Connections – Magda’s story as volunteer in Abatino Animal Shelter

Magda took part in a European Solidarity Corps volunteering team in September 2024 in Abatino Animal Shelter, Italy, supporting the sanctuary and the rescue centre for local and exotic fauna.
The project was coordinated by Associazione Kora and funded by the European Commission through the European Solidarity Corps programme and the Italian Agency for Youth.
This is her experience!

My name is Magda and I had the opportunity to spend three amazing weeks in Italian countryside this September. The possibility of me joining in on this project appeared by chance when I was checking the website of my local organization (For me it was EYCB because I am from Czechia). I applied and surprise! I got in!
The project I went to was focused on volunteering in animal shelter in groups and was organized by Kora. I didn’t need practically any time to decide if I was going or not, because something like this has been my dream for years at this point – helping the environment, supporting a good cause, meeting people, revisiting Italy and finally: finding more about animals and getting closer to them.

At first, I was a bit afraid but all my fears melted right after the very first day of the project. Thanks to Kora’s work, the team was amazing. I found myself living temporarily with 9 other people that fit my vibe and with whom I felt at ease. I, despite being a bit antisocial, found people I feel safe with and that took me in.
We worked for three weeks and had free weekends. The tasks were challenging and interesting, we worked in groups, joining in and helping the long term volunteers and Park staff with their work. We tried many new things and learned through that. What was surprising to me was that even the people that were not part of the project were really friendly and even hung out with us outside and in the house (that was provided by the park).

Honestly, I think the main thing I got from the volunteering, were connections. Not only with people, but also with nature and myself. For the first time in a while, I felt that I was doing something that matters. That I was making an impact. Important to me and to others.
The project made me think about the environment, my skills, my impact and what I could do in my normal life to live better. I went from being a passive student to experiencing something special, touching and important.

I feel like this project was life changing but not in traumatic or aggressive way. The effects found me calmly and helped me realize some things about my life.
Now I feel that there is nothing to worry about when going on a project or deciding if you should go. My project was really well prepared, everything went smoothly and I got all the support I needed. There is always someone to help you or motivate you and there is always some solution if needed.
Don’t overthink it and just go, the worst thing that can happen is you will spend some time away with basically no expenses and have some time to yourself. But even that’s unlikely.
You will have the time of your life!
