Sending Irish volunteers abroad
Our partner organisation, Orfeas Youth Organisation, is a dynamic youth organisation based in Greece dedicated to non-formal education, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Through their ESC projects, volunteers take part in social, educational, and creative activities that promote active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and solidarity, while gaining valuable personal and professional experience in an international environment.
We have been preparing and sending Irish volunteers to the ongoing ESC project of our longtime partner organisation in Greece, Orfeas, for quite a number of years now! The best way to describe it would be through the words of the volunteers themselves:
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity where I made friends for life and memories I’ll never forget, as well as getting to see the world from a new perspective”.
McGovern, Dowra
“My trip to Greece was a great learning experience. I enjoyed myself thoroughly while facing a number of challenges in an unfamiliar country. The people I engaged with were friendly and welcoming, and the experience as a whole has definitely helped me to grow as a person”.
“The work we done in Greece involved planting trees, painting a school fence and collecting rubbish around Xylokastro. What surprised me most about Greece was the people and how friendly they were, even though most didn’t speak fluent English they still made you feel very comfortable and at home. The project overall made me a better and more confident person. Although there were slight challenges with language and different opinions, I learned to overcome them and communicate together to discuss it. I have no regrets going to Greece, and would recommend it to anyone. It’s been a memorable experience and I won’t forget it”.
Christian, Drumshanbo
“The work I did in Xylokastro was very rewarding and it was great to work as a team helping to paint the local school.
It was great to learn about other people’s culture.The project was sometimes challenging and other times fun, but it was great to see everyone motivated and helped each other to finish work. I feel I have grown as a person and have made new friends and created special memories during my stay in Xylokastro”.
Shane, Carrick-on-Shannon
“I had an amazing time as a volunteer in Greece. I had many new experiences and opportunities to learn Greek and about life there ‘Σιγά σιγά’ (siga siga) which means “slowly slowly”.
Huck, Drumkeeran
“I’d honestly recommend this experience to everyone. Especially those who want to make a difference in their lives. You need to have the mindset that when you are required to work, you work, but apart from that, it’s like a holiday! People need to realise that there’s more to life than school – college – work – 2 week holiday once a year. It was and is a privilege to be a part of this programme.”
Tanisha, Newtowngore
Our partner organisation
Orfeas Youth Organisation, is a dynamic youth organisation based in Greece dedicated to non-formal education, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Through their ESC projects, volunteers take part in social, educational, and creative activities that promote active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and solidarity, while gaining valuable personal and professional experience in an international environment.