30th January: MIDWAY TRAINING, AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT

Last week-end Cédric, our French volunteer, took part in his EVS midway training.

Cédric presenting GEAI

During three days in Dublin, 20 European volunteers were at a training organised by Léargas which was an important time for each volunteer because everybody could share their opinions, experiences – good or bad – and find with the trainer ideas for the second part of the EVS. Different workshops allowed volunteers describing their experience in Ireland, during their work and how they could use their new competences for future life or simply for the rest of the year. Cédric was really interested to compare the differences and similarities between the volunteers.

Cédric said “I didn’t realise that I am already in the middle of my time in GEAI because with the “Stop the Study Campaign” and now “Vote Frack Free Pledge” the work is intense. I’m really glad because I’m learning a lot of things that I didn’t expect, for example the organisation of a public meeting, awareness raising environmental issues and life with my colleagues who come from different countries.”

Cédric is now planning life after EVS: “During this 6 month in GEAI I can confirm my passion for journalism but I need to improve more my English”. When we asked him where he would like to live after, he answered “I don’t think I will return to France, because my experience in a foreign country gave me the desire to travel again. Why not stay a second year in Ireland? I visited some places and I have to confess Irish life and culture seduces me more every day.” Well done Cédric! In fact, he has visited Wicklow Mountains, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Cliff of Moher, The Burren, Galway, Aran Island, Connemara, Killary Harbour, Strandhill beach and Dublin. “I haven’t gone to Cork or Donegal, these trips should be next!”