It’s been 3 months now – I never imagined that I would spend a year volunteering in Berlin, since I have done my studies in engineering. Like the saying goes, everything is planned and happens according to it.

Since always, I was interested in designing creatives, DIYs (Do-It-Yourself) etc. I was fortunate enough that I got to work in a project called Speilmittle. Speilmittle is a place for creative minds. Here, creative toys are made for children, blind people, senior citizens etc.

At Speilmittle, my tasks are many. I assist one of my colleagues to organise the workshops, and assist in Ludotek, where children rent toys and celebrate their birthday parties. I feel very fortunate to work here, and thanks to FSL-India for this great opportunity.

The program began in the month of September 2018. Since I had some difficulties in getting a visa, I arrived at the project in the month of November. Later that month, I attended the seminar of the Weltwaerts program, where I met the other volunteers from different countries like Asia, Africa, America etc.

During the seminar, we visited a museum, Tempelhof airport during World War II, which played an important role for us. We also we got to learn about the Nazis and forced labour.

In the beginning, it was a little hard to adjust in the new country, mainly due to the language and the cold weather. With time, I got adjusted to the cold and also decided to join the language course to blend into the city

Talking about my host family, they are very friendly and loving. Since the family is partly connected to my home country, I have been treated like one of the members of the family. We have parties together, shop together, go around when we are free, and cook together – I really enjoy their company.

Ja, so far it’s been wonderful – new place, new people, new language, new weather, everything’s new. I have always enjoyed being independent, finding my own path, solving my own problems and ja, I am enjoying doing it. I am also looking forward to the challenges that are yet to come and facing them. Thanks to FSL- India for this great opportunity. Thanks for going through my journey.