Dear readers,
My name is Spasiyana Borisova and I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria the same year the Berlin Wall fell
:) I have a bachelors degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Complutense
University in Madrid, Spain. I consider myself a passionate traveller and curious citizen of the
world.

I always wanted to do something good and meaningful for the humanity, to devote myself to a
social cause that aims to help the most vulnerable communities. This is the main reason why I
decided to apply for a European Solidarity Corps project and I am extremely pleased with the
decision made. I still remember the moment of pure happiness I had when I was approved as one
of the volunteers in VESSEL project (Volunteering as an engine for solidarity, social engagement
and learning opportunities) of MOJU in Olhão, Algarve (Portugal).

I arrived in Olhão, a small fishing town in the heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, at midnight on
18-06-2019, a date I will remember forever as it changed my life. The international volunteers´
coordinator and one of my new flatmates came to welcome me at the bus station despite the late
hour, a kind gesture that created in me a cosy inner feeling and made me feel like I was coming
home.

Olhão is one of the towns of the Southern Algarve region with the highest tourist rating in the
summer, opposite to the winter time when the city is completely calm. In summer, Olhão is filled
with liveliness and numerous interesting events such as the Pirate Festival and the Algarve Nature
Festival, which I have personally visited. My favourite places in Olhão are the old Barreta district
and the harbour overlooking the islands Armona, Culatra and Farol where are located all the
nearest beaches. No doubt, my favourite island is Armona, its village is very picturesque and the
white sand beach seems endless. I enjoy quite a lot walking in the old town and following the ``the
path of legends``. Local legends are so romantic; they often refer to inspiring love stories, like the
most famous one about the enchanted Moorish princess Floripes.

The project I am volunteering for is entirely focused on helping disadvantaged young people of
different ages (6-16 years old) from social neighbourhoods in Olhão in the process of their social
integration. From the very first day I met all the children, I knew that it will be extremely difficult
for me to leave them in a year. I love working with children and I am getting emotionally attached
to them very quickly. I have a strong desire since the beginning of the project to devote my time
and energy to them and to always give them all the best out of me. I hope that my short stay in
their life will at least make a little difference for them to be more successful people in the future.
I feel strongly identified with the organizational objectives such as the promotion of human rights,
school success, gender equality, environmental care and protection, healthy lifestyle and poverty
eradication.

The summer time I spent with the kids went absolutely unnoticed for me, as it was very dynamic,
and full of great joy. For me, one of the most interesting activities we did with the kids this
summer was the visit to the Tavira Living Science Center where we challenged ourselves by trying
different scientific experiments on site – we even assembled a small aircraft together.

We also visited an adventure park and did zip lining between the trees which was an amazing
experience and helped the children to overcome some of their fears. I am so happy I witnessed so
many important life moments for them.

Me and the other volunteers have implemented many activities based on our personal interests
and own experience. Some of the most successful activities I have been able to organize for the
children so far are: intercultural and linguistic exchange through regular Skype conferences with
former volunteers, first aid workshop at the firemen headquarters, Treasure Hunt in the natural
park, construction of musical instruments and jam session workshop, gardening and designing a
scarecrow for MOJU´s garden so our plants stay safe, numerous arts and crafts workshops using
mainly recycled materials, different team building and cooperation games, etc.

I learn a lot every day by working with MOJU´s children; they give me the motivation to wake up
with a smile every day since I arrived and to improve myself constantly. The children remain my
favourite life teachers; I learn a lot from them and all that I learn is with my heart.

This year I am also intensively learning Portuguese language with a very good teacher appointed
by MOJU and through the online linguistic support platform. Six months after the start of the
project I already feel pretty confident to speak the language. I highly appreciate this opportunity
for personal growth and career development given to me.

I consider this one year of volunteering being one of the most rewarding in my life. It is indeed a
unique opportunity to invest time for learning and personal development. I fulfilled a dream, I met
so many friends from different parts of the world, and I visited so many beautiful places in
Portugal. With absolutely no doubt, this year gives me the opportunity to attend the best school of
life and for sure will remain as one of the most important years in my life.

Our Passion

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