Maria Negrinho | Portugal | Short term ESC 2023 | Coordinating/Hosting organization: IDC
My project in France, Lastours, lasted two months. When I arrived I was wormly received by the staff of the Project. During the project and more precisely during the first days, more experienced volunteers explained me how to carry out my tasks on the Project’s small farm. With them, I learned how to carry out several tasks such as feeding the farm animals, cleaning the common spaces of the campsite, mixing coffee grounds with mushroom seeds and cooking for the group of volunteers. I also helped with specific tasks, such as, helping to build a fence and maintaining the Kerterre, the space where volunteers grew mushrooms to later sell them at a local market near Lastours. I also had the opportunity to participate in this local market, which was a very positive experience.
During these two months, I improved my English and took my first steps in French. I also had the opportunity to participate in some French classes with Sandrine, a project collaborator, as well the possibility of practicing yoga with the project coordinator, Alicia Vargas, which was also very beneficial for both me and the entire group of volunteers, who also participated in these sessions. I also helped in the process of moving portable houses and other furniture to Gardie, the Project’s new home.
Apart from volunteering tasks, I was lucky enough to meet some inspiring and talented young people from different nationalities and backgrounds. With them, I established close bonds of friendship and companionship that I will never forget. Genuinely kind people, with the intention of helping with the
Project and at the same time getting to know France better, namely the region surrounding Lastours, its culture and the opportunities that this place has to offer. With them, we visit the beautiful city of Toulouse, we participate in a traditional French dance night, a themed and multicultural birthday party and much more. The bonds of friendship, companionship and the exchange of ideas and constant sharing with volunteers (and other people that I was lucky enough to meet) are really what I take the best with me from this volunteering experience.
