, Greece. As part of the European Solidarity Corps, we have joined a team dedicated to environmental conservation and community development. We lived in a small village, immersed in nature and Greek culture and we have formed some friendships with the volunteers. The daily tasks were cleaning up hiking trails and gardening in the garden of the hostel. We also had the opportunity to discover something about Greek history and learn a bit of Greek, with the help of some travel, the four Greek lessons offered by the organization and with explanations from local people. Volunteering in Kryoneri was a good experience that has left a lasting impact on our life. We are grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to a cause we care about and to have met so many amazing people.
Article by Alba and Sole (Spain)
Uniting History, Nature, and Cultures: Our Journey on the Volunteering Remembrance Trail.
This project is the perfect mix to make young people remember the importance of knowing and honoring history, while learning to take care of the environment we all live in and to do it together and cooperating with a group of people from other countries and cultures.
First of all, this project is historical volunteering, so from the very beginning I was able to learn about the history that happened in the Karamano´s cave. From walking the path that led to the cave, to learning about that history. Secondly, we learnt more about what happened during the Second World War in Greece, as we visited the village of Kalávrita and its museum about the Nazi occupation there. In relation to caring for the environment, we have learned that small gestures can make a big difference. Simple activities such as clearing paths or pulling weeds may seem to be of little value but in reality they are very important to keep nature in optimal condition, prevent fires and make it easier for local people and visitors to use.
During the time together with the whole group we have improved our communication, on one hand on a linguistic level improving our vocabulary and speaking in English, and on the other hand on an effective communication level. This has helped us to improve our empathy and understanding with others even with the barrier of communicating in a language that is not the mother tongue of any of the participants, so we believe that it will help us a lot in the future to communicate better with our groups in Spain.
Finally, either through classes or by interacting with the people of Kryonery, we were able to learn some Greek and try to introduce ourselves more to the people and get to know and live their way of life. That is why being part of this project has been essential for our life and personal evolution. And we believe it is essential that young people get involved in projects like this.
Article by Katrin and Paula (Austria)
Hello, we are Katrin and Paula! Now we are telling you a few things about our month in Kryoneri in Greece.
Exploring Greece: A Month of Nature, Work, and Friendship
Our month in Greece was an incredible journey that combined hard work, adventure, and the joy of meeting people from different cultures. From Monday to Friday, we dedicated four hours each day to working in nature while using some new tools.
A Commitment to Nature
Each morning, we gathered with our diverse group, which included people from places like Italy, Spain, Finland, Turkey and Germany. Together, we worked on various footpaths, which had an historical background from the second world war. The work was physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.
The serene beauty of the Greek landscape was our backdrop. With the sun shining and the sound of birds singing, we felt a strong connection to the land. We learned not only about the local flora and fauna but also about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices. This experience deepened our appreciation for nature.
We also went on a hike to the monastery of Kryoneri, which was really peaceful and with a breathtaking beautiful view. When we went down again, we tried to hitch hike back. Then suddenly a car stopped and took us to the village at the back of the truck. This was a really exciting and unusual experience, cause in Austria you hardly ever do or see things like this.
Weekend Adventures
When the workweek came to an end, our weekends were a time for exploration and fun. Each week, we took the opportunity to discover the rich culture and history of Greece. We organized trips to nearby beaches, ancient ruins, and museums in Athens. We also indulged in delicious local cuisine, trying dishes like moussaka and fresh seafood and also cooked together in a communal setting.
Evenings were filled with laughter, storytelling and playing cards. We shared our experiences, learned about each other’s cultures, and forged friendships that transcended borders. These connections enriched our travels, creating a sense of community that made our experience even more meaningful.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As our month in Greece came to an end, we reflected on how much we had learned and experienced about the Greece culture and the culture from the other volunteers. The combination of hard work in nature and the joy of connecting with people from different backgrounds made this trip unforgettable. We left with new friendships, valuable skills, and a deeper understanding of the beauty of collaboration and cultural exchange.
Our time in Greece was not just a getaway; it was a transformative experience that reminded us of the importance of community, nature, and adventure. We will return home with a wealth of memories and diversity we encountered during our month-long journey.
Thanks!
Katrin & Paula
Article by Bera and Deniz (Turkey)
Rediscovering Heritage: The Journey of the Volunteers
Nestled in the heart of the Corinthian province, the village of Kryoneri is steeped in history and enveloped by natural beauty and served as the backdrop for our project, “Remembrance Trails.” This initiative not only aimed to preserve the cultural heritage of the village but also sought to reconnect the past with the present through the lens of community and environmental sustainability.
During our time working on various footpaths in the area, we delved into the story of Rifka and her family who had to find refuge during World War 2 in a hidden cave of Kryoneri. Our project focused on cleaning the paths that led to the cave. This labor of love was not just about clearing trails; it was about reconnecting with history. As volunteers from various backgrounds, we worked tirelessly, sharing laughter and stories while realizing the significance of our efforts.
Through this experience, we honed a variety of competencies that enriched our personal and professional growth. Multilingual competence was evident as we navigated conversations with local people, adapting our language skills to communicate effectively, whether through written notes or spoken English. This adaptability not only expanded our vocabulary but also fostered deeper connections across cultures.
Our personal and social competencies were enhanced by living and working alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds. Sharing common spaces and learning from each other’s experiences taught us the importance of cooperation, respect, and understanding in building harmonious relationships. We embraced the diversity of our group, gaining insights into different customs and practices that informed our approach to teamwork.
Citizenship competence was at the forefront as we engaged with the local community. By participating in activities that honored Rifka’s story and the collective memory of those who lived through the war, we developed a profound sense of responsibility toward preserving cultural heritage. This experience ignited a passion for promoting social and environmental initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding among different communities.
For us, two university students from Turkey, this project was not merely a task but a profound journey. It taught us the value of cultural awareness, the richness of cultural exchange, and the beauty of connecting with different heritages. Our shared experience of cleaning the paths and revitalizing this historical narrative will forever remain a cherished memory, reminding us that the past is not only to be remembered but to be celebrated and passed on.
As we continue our studies and careers, the lessons learned in Kryoneri will guide us. The strength of community, the richness of cultural exchange, and the resilience of the human spirit are lessons we hope to carry forward, advocating for social responsibility and inclusivity in our endeavors.
Youtube Video:
Funded by the European Union
European Solidarity Corps
Volunteering in High Priority Areas 2024
