The Testimonial of Ines as ESC Volunteer in Sicily

I completed a six-month volunteer at the Walden Institute in Menfi, Sicily, working in a community for minors with penal measures or little kids without families. I chose this opportunity because, as a psychologist, it was the perfect chance to develop my professional skills while working with young people, a field that had always greatly interested me. I was quite apprehensive before arriving, as the placement was in a tiny town of 10,000 inhabitants in southern Sicily. I didn’t speak a word of Italian before arriving, and I had never spent so much time away from home in another country.

I was worried about the language barrier, getting along with my flatmates, what it would be like to work with the challenging youths at the center, and being out of my comfort zone. However, as the months went by, I gained confidence in the language and began to enjoy the daily work with the adolescents in the community. I shared an apartment with other volunteers what was an incredibly fun experience, met many locals, and made wonderful trips. Above all, I feel I made a positive impact, even if only on a few individuals.

Everything I learned stems from the open-mindedness this experience fostered; listening to life stories so different from my own and approaching them with deep respect and empathy changed my perspective. It was a deeply enriching experience, both professionally and personally; I am returning as a much more independent person with a broader worldview. The work could be frustrating and complicated at times, but I will carry the positive moments and the lessons I learned with me forever. I recommend this experience to anyone interested in making a positive social impact on young people in need, also to people with a strong social conscience and a genuine interest in the human being. And, of course, you have to love beautiful beaches and eating pasta every day! These are six months I will remember for the rest of my life.