My Transformative Year of Volunteering in Germany

My volunteering journey commenced with a decision to contribute to the Clean Kundapura Project (CKP), a local youth group dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of beaches, works for Sea Turtle conservation and does tree-plantation and blood-donation drives in Kundapura, my hometown in India. Through CKP, I collaborated with diverse organizations such as FSL India, Reef Watch India, and the Indian Red Cross, engaging in various projects. Post-graduation, I stumbled upon a social media post from FSL India about the Weltwärts North-South program, offering a funded program. Applying with modest expectations, I never anticipated securing the opportunity to live and work abroad. The selection process, though lengthy, proved worthwhile, involving multiple rounds of interviews and a pre-departure seminar. This year (2023-24), AFS and IJGD selected five individuals from different parts of India for the program.

Embarking on my German journey in August stirred a myriad of emotions as I ventured into Hamburg, far removed from the familiar comforts of home. The Survival Seminar in Buxtehude introduced me to a diverse cohort of volunteers hailing from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Panama, and Brazil, turning shared responsibilities into enjoyable bonding experiences. Currently, I am stationed at the Historisch-Ökologische Bildungsstätte (HÖB), an environmental education centre in Papenburg, a small city in Lower Saxony on the borderlines of the Netherlands and Germany, alongside six other German volunteers. I also live in my project in a WG (a shared house) with 3 other volunteers and I love the coziness or the feeling of home that our WG gives.

In September, I began my work at der HöB, engaging in various tasks such as Haus Technik, where I manage seminar room amenities and undertake necessary tasks during Dienstfahrt; RUZ Aktion, covering diverse themes like Insects, Wolf, Backen, Gesundes frühstück, fast fashion, involving theoretical and practical sessions for students from in and around Papenburg; and Graslöwen AG, collaborating with nearby school students on thematic projects every Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite grappling with the challenges of a new language, standout moments like Team Tag’s Mauer Walk strengthened connections with fellow volunteers. In addition to daily responsibilities, I worked in reception (Verwaltung) and served as a teamer in the BBS Seminar, actively contributing to team-building activities. The Herbst and Weihnachts or Advent Familien Seminars provided more opportunities for collaboration. We also have früh und spätdienst during the week, working in reception to assist organization guests. With a total of seven AFS seminars scheduled throughout the year, each in different parts of Germany with distinct themes, my German journey unfolds as a continuous exploration of cultural immersion, work dynamics, and enriching team experiences. As the end of 2023 approaches, I eagerly anticipate the new year, brimming with potential new experiences.