June 28, 2024 • 22 mins
In this episode of ALDA Podcast "Shades of Democracy," we dive into the importance of volunteering across Europe. Our esteemed guests, Maurizio Camin, Marta Sys, and Lorenzo Buscema, share their unique perspectives on how volunteer efforts foster community engagement, social inclusion, and active citizenship.
Listen in to discover how these initiatives are creating positive impacts throughout Europe!
Useful links:
Trento European Capital of Volunteering 2024 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VLA3WM
Merkury Foundation ➡️https://www.merkury.org.pl/
Ass. Trentino per i Balcani ➡️https://www.trentinobalcani.eu/
ALDA welcomes the new Civil Service Volunteers ➡️ https://bit.ly/3W0q2X3
PAVE Project ➡️https://bit.ly/40t0Byf
Listen in to discover how these initiatives are creating positive impacts throughout Europe!
Useful links:
Trento European Capital of Volunteering 2024 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VLA3WM
Merkury Foundation ➡️https://www.merkury.org.pl/
Ass. Trentino per i Balcani ➡️https://www.trentinobalcani.eu/
ALDA welcomes the new Civil Service Volunteers ➡️ https://bit.ly/3W0q2X3
PAVE Project ➡️https://bit.ly/40t0Byf
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Hello and welcome to a new insightful episode of ALDA
podcast Shades of Democracy.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We are excited to bring you another episode where we
learn and grow together.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
I'm Manal Sneedy from the comms team of ALDA and
I will be your host. Today we have an engaging
discussion lined up focusing on the word of volunteering. Today,
I'm thrilled to have three distinguished guests joining me, each
bring in their unique perspective on the significance and impact
of volunteering in Europe.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Our first guest.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Is Mauritia Kamino, director of the Association Trentino Ni Balcani
and ALDA governing board member. With Trento recently named the
European Volunteering.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Capital twenty twenty four.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Maurzi will share insights in what makes Treento a hub
for volunteer engagement and community spirit. Joining us is Marta
cis member of the Polish Mercury Foundation, which focuses on
public benefits, particularly among children and youth.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Marta will discuss the foundation's work and its impact, as
well as the.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Paved Project, which aims to promote peace through volunteering and education. Last,
but not least, we have Lorentzo Gushima, an Italian civil
service volunteer.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Working at Aldas Brussel's office.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Lorenzo will share his experiences as a volunteer in Alda,
the reasons behind his choice and the impact volunteering has
had on his life. So without further ado, let's get
started and explore the diverse dimensions of volunteering. Welcome Maurzio, Martin, Lorenzo,
and it's a pleasure to.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Have you all here with me today.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
The first question is for you, Maurzio. Can you tell
us more about the initiative and the significance of trend
to be named the European Volunteering Capital.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Well, the Center for European Volunteering launch the European Volunteering
Capital Competition in twenty thirteen. To Strength is Spine celebrate
volunteering and the impact of volunteers at a local level,
awarding municipality tat Support and Strength of volunteering. The Howard
(02:30):
Ed municipality is chosen by an international jury made up
of key personalities representing civil society and the privat and
for profit sector, as well as European institution. Trent To
has been chosen as the European Volunteering Capital twenty twenty
(02:51):
four and Tias hours the culture of trent to people
and the value of its several experiences of solid and
the participation that support the growth of our communities today.
I think Trento is considered as a great power of solidarity,
(03:13):
a value on the basis of volunteering, and the solidarity
is one of the most important resources of a society,
a resource that creates relationships between people, dialog and friendship
that the world always needs. Our motto is Trentino as
(03:36):
a ab of good practice, to promote and arize the
quality of participation and to make people happy.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Thank you, Thank you very much, Maritio. Indeed, I think
you already mentioned a very important word connected to volunteering,
which is solidarity, which is I think one of the
core values in these type of experiences. Lorenzo, the next
question would be for you, how did you discover the
(04:08):
opportunity to serve in the Alder office, in this case
in the Brussels one as a.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Civil service volunteer.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Why did you choose to participate in this volunteering experience?
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Hello everyone, Thanks Manala, it's a pleasure to be here.
I choose to participate in this voluntary program when I
finished my university university studism and I was looking for
a first experience abroad and already having some positive feedback
(04:45):
from people who participate in the Civil service program and
having a previously voluntary experience with the European Solidarity Corps,
I decided to apply for the program. And I remember
(05:05):
that when I was reading the list of the project,
ALDA was on on top of this wide list, and
I find I found immediately a connection between my studies,
my ambition, and Alda's activities and awards. So it was
(05:26):
pretty easy for me to decide this this project and
I was really happy to be to be choos.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Indeed, I must also comment on this on my personal
side because also for our listeners and for the guests
that doesn't that don't know. Last year I was a
civil service volunteer and this is how I entered ALDA
on the first place.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
So it's also a topic that is very close to.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Me and I think, like as you said, Al dabin On,
the list of voluntary experiences in the civil service really
matches a lot of the values and work with you.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
So Martha, I have the next question for you.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
The Mercury Foundation focuses on public benefits, especially among children
and youth. Can you tell us more about your work
and its impact please?
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Yes.
Speaker 6 (06:30):
Of course, our foundation is a public benefit organization on
the base of national law. Working with the youth and
children has been the most has been the most important activity.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
From the beginning. We have been running several community centers
for children and the youths from these functional families in
the most dangerous district of our town for fifteen years.
So being a public benefit organization helps us to obtain
sources for such activities, for instance from a Voudrie municipality.
(07:05):
We put a massive effort to help our pupils with
school and every day life. We have cooperated with numbers
of volunteers to cope with this task and I think
we succeeded because many of our pupils graduated schools, universities
and have a very good professional careers. For the last
ten years we have been involved in supporting the young
(07:28):
leaders and change makers. We became a partner of National
Institute of Freedom in Poland within the program called Storlidarity
Corps to support and promote develop long lasting volunteering.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
One of our flagship project is Youth Forum, a huge
event organized every year in autumn. Each year, over two
hundred two hundred young people meet in Jova near Rodsoft
to discuss about the role in civil society and different
topics that are important to them. They invite experts, representatives
(08:07):
of regional national government, organized panners and collect commands for
the local and regional policies. We support also regional and
local youth counselors and reward youth reader readers every year.
To sum up, within the twenty years of our activity,
(08:28):
we have supported hundreds of young people and children, giving
them soft and hard knowledge and skills. Some of them
became our partners and even employee.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Thank you very much, I mean, this is an impressive
and very interesting work that you.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Do with clearly successful results.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
So congratulations for your achievements and also good luck for
the future ones for sure. Next question is for Mauritio
so in Trento, one in five people volunteer across over
six hundred associations. What drives such high levels of volunteer
engagement in your city and what makes trend To unique
(09:10):
in its approach to volunteering and community engagement.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
It is true the identity of Trentino is an made
or by a strong commitment to volunteering, taking car of
the community, place and the citizen. A lot of people
and the organization take care of the territory and the community.
They manage events and sporting and cultural activities to make
(09:36):
place accessible. With say effort and a strong motivation. They
keep the communities active and the territories alive, and they
nourish the social, relational and cultural fabric of their territories.
Trend in Trento there are a lot of voluntaries and
(09:56):
it's as to do with the values of mutu help,
doing together and harmony. Volunteering as its roads in the
history of our region. After the devastation of the Second
World War, volunteering emerged as a viitual force, providing material
(10:17):
aid but also offering moral support and the promotion solidarity
and the cooperation, and these values of helping and taking
cars still alive. About your second question, I want to
unhlight that Trento Municipality promotes the collaboration between citizens and
(10:40):
the public administration in the management of common goods like
the car and the regeneration of public spaces. The promotional
form of CIBIC collaboration in the sector of social, cultural
and the economic service of urban creativity and digital innovation.
(11:02):
It's peculiarity and the potential is the a rate of
informality since it can involve a single people informal groups, commits,
inhabitants and neighbors.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Thank you very.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Much, it's a really interesting timeline. Also happy with us
this explanation of where the roots of such a high
engagement in volunteering trim to come from. And maybe as
an inspiration also for our listeners from other municipalities to
go and take part to the life of their communities
(11:41):
and be part of a volunteary basis, because that's what
brings really citizens closer to their communities. Alluding to in
your opinion, how does volunteering contribute to social inclusion, territorial
development and active citizenship.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
I believe that voluntary activities have many positive effects for
for the world society. Encouraging people, for example, especially youth
people to be more active in their communities, uh, spreading
a sense of responsibilities the duty, bringing people from different backgrounds,
(12:26):
so creating an understanding and try to trying to reducing
the social inequality. On the other end, I I also
think that voluntary activities en answer the quality of life
of the citizens in several in several fields, from environmental
(12:53):
conservation and sustainable practice to education on out system assistance.
So it's really important to participate in this project and
help the work community.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
To the group, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
I mean it's really interesting and I hope it is
also for the listeners listening to us now to see
how in this case, having guests from the different sides
of volunteering.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Come down to the same points.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So solidarity has been mentioned on one side and also
on Lorentzo side in this case as a volunteer, while
all the values and the ideas that also Martin and
Mariti were telling us from the institutional, let's say side,
are encounter then well received by volunteers.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Martin, I have a very big question for you.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
So Mercay Foundation is a partner of the project PAVE,
which stands for Peace Awareness through Volunteering and.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Education, where Alda is the leader.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
And just to give some context to our listeners, the
project seeks to respond to recent challenges by emphasizing that
piece is not to be taken for granted, but it
is an ongoing effort that requires cooperation among people, integration
and investment in youth.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
PAVE aims to improve.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
In understanding of achieving peace, conflict management and integration through meetings,
providing young participants with the tools to handle.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
These topics with expertise. So, coming down to the question, how.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Do you think that projects such as PAVE contribute to
peace and volunteering among young people and also how does
volunteering help to address issues of youth and employment and
support the development of civil society.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
The project PAD have made a great impression on me
every time we every time we organize an event with
youth during the project is something that cannot be forget.
During Peace Academy last year, over sixty participants from Poland,
s Playing, France, Ireland, Croatia Bossia discussed on conflict and
peace bleeding. Those young people discussed on a very difficult
(15:22):
topic about the conflicts that taught their families for instance
during civil wars. Then during the volunteering weeks we had
so far we have we have had three rounds of
volunteering weeks in Poland, Ireland and Croatia. They had a
(15:43):
chance to face with local problems and work with local communities.
What is more important, we do not have a problems
with recupation. When I read a candidates applications, I'm impressed
by their motivation and experience on that fields. Thanks to
such projects, young people understand what is what the conflict
(16:05):
is what and how to avoid or solf conflicts. While volunteering,
they get experience on that field most of them. Most
for most of them, volunteering. Volunteering is a way of
searching the professional careers. MERCA also promotes volunteering as a
(16:29):
way of enhancing and reaching professional careers and way of
building a professional career, especially among young and employed people.
Young leaders and change makers that are wordered by us
are also we're also volunteers at the beginning. So it's
(16:50):
a kind of a beginning for them to start a
professional career and start the experience and no better understand
better the role their role in a civil society.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Indeed, the I think the young people need more and
more to see and understand what their role in the
society and in the civil society, as you said is
and definitely volunteering is a great example to do so
it clears up ideas on the future and the professional careers,
(17:25):
is said, it helps counter unemployment and indeed just basically
engage them in the life of the community, both at
local and international level for sure. And talking about this,
let's say good aspects of volunteering, Lorenz, I have a
question for you, given your experience in the past almost
(17:47):
one year in all the office here in Brussels, basically
with me, Lorenzo, can you share a memorable experience from
your volunteering experience here in Alda.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
Yes, for sure, to be honest, I had many positive
memory both at the work, in the work context, then
in outside the office. I remember the opportunity to participate
in several international institutional events for alder, representing some way
(18:26):
the association and sharing a good memory with the other colleagues,
for example the Civil Society Week in March twenty twenty
three at the European Committee Economic Social commit On the
other end, I will always carry with me the different
(18:50):
moments and with the other voluntary living to the living together,
strolling around the city, meeting people and enjoying a lot
the World project and it was a really really amazing adventure.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Thank you very much. I can see like it's.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
An experience that touches every aspect of the life, because,
as you said, like it's something that it's a work environment,
it's on a personal side. You share experiences with friends
in this kids and an international environment. You moved to
a new place, so probably the whole experience per se
is memorable and I'm happy you enjoyed your year with us,
(19:40):
So Maritsi also and Martine closing, is there any final
takeaway or advice you would like to share with our listeners.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Well, in my opinion, it's very important to take part,
to get involver, to take care of the people and places.
Volunteering is a strong people to promote and create unity,
to give people power, voice and dignity, to let people
feel part feeding our planet with the seed of solidarity. Sorry,
(20:13):
I want to remember here eleopoly Over that also candidate
for being European Volunteering Capital scoring second position. It's measure
County trend to in February and trying to give a
real support and collaboration to a viv Thank you.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
I'd like to say for those who.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
Could try in the future being a volunteer to all
those young people, don't be afraid of being volunteering. Don't
be afraid of volunteering. Many places, builds and organizations in
which you can try volunteering, even for a moment. If
(20:56):
you have time and don't know what to do, try volunteering.
Even this is not working now, it will be or
maybe a part of your life in the future.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Just just try.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Thank you very much for your answers. It was really
interesting and inspiring to see all the different aspects of
volunteering from the three of our guests. As we conclude
this episode with definitely great gained great insights into the
world of volunteering. A big thank you to our amazing
(21:32):
guests for being with me today, Maurite Kamin Martasis and
Lorenzo Bushema for sharing their experience and discussing the initiative
driving volunteering engagement across Europe. We hope this episode has inspired,
inspired you and highlighted the significant impact volunteering and have
on our communities and society as a whole. Our worm.
(21:55):
Thank you to our listeners for joining us today and
until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and continue to
play an active role in shape in the future of
democracy and don't forget. You can find all the podcasts
on Spotify, Spreaker, Google Podcasts, I podcasts, and of course
on all the website. Bye bye, bye, thank you.
Hello and welcome to a new insightful episode of ALDA
podcast Shades of Democracy.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We are excited to bring you another episode where we
learn and grow together.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
I'm Manal Sneedy from the comms team of ALDA and
I will be your host. Today we have an engaging
discussion lined up focusing on the word of volunteering. Today,
I'm thrilled to have three distinguished guests joining me, each
bring in their unique perspective on the significance and impact
of volunteering in Europe.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Our first guest.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Is Mauritia Kamino, director of the Association Trentino Ni Balcani
and ALDA governing board member. With Trento recently named the
European Volunteering.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Capital twenty twenty four.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Maurzi will share insights in what makes Treento a hub
for volunteer engagement and community spirit. Joining us is Marta
cis member of the Polish Mercury Foundation, which focuses on
public benefits, particularly among children and youth.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Marta will discuss the foundation's work and its impact, as
well as the.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Paved Project, which aims to promote peace through volunteering and education. Last,
but not least, we have Lorentzo Gushima, an Italian civil
service volunteer.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Working at Aldas Brussel's office.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Lorenzo will share his experiences as a volunteer in Alda,
the reasons behind his choice and the impact volunteering has
had on his life. So without further ado, let's get
started and explore the diverse dimensions of volunteering. Welcome Maurzio, Martin, Lorenzo,
and it's a pleasure to.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Have you all here with me today.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
The first question is for you, Maurzio. Can you tell
us more about the initiative and the significance of trend
to be named the European Volunteering Capital.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Well, the Center for European Volunteering launch the European Volunteering
Capital Competition in twenty thirteen. To Strength is Spine celebrate
volunteering and the impact of volunteers at a local level,
awarding municipality tat Support and Strength of volunteering. The Howard
(02:30):
Ed municipality is chosen by an international jury made up
of key personalities representing civil society and the privat and
for profit sector, as well as European institution. Trent To
has been chosen as the European Volunteering Capital twenty twenty
(02:51):
four and Tias hours the culture of trent to people
and the value of its several experiences of solid and
the participation that support the growth of our communities today.
I think Trento is considered as a great power of solidarity,
(03:13):
a value on the basis of volunteering, and the solidarity
is one of the most important resources of a society,
a resource that creates relationships between people, dialog and friendship
that the world always needs. Our motto is Trentino as
(03:36):
a ab of good practice, to promote and arize the
quality of participation and to make people happy.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Thank you, Thank you very much, Maritio. Indeed, I think
you already mentioned a very important word connected to volunteering,
which is solidarity, which is I think one of the
core values in these type of experiences. Lorenzo, the next
question would be for you, how did you discover the
(04:08):
opportunity to serve in the Alder office, in this case
in the Brussels one as a.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Civil service volunteer.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Why did you choose to participate in this volunteering experience?
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Hello everyone, Thanks Manala, it's a pleasure to be here.
I choose to participate in this voluntary program when I
finished my university university studism and I was looking for
a first experience abroad and already having some positive feedback
(04:45):
from people who participate in the Civil service program and
having a previously voluntary experience with the European Solidarity Corps,
I decided to apply for the program. And I remember
(05:05):
that when I was reading the list of the project,
ALDA was on on top of this wide list, and
I find I found immediately a connection between my studies,
my ambition, and Alda's activities and awards. So it was
(05:26):
pretty easy for me to decide this this project and
I was really happy to be to be choos.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Indeed, I must also comment on this on my personal
side because also for our listeners and for the guests
that doesn't that don't know. Last year I was a
civil service volunteer and this is how I entered ALDA
on the first place.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
So it's also a topic that is very close to.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Me and I think, like as you said, Al dabin On,
the list of voluntary experiences in the civil service really
matches a lot of the values and work with you.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
So Martha, I have the next question for you.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
The Mercury Foundation focuses on public benefits, especially among children
and youth. Can you tell us more about your work
and its impact please?
Speaker 5 (06:29):
Yes.
Speaker 6 (06:30):
Of course, our foundation is a public benefit organization on
the base of national law. Working with the youth and
children has been the most has been the most important activity.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
From the beginning. We have been running several community centers
for children and the youths from these functional families in
the most dangerous district of our town for fifteen years.
So being a public benefit organization helps us to obtain
sources for such activities, for instance from a Voudrie municipality.
(07:05):
We put a massive effort to help our pupils with
school and every day life. We have cooperated with numbers
of volunteers to cope with this task and I think
we succeeded because many of our pupils graduated schools, universities
and have a very good professional careers. For the last
ten years we have been involved in supporting the young
(07:28):
leaders and change makers. We became a partner of National
Institute of Freedom in Poland within the program called Storlidarity
Corps to support and promote develop long lasting volunteering.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
One of our flagship project is Youth Forum, a huge
event organized every year in autumn. Each year, over two
hundred two hundred young people meet in Jova near Rodsoft
to discuss about the role in civil society and different
topics that are important to them. They invite experts, representatives
(08:07):
of regional national government, organized panners and collect commands for
the local and regional policies. We support also regional and
local youth counselors and reward youth reader readers every year.
To sum up, within the twenty years of our activity,
(08:28):
we have supported hundreds of young people and children, giving
them soft and hard knowledge and skills. Some of them
became our partners and even employee.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Thank you very much, I mean, this is an impressive
and very interesting work that you.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Do with clearly successful results.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
So congratulations for your achievements and also good luck for
the future ones for sure. Next question is for Mauritio
so in Trento, one in five people volunteer across over
six hundred associations. What drives such high levels of volunteer
engagement in your city and what makes trend To unique
(09:10):
in its approach to volunteering and community engagement.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
It is true the identity of Trentino is an made
or by a strong commitment to volunteering, taking car of
the community, place and the citizen. A lot of people
and the organization take care of the territory and the community.
They manage events and sporting and cultural activities to make
(09:36):
place accessible. With say effort and a strong motivation. They
keep the communities active and the territories alive, and they
nourish the social, relational and cultural fabric of their territories.
Trend in Trento there are a lot of voluntaries and
(09:56):
it's as to do with the values of mutu help,
doing together and harmony. Volunteering as its roads in the
history of our region. After the devastation of the Second
World War, volunteering emerged as a viitual force, providing material
(10:17):
aid but also offering moral support and the promotion solidarity
and the cooperation, and these values of helping and taking
cars still alive. About your second question, I want to
unhlight that Trento Municipality promotes the collaboration between citizens and
(10:40):
the public administration in the management of common goods like
the car and the regeneration of public spaces. The promotional
form of CIBIC collaboration in the sector of social, cultural
and the economic service of urban creativity and digital innovation.
(11:02):
It's peculiarity and the potential is the a rate of
informality since it can involve a single people informal groups, commits,
inhabitants and neighbors.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Thank you very.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Much, it's a really interesting timeline. Also happy with us
this explanation of where the roots of such a high
engagement in volunteering trim to come from. And maybe as
an inspiration also for our listeners from other municipalities to
go and take part to the life of their communities
(11:41):
and be part of a volunteary basis, because that's what
brings really citizens closer to their communities. Alluding to in
your opinion, how does volunteering contribute to social inclusion, territorial
development and active citizenship.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
I believe that voluntary activities have many positive effects for
for the world society. Encouraging people, for example, especially youth
people to be more active in their communities, uh, spreading
a sense of responsibilities the duty, bringing people from different backgrounds,
(12:26):
so creating an understanding and try to trying to reducing
the social inequality. On the other end, I I also
think that voluntary activities en answer the quality of life
of the citizens in several in several fields, from environmental
(12:53):
conservation and sustainable practice to education on out system assistance.
So it's really important to participate in this project and
help the work community.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
To the group, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
I mean it's really interesting and I hope it is
also for the listeners listening to us now to see
how in this case, having guests from the different sides
of volunteering.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Come down to the same points.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So solidarity has been mentioned on one side and also
on Lorentzo side in this case as a volunteer, while
all the values and the ideas that also Martin and
Mariti were telling us from the institutional, let's say side,
are encounter then well received by volunteers.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Martin, I have a very big question for you.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
So Mercay Foundation is a partner of the project PAVE,
which stands for Peace Awareness through Volunteering and.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Education, where Alda is the leader.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
And just to give some context to our listeners, the
project seeks to respond to recent challenges by emphasizing that
piece is not to be taken for granted, but it
is an ongoing effort that requires cooperation among people, integration
and investment in youth.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
PAVE aims to improve.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
In understanding of achieving peace, conflict management and integration through meetings,
providing young participants with the tools to handle.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
These topics with expertise. So, coming down to the question, how.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Do you think that projects such as PAVE contribute to
peace and volunteering among young people and also how does
volunteering help to address issues of youth and employment and
support the development of civil society.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
The project PAD have made a great impression on me
every time we every time we organize an event with
youth during the project is something that cannot be forget.
During Peace Academy last year, over sixty participants from Poland,
s Playing, France, Ireland, Croatia Bossia discussed on conflict and
peace bleeding. Those young people discussed on a very difficult
(15:22):
topic about the conflicts that taught their families for instance
during civil wars. Then during the volunteering weeks we had
so far we have we have had three rounds of
volunteering weeks in Poland, Ireland and Croatia. They had a
(15:43):
chance to face with local problems and work with local communities.
What is more important, we do not have a problems
with recupation. When I read a candidates applications, I'm impressed
by their motivation and experience on that fields. Thanks to
such projects, young people understand what is what the conflict
(16:05):
is what and how to avoid or solf conflicts. While volunteering,
they get experience on that field most of them. Most
for most of them, volunteering. Volunteering is a way of
searching the professional careers. MERCA also promotes volunteering as a
(16:29):
way of enhancing and reaching professional careers and way of
building a professional career, especially among young and employed people.
Young leaders and change makers that are wordered by us
are also we're also volunteers at the beginning. So it's
(16:50):
a kind of a beginning for them to start a
professional career and start the experience and no better understand
better the role their role in a civil society.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Indeed, the I think the young people need more and
more to see and understand what their role in the
society and in the civil society, as you said is
and definitely volunteering is a great example to do so
it clears up ideas on the future and the professional careers,
(17:25):
is said, it helps counter unemployment and indeed just basically
engage them in the life of the community, both at
local and international level for sure. And talking about this,
let's say good aspects of volunteering, Lorenz, I have a
question for you, given your experience in the past almost
(17:47):
one year in all the office here in Brussels, basically
with me, Lorenzo, can you share a memorable experience from
your volunteering experience here in Alda.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
Yes, for sure, to be honest, I had many positive
memory both at the work, in the work context, then
in outside the office. I remember the opportunity to participate
in several international institutional events for alder, representing some way
(18:26):
the association and sharing a good memory with the other colleagues,
for example the Civil Society Week in March twenty twenty
three at the European Committee Economic Social commit On the
other end, I will always carry with me the different
(18:50):
moments and with the other voluntary living to the living together,
strolling around the city, meeting people and enjoying a lot
the World project and it was a really really amazing adventure.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Thank you very much. I can see like it's.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
An experience that touches every aspect of the life, because,
as you said, like it's something that it's a work environment,
it's on a personal side. You share experiences with friends
in this kids and an international environment. You moved to
a new place, so probably the whole experience per se
is memorable and I'm happy you enjoyed your year with us,
(19:40):
So Maritsi also and Martine closing, is there any final
takeaway or advice you would like to share with our listeners.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Well, in my opinion, it's very important to take part,
to get involver, to take care of the people and places.
Volunteering is a strong people to promote and create unity,
to give people power, voice and dignity, to let people
feel part feeding our planet with the seed of solidarity. Sorry,
(20:13):
I want to remember here eleopoly Over that also candidate
for being European Volunteering Capital scoring second position. It's measure
County trend to in February and trying to give a
real support and collaboration to a viv Thank you.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
I'd like to say for those who.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
Could try in the future being a volunteer to all
those young people, don't be afraid of being volunteering. Don't
be afraid of volunteering. Many places, builds and organizations in
which you can try volunteering, even for a moment. If
(20:56):
you have time and don't know what to do, try volunteering.
Even this is not working now, it will be or
maybe a part of your life in the future.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Just just try.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Thank you very much for your answers. It was really
interesting and inspiring to see all the different aspects of
volunteering from the three of our guests. As we conclude
this episode with definitely great gained great insights into the
world of volunteering. A big thank you to our amazing
(21:32):
guests for being with me today, Maurite Kamin Martasis and
Lorenzo Bushema for sharing their experience and discussing the initiative
driving volunteering engagement across Europe. We hope this episode has inspired,
inspired you and highlighted the significant impact volunteering and have
on our communities and society as a whole. Our worm.
(21:55):
Thank you to our listeners for joining us today and
until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and continue to
play an active role in shape in the future of
democracy and don't forget. You can find all the podcasts
on Spotify, Spreaker, Google Podcasts, I podcasts, and of course
on all the website. Bye bye, bye, thank you.
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