The volunteer Ania, took part in European Voluntary Service (EVS) in Zugdidi, Georgia. In frame of the project "Volunteers for the civil society in Georgia" (2017-1-PL01-KA105-035688), she was volunteering in Merkuri organisation.

1. EVS experience
Volunteers for the civil society
in Georgia
06/09/2018 - 06/03/2019
Association Merkuri
Zugdidi, Georgia
Anna Piskorska

2. BEGINNING
.
About EVS Programm heard from years, but
always was something in my life, why I
couldn’t go. But sometimes is this moment
when you want change in life. I really wanted
to help other people, so sent aplication and
after 3 weeks (really crazy time), landed in
Georgia. I truly belived that I will be all right.

3. PROJECT - Association Merkuri
My project “Volunteers for civil society in Georgia”
was in Zugdidi, Georgia. I worked with association
“Merkuri”, which main task is help for victims of
domestic violence.
In association “Merkuri” works 5 women with great
energy and real mission to help people.

4. MY MAIN ACTIVITIES
- working with kids (English Club,,
SOS Village, Winter School)
- meetings: conference, Democratic
Centre, Women Club
- office work - computer support,
social media
- Polish-English translations

5. Working with kids
During EVS I had “English Club”, “Social Classes for beneficient’s
kids”, made workshop, lessons. We spent a lot time together.
For them was important that exist place, where they can came
after school and spend good time.

6. SOS VILLAGE - LEARNING CENTRE
I also start cooperation with “SOS Village
Learning Center” where 1-2 for week helped,
played with children from poor families.

7. WINTER SCHOOL
For 5 days after Georgian Christmas me and French
volunteer made “Winter School” for kids. Our classes were
about culture, relationship and team building.

8. POLISH CLASSES
Polish Classes were totally new experience for me. Of course I am
Polish and it’s my mother tongue but I had to be more specific,
attentive, spoke very clearly, recalled all grammatical rules. My
student didn't speak in English so it was great opportunity to
practice my Georgian also!

9. STREET ACTIONS
Sometimes, as part of the promotion, the association
organized street actions. We prepared posters, we sold
handicrafts made by the beneficiaries and spoke about
problems with domestic violence.

10. SHELTER
Association "Merkuri" together with the Polish association "HumanDoc" opened the first in
this part of Georgia shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

11. CONFERENCES, MEETINGS
Work in the association means a lot of meetings - trainings, EUMM
meetings, a conference at the Polish embassy. During those meetings,
I was responsible for photographic documentation. I could practice my
passion, tried to collect the best moments and emotions with which
Georgians always express their opinions.

12. ON-ARRIVAL TRAINING
4 days of On-Arrival Training were great time with people from
others countries. We spoke about ideas, problems and our
projects.

13. LIVING IN GEORGIA
Of course it was time also for
discover Georgian culture.
SUPRA GEORGIAN HOUSE
MEETING WITH
LOCAL PEOPLE

14. FREE TIME
During my free time I
traveled with friends. We
found time to visit Opera
in Tbilisi, discovered
mountains and even went
to Azerbaijan

15. AFTER PROJECT
I had a presentation on 9th of April 2019 at
the Szczecin Artistic Agency (they run
a branch for young people).
I told youngsters why it is worth being
socially involved. What does the
volunteering project gave to me. How and
when to choose good activities for yourself?
And above all, what is European Voluntary
Service and how to go abroad for
volunteering. European Voluntary Service
(EVS)
https://saa.pl/ania-opowie-o-
wolontariacie?fbclid=IwAR1VkzE-
wOSUtz7f3CAiSFWFF8Ce68gXhNPfmaQ4Tkf
UJnGGuityF8J3vyU

16. EVS
It was different than I expected, but
it was a time I will not forget.
If you're still wondering, just go!
by Anna Piskorska