A year in Italy
Hi, I’m Liisa, I’m 29 years old and from Estonia. I studied Psychology but I didn’t end up pursuing a career in that field. Later I studied IT and worked in customer support for several different technology companies.
I decided that now was a good time to take a break and volunteer travel. I’ve always enjoyed travelling in unconventional ways and avoided package holidays. For example, I’ve hitch-hiked through Europe twice which was incredible. Now I’m volunteering in Italy while also exploring different parts of the country.
I’ve had difficulties in my life finding what I really want to do. While working in customer support, I had my doubts whether this was right for me long-term. I decided to take a break and do a little bit of soul-searching.
I came across an advert for a social volunteering project in Italy. I’d not volunteered abroad before but this opportunity really interested me. I loved the idea of helping people with dementia, learning more about myself and also exploring Italy. I think if you live in a new country, as opposed to just visiting, you get a much deeper understanding of the culture, people and way of life.
My experience
The social volunteering project is called Volunteer Together for Inclusion, and it’s in Italy. The coordinating organisation is AFSAI, the sending organisation for me from Estonia was Continuous Action and the hosting organisation, where the project actually takes place, is Rifugio Re Carlo Alberto. That sounds a lot more complex than it actually is.
It’s a retirement home for people with dementia and other forms of disabilities. It’s located quite high up in a little village called Luserna San Giovanni in the Alps. The social volunteering project organises activities for the residents who have dementia and other illnesses. This aims to make them happier, better adjusted and offers social support.
Together with two mentors Susanna and Eleonora, the social volunteers plan activities for the residents. The project also has the expertise of an art therapist and a therapeutic cat. One of Rifugio’s goals is to educate the community about dementia and other disabilities. It’s important to make society more aware of elderly people who need help, patience and understanding.
The social volunteering project was really interesting because of the social and psychology related goal of helping people with mental illness. I’ve studied psychology, but haven’t worked in the field. It was a good opportunity for me to get some practical experience within the psychology space. The location of this social volunteering project was also very attractive. Living in Italy and experiencing the culture first-hand was another reason why I choose this volunteer opportunity
The work of the social volunteer at Rifugio Re Carlo Alberto is a full time job. The working hours are from 9 am-5 pm Monday to Friday and you’ll get two weeks holidays per six month volunteering. The social volunteers live in the same facility as the residents but on a separate floor. Each room has its own bathroom and a small living room/kitchen area. There are enough rooms for six volunteers at the project. The living conditions are modest, but you’ll have everything you need. All your toiletries, towels, household items are provided and meals at the Rifugio are also included.
The daily work as a social volunteer has a good rhythm. Twice a day you’ll help the residents during their breakfast and lunch. After eating you’ll take part in the planned activities for the day. These activities vary so you might be dancing, playing board games, or going outside to eat ice cream. Using your own ideas and initiative is very much encouraged at this project. We have weekly meetings to discuss how the activities went and to plan for the following week.
I like the people and the community here in Rifugio – the other volunteers, the staff and of course the residents. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see so many people who really care. People who do small acts of kindness, give their time and attention to the people around them.
I’ve felt a lot happier and more satisfied with this project, doing social work. And of course I have to mention the beauty of the location. Rifugio is located near a little village with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Moving to another country and living in a different culture is not easy but I believe it’s one of the best experiences. It’ll open your mind up to different ideas and ways to view the world. You’ll start to recognise what’s common for everyone and what comes from our own culture. I think that as the world is becoming more global, it’s necessary for all of us to be more open minded and culturally aware.
Personally you’ll be more self reliant and you’ll be able to handle whatever life throws at you. The challenges and difficulties are what make us grow and volunteering abroad is something that can make you a stronger and better person.
Liisa Rikanson (Estonia,volunteering project in Rifugio Re Carlo Alberto for 12 months)