Lucia: “Helping without expecting anything in return is very satisfying”

Lucia arrives as a volunteer at Caritas Sofia on November 15, 2024. She is from Italy and before coming to Bulgaria, she already has experience from Brussels, where she delivered food to hundreds of homeless people, refugees and families in need every day.

Lucia is inquisitive, warm-hearted and motivated. She is also extremely
responsible for her tasks.

“I discovered the opportunity to volunteer at Caritas Sofia through the European Solidarity Corps portal while I was looking for a new challenge after completing my internship in Brussels. I am currently at the Children and Family Support Center “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” in Kuklen for four months, with the European Volunteering Center (CEV) in Brussels as my sending organization.

I was attracted by the opportunity to work with children, as well as the chance to get to know a new country and explore its culture and language.

Over the years, I have volunteered in various organizations both in Italy and Belgium. Each one of them gave me invaluable experience and helped me grow. Helping others without expecting anything in return is very satisfying, and what motivates me the most is knowing that I can bring joy or make a positive impact in the daily life of a vulnerable child.

In the week before Christmas, we organized a holiday party at the Center for all the children and Caritas employees. The celebration included tea, sweets, dancing with Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa Claus, who brought gifts. It was a very special and warm moment for everyone.

In January, after a heavy snowfall, we had fun with snowballs and made a snowman together in the yard. This fun-filled, but also very tiring day outdoors is another precious memory that I will carry with me.

Volunteering here has taught me to be responsible and patient, to recognize and respect everyone’s unique needs and abilities when we work on creative projects or play games together. It also gives me the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the small joys in everyday relationships, and explore the beautiful city of Plovdiv in my free time.”