Volunteering in frames of ESC

1. MY EKS EXPIERENCE
Paulina Kaleta

2. THE BEGINNING
For as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of
volunteering abroad.
Even though my life went on a completely different course than I
had imagined - first studies, in the break between semesters, in
order to lead an independent life, I took up various jobs. After
graduation, I managed to get a job in the profession. In short, I
have achieved a certain kind of stability, which after some time is
hard to give up.
However, the desire to leave was stronger, so at the age of 28 I
quit my job and started applying for EKS projects.

3. MY PORTUGUESE ADVENTURE
Taking into account my education and interests,
volunteering in Braga immediately caught my attention. I
applied and after several recruitment stages I was qualified
and selected for the project!
My stay in Braga lasted from mid-July - 1 month.

4. OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!
ADOC, or Association of Constant Occupation, is a non-profit
organization operating since 2000. Located in Braga, the north of
Portugal. Their mission is to promote cooperation for local
development in the area of ​​protection, science, and revitalization
of historical, cultural and environmental heritage. In an
educational way, ADOC organizes free time for children and
adolescents to develop their entrepreneurship and provides active
classes for seniors. The organization also cooperates with the
local government (city councils, local and regional authorities),
private entities and other local NGOs.

5. TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
DURING THE PROJECT:
● Gardening
● Promotion on ADOC and Gomore.braga instagram
● Tik tok profile
● Upcycling workshop
● Video making

6. GARDENING
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!
This year, the ADOC organization changed its location, so the
volunteers helped the coordinators in organizing the new garden.
During my stay, the main
task of the project was
gardening.

7. GO MORE PROJECT
The second main task of this project is to organize activities for
local youth and people with disabilities in this place.
Unfortunately, due to the prevailing heat, we were unable to
implement this plan. So far, during this month, we helped promote
the GoMore program by publishing a video from the places we
visited in Braga.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!

8. PROMOTION ON
INSTAGRAM AND TIK TOK
During this month, we covered many
topics related to sustainable
development, zero waste life and
published educational posts on this
topic on the social media of the ADOC
organization.
We also established TIK Toka for the
organization, which will certainly help
in the further promotion of the project
and the organization.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!

9. UPCYCLING WORKSHOP
During this month, I also managed to
conduct workshops on zero waste life
and upcycling and how to easily
introduce it into our lives.
I also made a DIY video of an unused
T-shirt bag.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!

10. VIDEO MAKING
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN BRAGA!
During this project my video editing skill has definitely increased.
We published videos on the progress of the metamorphosis of our garden, a short tutorial
on how to make a DIY bag yourself and a promotional video for the city of Braga.

11. IN MY SPARE TIME
During this month, I also had a lot of
opportunities to explore Portugal, learn
about the local culture and flavors, and
discover my love for hiking! :)

12. BRAGA #HIKINGISMYLOVE
Countless kilometers of hiking in
the hills around Braga and nearby
towns.

13. Felt in love with Portugal :)
Porto

14. Lisbon
Lagos

15. MEET A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE PEOPLE!:)

16. YOU ALSO CAN DO IT!
I am very pleased that I took part in this project.
During that one month, I developed my editing
skills. As I love spending time with nature and
working in the garden, the duties entrusted to
me were perfect for me. I certainly gained more
patience, understanding and internal peace.
If you hesitate if this is the right time and if
you are fit for it - I can assure you that it is!
Don't be afraid, take a chance!