Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com Author’s word Hi my dear readers. This is a book about my memories I spent in Poland. In this book I will share my European Voluntary Service (EVS) best experience and impressions. Reading this book you can get to know about European Voluntary Service in general and a vivid example of the best EVS project which I had. Hope you will find this book useful and this book will promote an interest and wish to do your own EVS project.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
Author’s word
Hi my dear readers. This is a book about my memories I spent in Poland. In this book I will share
my European Voluntary Service (EVS) best experience and impressions. Reading this book you
can get to know about European Voluntary Service in general and a vivid example of the best
EVS project which I had. Hope you will find this book useful and this book will promote an
interest and wish to do your own EVS project.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
Introduction
What is EVS? First it a youth project, second it is non-formal educational and at the same time
fun project, third a chance to observe another country and culture, forth an opportunity to get
more friends and finally fifth a great opportunity to self-confidence and self-development. For
me EVS was all in one.
Within the European 'Youth in Action' Programme, European Voluntary Service offers young people an
opportunity of taking part in a non-profit-making, unpaid activity for the benefit of the general public in a
country other than their country of residence.
Through European Voluntary Service, young people contribute to social cohesion and solidarity and
considerably enhance their personal, professional, and intercultural skills and competences.
Essential elements of European Voluntary Service are preparation and follow-up activities in the country
of residence as well as ongoing pedagogical, personal, and task-related support like training activities in
the host country.
European Voluntary Service is carried out in partnership between a young volunteer, an organization in
the country of residence, and an organization in the host country. It lasts up to 12 months.
Offering the added value of a European dimension, European Voluntary Service is quality-checked
regarding content criteria and implementation.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
My project and work
“Europe in here” was the name of my EVS project which I spent in Poland form October 15
2009 till July 12 2010. My activity was concentrated around three basic areas:
AREA ONE: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKILLS
My main goal was the work in Young Creators' Club - with youth from local schools, in
Occupational Therapy Workshop and Therapeutic day-room as well. Those were places, where I
had an opportunity to develop my skills and obtained new experiences.
My work in Young Creators’ Club for youth from local schools My tasks were:
Prepare and lead classes for young people (art, music, sport, theatre, cooking,
photography, journalism, language classes, etc.);
Organized and take part in various social and art events such as exhibitions, happenings,
expositions, shows etc.; especially about European Awareness, EU, EVS, Youth in
Action Program
Help in creating a web blog about activities in Young Creators’ Club and about
volunteers’ activity as well; create a web blog or web page about Europe;
Create an newspaper/film/brochure (with young people in Club) about for instance –
People’s life in EU or other topic according to volunteers’ ideas;
Attend in organized trips (bike trips, camps etc.)
In a usual day in the club I was talking with the volunteers, played various games like billiard,
table-tennis, Jungle Speed and different board games. In the camp we had also meetings with our
coordinator each month and planned our activities for the coming month. In the Club I learnt
spray painting. Sebastian, one of the leaders of the club, taught how to paint planets and galactic
with spray.
Two times in the club we had meeting with the journalists: one local, the other came from
Warsaw. They interview us and publish in the newspaper. More than five times an article about
us was published in the local and regional newspapers.
In the summer every Thursday we went to the gym to play volleyball. One day we organized a
competition “EVS volunteers vs. Young Creators club’s volunteers”. And the EVS team won.
Working in Young Creators’ club was very pleasure for me. The people there were kind and
good friends to whom I have contact via internet till now.
What I did so far:
Halloween On the 31
st of October is the Halloween. We celebrated that event with the teenagers of the
Young Creators’ Club. Everyone had a Halloween uniform. We also made the Halloween
pumpkin with the candle inside. We danced frightened each other and in the Evening we had the
second Halloween party at home. That time we had not only the Halloween uniform but also the
make-up. At the midnight we went to disco where they organized Halloween party. We went
there with our costumes and make-ups. We had a great time in Disco. After 2 days we found our
photo in disco Terminal website.
Santa Clauses
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
On the 7th of December in Poland people celebrate the day of Saint Nickolas. That day we were
dressed like Saint Nickolas and we went to the Schools with presents for the children. At schools
we congratulated the children with our mother tongue and gave candies to them. Then we walked
in the streets and gave presents to the children we met in the streets. Then we went to the
ŚWIETLICA (this is the place where we work with children and teenagers) and after a hark work
The Saint Nickolas went home.
Christmas Eve On 24
th of December we had Christmas Eve Party in Youth Creators’ Club. There we tasted
Polish traditional food, sang Christmas songs in Polish and in English. We had great fun!
International movie night On the 8th of January we organized an International Film Night. From 8 p.m. till 8 a.m. we watched films
from different countries. During the intervals we had also Karaoke songs which we sang. Here are the list
of the films we watched that night:
1. Nothing Will Stay (Romance made in Armenia)
2. Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulai (Life story made in France)
3. My bloody valentine (Horror made in Hollywood)
4. All about my mother (Melodrama made in Spain)
5. Avatar (Animated made in Hollywood)
All the movies were in their original languages with the polish subtitles. It was really very nice day.
Carnival On the 28
th of January we organized a Carnival for teenagers of the Young Creators’ Club.
During the carnival we organized different kind of competitions for them.
English lessons From January 6 till the end of my project I lead English classes in Youth Creators’ Club. I taught
them the basic knowledge of English. The aim of the lessons was to improve the English skills of
the youth, to communicate in English. During the lesson I learnt too because the teaching
language was Polish.
Rain-out day This day was one of the memorable days during my project. What happened that day had nothing
to do with my project but I would like to share it. As usual I and Aline (the French volunteer)
went to the club. It was Wednesday the day we worked together in the club as we had language
class that day. For entering the club we needed a “boat”. The previous day it had rained a lot and
all the water has filled into the room. Together with the club workers we did the water out. We
used all possible means to dry the floor. There was 10 cm of water on the floor. It took us 3
hours to dry the floor. Though it was hard, it was at the same time fun.
First day of spring On the 20
th of March the youth from Young Creators’ Club together with EVS volunteers
organized “The Happening”. It is a party for the first day of the spring. We painted trees gave
flowers to people walking around, painted our and others faces, made bubbles, danced: in one
word we had fun! In all these activities we involved also the children and their parents who were
at that time in the “Square of FUN”.
Photography In the Young Creators’ Club there was a section for photography and I joined. We were taking
photos on different topics connected to Sępólno and Poland. During the Happening that was on
the 5th
of June we had an exhibition of our photos on the topic of the nature and monuments of
Sępólno.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
DANONE DANONE was the name of the cooking project organized in Young Creators’ Club. They
organized this type of project last year also. The main aim of the project was to teach the
volunteers of the club how to cook different Polish regional dishes. Each week the group chose
one of the regions in Poland and cooked traditional food of that region. The EVS volunteers were
involved in that project. I was involved in the 3rd
group and learn how to cook Polish cakes,
galomkie (this is something like Georgian Khinkalie (dough with meat inside) but with fruit or
jam, cabbage or mushroom), fruit marmalade and soups. This project helped me to understand
and learn Polish culture. The group not only cooked the food but also they introduce the region
they represented in an interactive way.
In the framework of the project they organized a trip to somewhere near but nobody knew the
correct way.
On the 4th
of June together with club members went to somewhere to see Polish hostel and
hospitality within DANONE project. The fact was that they know where they should go but
nobody knew the way. Before starting I asked Dorota the coordinator of the Club how long
would it take us to get there by bike and the answer was 15 minutes. We started our bike-riding.
On the way we came to the junction. Nobody knew which way was correct. After a discussion
we chose one way and went. We went more than 15 minutes and on the way we asked someone
if this way went to the place we wanted. The answer was negative. They told us to go back and
choose the other direction. Again 15 minutes we rode a bike and chose the other way. We
reached somewhere in the forest and stopped. We decided to call them and know the real way.
Finally they found out the way and it took us 10 minutes to get there. 15 minutes way turns to be
40 minutes way.
The place we went was a small inn in the forest. There were horses that one can hire and ride
them. The person showed us the horse stable. There I saw one empty horse cage and in from of
the cage was written Armenia. I asked if they had brought this horse from Armenia but they said
that many times ago there came to live an Armenian family and they liked that horse saw the
decided to call him Armenia. But the horse was not in the cage. They told me that the horse is
somewhere there but they did not show me. After seeing the inn and getting information about
their services we took a way back home. And this time the way back took us 15 minutes.
That day was one of the most memorable days in Poland.
The conclusion of the project was the three days camp in Kamien Krajeńskie. On the 11th
– 13th
June we were in Kamien Krajeńskie for the camping. In Kamien there was a very beautiful
camping site. We spent there 3 unforgettable days. We stayed in small huts with 3-4 people in it.
We cooked our food ourselves which was the objective of the camp project. During the camp
there were organized many interesting competitions in which we took park with enthusiasm. The
last day of the camp we took part in a disco which was held near the lake. At the end we
returned home with full of enthusiasm and worn out by mosquitoes which were a lot.
Meeting with volunteers On the 19
th of April we met the volunteers from Sośno. During the meeting we represent the
activities of our Club and also about the European Voluntary Service and Youth in Action. We
organized various activities and had a fun.
Europe day in Sępólno On the 9
th of June we organized Europe day in special school in Sępólno. During the event we
represent our countries to the small groups of children and then they represent the countries they
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
learnt about. We taught the children also national dances some expressions in different
languages. We organized different competitions based on Europe.
Europe day in Więcbork On the 26
th of May we organized Europe day in special school in Więcbork. During the event we
represent our countries to the small groups of children and then they represent the countries they
learnt about. We taught the children also national dances some expressions in different
languages. We organized different competitions based on Europe.
Children’s day in Więcbork On the 1
st of June we went to the Więcbork where we had organized event for the children of the
special school. Children were very happy and enjoyed the event.
Happening On the 5
th of June near the main Square we organized the Happening. During the happening we
watched movies about previous EVS projects. At night when it was already dark we had fire
show and different kind of activities. With the help of Young Creators’ Club volunteers we
performed a romantic music-spectacle.
Visit to Świetlica in Więcbork On June 26 we again went to Więcbork but this time we were in Świetlica (a day room for the
children) where our friend was working. There we also represented our countries taught the
greeting words of our native language to the children. We also organized various activities for
the kids and have real fun. At the end we enjoyed polish barbeque with sausages.
My Work in Occupational therapy workshops for disabled people My tasks were:
Help instructors with preparation and leading engagements in particular workshops (art,
sartorial, exploration of life, housekeeping, D.I.Y., office and computers.);
Prepare and lead engagements for their wards;
Assistance to wards in day to day activities (help with cleaning after their classes, help
with accompanying wards to the bus stop);
Help people on a wheelchairs
Attend in a keep fit and rehabilitation
Attend in organized trips (day excursions and several day trips)
These were the task what were written in my activity agreement and the first information what I
would do here. But since the day I was in Sępólno I began to follow the tasks and day by day
discover my tasks. The first two weeks were very difficult for me to work with disabled people.
It was a challenge for me. But day by day I leant to work with them and even I liked my work
with disabled people. They were very nice people. Every day I learnt something new from them.
The wards were working in six different rooms: computer, life learning, kitchen and
housekeeping, art, and handicraft. Every three months they change the rooms. In computer room
they were writing articles for the newspaper of the workshop and also learning using computer.
In Handicraft room we were helping them to make angels, animals or some objects from the
wood, paper, plastic and the material from which is possible to make something. In the kitchen
they were cooking the dinner for all wards. Every day they cooked different foods. We the
volunteers also cooked some dishes from our countries. One day I cooked something from
Armenian cuisine. After dinner they clean the kitchen. When they finish the classes everybody
clean the room they were working in. In life learning room they were learning math or painting,
the basic knowledge of life. Every month they made the calendar of the coming month. In art
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
room we helped them to make postcards, flowers from paper. They also work with clay. Besides
these they were attending the rehabilitation classes and sport. They had one day in a week that all
wards went to the gym. The other days they also went but by groups. I was helping them with
sport; I played table-tennis, volleyball and billiard with them. After work I was taking some
wards to the bus-station.
Every day in workshops was unforgettable. The topics the wards were talking to me also were
very interesting and also funny at the same time. If I will start writing now about each day it will
make my book too big. I can share it those who are interested. But I want to write about the most
unforgettable day. It was on May. We were tired of working, watching movies. That day all
wards were in one place. I together with other volunteers working with me decided to use
internet and we found some good music for dancing and did disco in workshops. The wards we
with the instructors were so enthusiastic that danced the whole working day.
Except every day’s activities we did some extra activities. Here are those in which I took part or
organized.
Puppet theatre
During my first days in workshops I was witnessed a very beautiful puppet theatre made by the
ward. They were doing their rehearsals for the competition. They were showing a fairy tale with
puppets. One of the wards was reading the tale the others were acting with puppets. It was my
first days in Poland I did not understand polish but the puppet presentation was so good that the
idea was more than clear for me and I understood the tale without knowing polish.
Performance in Philharmonic theatre
One day the wards had a splendid performance in philharmonic theatre. It was without words,
only music and mimic. It was about writers. They were really good actors. Later I knew that with
the performance I was witnessed they won the first place in theatre contest in Toruń and Kraków.
Painting competition
I together with other volunteers organized a paining competition for the wards with the topic
“Christmas”. The deadline was on 24th
of December. On the day of the election we had more
than 25 paintings and it was very difficult for us to choose the best because everyone was unique.
After the 3 hours discussion we finally came up to one conclusion and choose the best of the
bests. Then the day of Ceremony we gave certificates to all participants and also gifts for those
who were on the first, second and third place.
Bydgoszcz Philharmonic Theatre
On 21st of December we together with Occupational Therapy of Disabled people went to
Bydgoszcz Philharmonic Theatre. There we listened to the polish chorus songs. There was also
one guest form Krakow. It was very nice day!
Christmas Eve
On the 23rd
of December we had a Christmas Eve Party with Occupational Therapy people in the
restaurant. We tasted Polish Christmas dishes, sang Christmas songs in Polish! It was my first
European Christmas and I liked it very much.
3D movie “Avatar”
On the 12th
of January together with Occupational Therapy Workshop we went to the
MULTIKINO of Bydgoszcz to watch a movie. The movie was “Avatar”. We watched it in 3D
format with glasses. It was my first time watching film in 3D.
Carnival
On the 27th
of January we organized a Carnival for Disabled people from Occupation Therapy
Workshop and for the children for Day-room. During the carnival we organized different kind of
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
competitions for them. Everyone was dressed properly and the Carnival dresses were made by
themselves. It was very nice day!
Sleighing
On the 16th
of February we together with the disabled people of the Occupational Therapy went
to sleighing. It was not far from Sępólno Krajeńskie. The sleighs were tied to the tractor. It was
super. I really enjoyed it. After sleighing we made a barbeque of sausages on the fire. Then we
played snowballs and return home.
Bydgoszcz music group’s concerts in Sępólno
Two times a music group came to Sępólno for a concert. I went there together with wards.
During these concerts they introduced the musical instruments, told about them and listened to
the Old and new polish songs. What I liked in these concerts is that they are not only giving
concert and go back but also they teach something to the audience. During the second concert
they asked questions to the audience about the topics they did in the first concert.
The day of the protection of the children
On the 1st of June was the children’s protection day. That day in the public square there were
different activities for children. I went there together with the wards from workshops. There I
saw how people made paper in old times, listened to the polish music and saw old Polish soldiers
in their uniforms and weapons. Through this event I learn more about Polish culture.
My last day in Occupational therapy workshops for disabled people 29
th of June was my last day in Occupational therapy workshops. They organized a farewell
party for us. They gave us presents which they made themselves. We took lots of photos, said
“See you soon” not “Good-bye” to each other and departed with warm hugs.
I really missed my 9 months working with wards. These 9 months will remain in my memories
forever.
My work in Day-room for children and teenagers from difficult backgrounds My tasks were:
Help instructors with preparation and leading engagements for the kids and youth (art,
sport, outdoors game and plays, etc.);
Help with doing homework;
Help with day to day activities
Attend in organized trips
Working with the children is always very interesting. The kids of the Day-room were amazing.
They were asking us different kinds of questions about ourselves and about our country. Though
the first month was a bit difficult because of the language barrier but after became more and
more amazing. We were helping them with homework, such as: English, German and drawing.
When the kids did not have homework to do, we played with them various board games,
computer games and also energizers. We were helping and at the same time learning from the
kids. They were making various artificial decorating objects, paintings, origami (paper folding)
and objects from clay and plaster. All the kids were very creative and smart. For me was great
pleasure to work with them.
What I did so far:
Santa Clauses On December 7
th the day of Saint Nickolas we went to Świetlica (the Day-room for Children)
dressed like Saint Nickolas. That day in Świetlica there were not only school children but also
small children with their parent. We congratulated them and gave presents. We played and
danced with the children.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
Painting competition I together with other volunteers organized a paining competition for the children with the topic
“Christmas”. The deadline was on 24th
of December. On the day of the election we had more
than 30 paintings and it was very difficult for us to choose the best because everyone was unique.
Children had painted Christmas how they imagine e.g. one of the painting was Santa Clause with
the gifts they wanted and even they wrote some Christmas greetings. Then the day of Ceremony
we gave certificates to all participants and also gifts for those who were on the first, second and
third place.
Carnival On the 27
th of January we organized a Carnival for the children Day-room. During the carnival
we organized different kinds of competitions for them. Children took part in the competitions
with great enthusiasm. Everyone was dressed properly and the Carnival dresses were made by
themselves. It was very nice day!
Cartoon watching During my work in Day-room for children we organized cartoon-watching. We downloaded
cartoons from internet in Polish and watched them in Young Creators’ Club.
“My Europe” Competition The 9
th of May is the day of Europe and we decided to organize some event dedicating to that
day. One of the events was the competition of painting with the topic “My Europe”. This
competition was for everybody we worked and also for the children from the special school in
Więcbork and Sępólno.
AREA TWO: EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP
My Activity was first and foremost working in above mentioned establishments, but not only
that. Another important element of my activity was commitment to the actions, which main
target was to deepen a sense of European citizenship as well as promotion of activities related to
EVS and “Youth in Action” program. We conducted meetings with a youth from local schools,
happenings, exhibitions etc. It was a good occasion to exchange experiences, to promote EVS
and “Youth in Action” Programme and to present our culture in local community. You have
already read about those meetings. The second area of my project was fulfilled.
AREA THREE: POLISH CULTURE
We were involved in activities, which allowed us to learn about polish tradition, morals and
culture such as:
- Participation in lessons of polish language;
- Constant contact with polish youth;
- Organized 'polish evenings', as well as our 'national evenings';
- Participation in sight-seeing tours (within our work);
- Participation in cultural events.
My Polish lesson Since the day I was in Poland I started learning Polish. I learnt two months with the Russian
teacher Mrs. Halina from the high school. The teaching language was Russian which helped me
a lot to learn Polish easily. At first we learnt the alphabet. Day by day the lessons became hard
and hard. I was reading Russian text and at the same time translated into Polish. After ten lessons
I began to speak Polish a little. During that time I decided to speak only Polish with my friends
and improve my language. After a month and a half I was already able to speak Polish though
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
with grammatical mistakes but my friends understood me. When I finished my Polish lessons I
was able to speak Polish freely. My Polish became more and more fluent due to speaking only
Polish and leading English classes for the pupils in Polish.
I am very thankful to my Polish teacher Mrs. Halina for teaching me that beautiful language.
Meeting with pupils of the high school On May 31
st I together with my Armenian friend Lilit (who was doing her EVS with me) went to
the high school to meet the pupils. Our Polish teacher Mrs. Halina invited us to her Russian
lesson. First we introduced ourselves in Armenian and then in Russian. The aim of the meeting
was to talk to the pupils in Russian but slowly the conversation language changed from Russian
into Polish. The Pupils were asking us different questions and we were answering. We spent two
lesson-hours with the pupils and went home.
The third area was fulfilled as well.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
Our life after work Holidays During my stay in Poland We celebrated the holidays. This gave me a chance to get to know how
Polish people celebrate holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Christmas Eve
Catholic people have their Christmas on 25th
of December. On the 24th
we were invited to
Christmas Eve dinner in Young Creators’ Club and in Occupation Therapy Workshop. There I
got to know what do the polish people put on the table on Christmas. My coordinator invited us
to Christmas dinner at his house on the 25th
. Polish people put various kinds of food on the table
that if you try a piece from each you get full. The wife of my coordinator explained us how they
made each meal. Each meal has its unique receipt. They were delicious. I like polish cuisine.
New Year
On December 31st at night we welcomed 2010! First we celebrated the Armenian New Year
because of the time zone. Then we celebrated the Romanian New Year! Then At 12 o’clock we
welcomed 2010 with eating 12 olives (we should eat grapes but unfortunately there were no
grapes in the shops) and after that drank Champaign and congratulated each other. Then we go
outside for the fireworks. The whole city was full of fireworks. It was marvelous! Then we
visited our friends’ houses. And after that came home and continued our fun! We danced the
whole night! It was the best New Year in my life. I will never forget that!
Easter
On Easter day, April 4, I was in Miłosław visiting my friends. My friend’s mentor invited us to
her house for the Easter dinner. Again like in Christmas Polish people put various kinds of food
on the table. They put a small peace from in food in the basket and took to the church in the
morning. The pries should bless the food and then they return home and sit at the table. They told
us they we must eat from each food in the basket. Like in all Christians Polish people paint the
eggs in different colors and play egg-breaking. They bake also the Easter pie.
Other activities Bydgoszcz carnival
On the 13th of February we went to Bydgoszcz for a carnival organized by EVS volunteers in
Bydgoszcz. The carnival was for children of the Special school. Everybody had a costume for
carnival. During the carnival we organized some activities and competition for the children. We
dance and had fun with them. After the Carnival we went to the disco club. We tried two
different discos but there were age discrimination. Finally we found one good disco for
everybody. We had a good time in Disco. The next day we went to see the city. Bydgoszcz was
a beautiful city.
Parties After hard work we found a way to relax and the parties were the best way. We had different
kinds of parties such as country parties, welcome and farewell parties, birthday parties or just
parties.
Country Parties
The volunteers I worked with were from different countries. During the hard winter when it was
cold outside we decided to do Country Parties. Every week-end we had party of each country.
Here are the country parties we did.
Armenia
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
We were two Armenians in Sępólno and that’s why we had Armenian day. The firs Armenian
party was on November. That time we were two Armenian guys: me and Mushegh. It was hard
for us but our friend Tatev came to help us from Miłosław. That day we cooked Harisa (white
wheat porridge with chicken), beet salad and Armenian wine. We put Armenian flag to make an
atmosphere of Armenia. They liked our food very much.
The second Armenian party was on February. That time I and Lilit (who started her EVS on
January) cooked Armenian Dolma with cabbage and various salads. That time we put Armenian
music on the background. They liked our food very much.
There was the third Armenian party but it was on my birthday party, about which you can read in
birthday’s chapters.
Portugal
The next country party was Portuguese. Our Portuguese friend cooked typical Portuguese food.
She presented each food with the Portuguese music on the background. The Portuguese food was
delicious.
Turkey
The next was Turkish. Our Turkish friend cooked Turkish food. For that day his family sent
Turkish coffee and jazvé (special coffee-maker). That day we drank normal coffee (Polish coffee
was Nescafe or black coffee mixed with water but not boiled like we and Turkish does). And of
course we listen to Turkish music. The Turkish food was delicious.
Romania
The next country was Romania. Our Romanian friend cooked typical Romanian food with good
decoration. Each food he represent in a special way. The Romanian food was delicious.
France
The next was France. Our crazy French friend cooked French food. She decorated her room with
the photo of Eiffel Tower and in the entrance she put the French flag. She put also French wine
and cheese. Every food was delicious.
We had French party for the second time when our friend’s family visited us. This time also they
brought delicious French cognac and wine. They brought with them special kind of cheese and
fish. They put special oven on the table and taught us how to cook and we made for ourselves. It
was delicious.
Poland
After enjoying the food from different countries our Polish team organized “Polish cooking day”.
Our Polish team put all their effort to surprise us one more time with their delicious food. This
time they cooked food which we did not try. This party we had in Club. The room was decorated
with the flags of our countries and also the polish flag: one big and one small on the table. They
asked us to go out and enter in a Polish way. When we entered the room they met us with bread
and salt, after which we danced polish dance and sat at the table. The food was very delicious.
Welcome parties
Ours
On October 18 the ex-volunteers organized a welcome party for us. They cooked different food
and decorated the room and had a special make-up and hair style. During my welcome party I
got my first drunk in Poland. We got to know each other and played different kinds of games. In
general we had a fun.
New volunteers
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
When the new volunteers came it was our turn to organize a welcome party for them. It was on
January 14. We cooked for them different food. We also had special hair style and make-up. We
played various games and got to know the new volunteers.
Birthday parties
Birthday parties were the most anticipated parties for us. When one of our friends had a birthday
we bought presents suitable his/her character: such as for Aline we bought a T-shirt with giraffe
on it (she was fond of small giraffe and we sometimes called her “Small Giraffe”), for Edy we
bought and apron and a cook’s hat (he liked cooking a lot and did for us many times), for Dorota
we bought a shirt with the frogs on it and bunch of flowers which we put in the bucket painted
frogs which we did ourselves, for Bea we bought a necklace, for the new-born Lenka we did not
buy anything instead we wished too much health by drinking much and finally for me they
bought a pullover and a T-Shirt written “SINGLEMAN Join me on my Matrass of Solitude” on
as they wished me to fall in Love soon.
Lenka’s
On November 18 my coordinator had a daughter (Lenka). He told us that he wanted to have a
small party. But that small party turned to become a big party. The Polish people have a custom
they drink as much as much healthy they wished their new-born child. And we followed that
custom and we wish Lenka too much healthy. And the result is obvious: we were too drunk. That
day stayed in our memories till the end of the project. Our Romanian friend got home without
boots and coat but on four foots.
Aline’s
Aline is our French crazy friend. Her birthday was on January 26. She cooked French food for us
and had an amazing party. Again as in any other parties we drank much and had a real fun. We
bought
Bea’s
Bea is our Spanish friend. Before leaving for Spain she organized her birthday party. Her
birthday was on January 3.
Edy’s
On March 8 was Edy’s (our Romanian friend) birthday. That day we had guests from other cities
in Poland. He cooked Romanian soup with pumpkin and delicious Romanian salads. We played
various games and had fun.
Mine
First time in life I spend my birthday away from my family but I can say it was one of the
birthday’s parties I did. That day my friend came to help me in cooking. This time we cooked
again Armenian food: tzhvzhic – fried chicken’s lungs with potatoes and onion, gata (Armenian
cake) and beet salad with garlic. And for the drink I had Armenian cognac with me which was
too strong for them but they drank it with juice. I got many presents that day. We had fun a lot.
Dorota’s
On June 27 we celebrated Dorota’s birthday. She organized her birthday in Galleria. We closed
the second floor of the bar and with our friends had an amazing birthday party.
Farewell Parties
Farewell parties sad a bit “sad” parties, because you say good bye to your friends whom you
worked and lived with. In any farewell party I never said my friends “Good Bye” instead I said
“See You Soon” as I hope to see them again in the future. Our best coordinator had surprise for
each volunteer who finished his/her project. He presents us souvenirs such us a tea cup written
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
“Poland” in different languages, a T-shirt with the Polish symbol: Swan and an album with the
photos of the best moments during our projects. There we had three farewell parties and here
they are:
Musho’s
Musho was the ex-volunteer who had come to Poland 9 months before I came. He did his EVS
project with Bea but he Bea stayed one more month and that’s the reason we did two different
farewell parties. Musho’s party was on the 5th
of January. That day he did the cooking (We had a
tradition whose party was that person did the cooking). We had great time and at the end said
“See You Soon” to our friend Musho.
Bea’s
We organized a farewell party for Bea at home and at night we went to Disco Terminal. We had
an amazing time in Terminal. From Terminal to our house was just 15 minutes-road but it took
us an hour. When we went out of the Disco it was snowing and we decided to enjoy the snow
and started to play snowball. We rolled in the snow and fun like children do when they see the
first snow. During our fun the police came up to us and asked not to make much noise. We
promised them not to make noise and when they left we continued our fun. We got home late
and were cold to bone, but it was marvelous day.
Ours
The days passed and it came our turn to organize a farewell party. While we were getting ready
for the party we got a surprise. Our coordinator told us to be at the club as he wanted to speak to
us for evaluating our project. We got there on the time and what did we see? They organized a
farewell party for us. There were also the directors of the “Adults for Children” association and
Occupational workshop therapy. They did toasts and thanked us for our help in their
organization. We talked about all the sweet memories we had spent there. At the end our lovely
coordinator Daniel Wargin gave us the “Youth pass” a certificate for fulfilling the project and of
course the souvenirs which reminds me the sweet memories in Poland every time I use the cup,
wear the T-shirt and watch the album.
After the official farewell party we the volunteers together with our friends (including our
coordinator who was with us nearly in all parties) decided to continue our party in Galleria but I
did know why it was closed but we did not disappointed. We bought beers and went to the lake.
We had a very nice time over the lake. We did not notice how the day darkened but we stayed till
morning. That day first time in life I entered the lake completely drunk. Even now when I
remember that moment I shiver. That day we returned home at 9 in the morning.
In that evening we did our farewell party (we planned it as we did not know that they would
organize one for us). As it was a hangover we drank not much. That day I gave my coordinator
and my mentor the souvenirs which I had brought with me. Our Romanian friend surprised us
also. He also had something prepared for us. It was a greeting card with our photo and some wish
written. We enjoyed our last moments with our friends and the next day (on 9th
of July) Edy left
for Romania and three days later (on the 12th
of July) I left for Armenia and our crazy French
friend Aline stayed more in Poland.
Galleria and karaoke
Galleria is bar in Sępólno where you can have a drink, talk with your friend or meet nice people
to talk with. Every Friday and Saturday galleria was full of people. Only on the week-ends the
people in Sępólno drink. We also went to Galleria these days. There I met many new friends.
The polish people are nice. When they see a foreigner they come up and start a conversation with
you without even thinking that their English is poor. In Galleria I tried to speak Polish which
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
helped me to learn the language fast. Sometimes we took “Jungle Speed” (an interesting board
game) and played in Galleria.
Once a month they organized a concert in Galleria. Once was a rock concert of the famous rock
bands from Bydgoszcz and Sępólno. The other time was a folk concert. Both concerts were
amazing. Everybody was dancing in these concerts.
Every Thursday they organized a karaoke party. We participated with great enthusiasm. We sang
not only English but also polish songs. When the polish youth saw us in the Galleria on
Thursdays they were “jealous”: I do not know why. One of my friends told that maybe we sang
more than they did; that’s why they were “jealous”.
When we had guest from other cities we took them to Galleria and spent very nice day there.
And once we had a birthday party there. It was Dorota’s the club coordinator’s birthday.
Disco terminal
In A small city like Sępólno we were lucky that we had a disco. Time to time when we wanted
to relax, had splendid time and dance we went to Terminal Disco. Our parties at home and the
time in Galleria were too splendid that I went to Disco Terminal only three times. One time there
was the Halloween party which was amazing. The decoration of the terminal was scary as it is
usual in Halloween parties. The entrance of those who were dressed properly was free of charge.
We had a real fun there. The second time was at Bea’s farewell party. That time was more
splendid. About this you can read in farewell parties section. Ant the third time was just an
ordinary day. We went there just to relax. In general I can say that Disco terminal is the best
place in Sępólno for those who like to have fun and dance.
Bike riding
When the days become warmer we started biking to the nearby Sępólno. We were in different
small towns and villages. Everywhere were lakes and deep forests. One day when we were
coming back it stated raining heavily. It was hard to bike. Nothing was visible but the cars light.
We got home wet to the bones but full of enthusiasm. I like to be under the heavy rain in
summer.
One day we organized a picnic somewhere near the lake. We took food with us and rode to the
lake. We swam and sunbathed.
Watching movies
When we were tired of going to Galleria or doing Parties at home we decided to watch movies in
the club. We downloaded different kind of movies and watched.
Travelling
Travelling is the best way to get to know the country well. During my 9 months-stay in Poland I
travelled in Poland a lot. For travelling I had only the week-ends because I wanted my vocation
to be in France.
In Poland I visited as many cities I managed. But I was in the cities I had planned to visit before
coming to Poland such as Toruń, Kraków and Gdańsk. And I did, but not only these cities but
other cities as well. Now I will tell you about the cities I have been in Poland. Here there are.
Copyright by http://www.robertzalinyan.wordpress.com
Poland from my eyes
Poland (Polish: Polska), officially the Republic of Poland (Polish: Rzeczpospolita Polska), is a
country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to
the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast,
a Russian exclave, to the north. The total area of Poland is 312,679 square kilometres (120,726
sq mi), making it the 69th largest country in the world and the 9th largest in Europe. Poland has a
population of over 38 million people, which makes it the 34th most populous country in the
world and the sixth most populous member of the European Union, being its most populous post-
communist member. Poland is a unitary state made up of sixteen voivodeships. Poland is a
member of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), European Economic Area,
International Energy Agency, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Co-operation in
Europe, International Atomic Energy Agency and G6.
The establishment of a Polish state is often identified with the adoption of Christianity by its
ruler Mieszko I in 966, over the territory similar to that of present-day Poland. The Kingdom of
Poland was formed in 1025, and in 1569 it cemented a long association with the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania by signing the Union of Lublin, forming the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The
Commonwealth ceased to exist in 1795 as the Polish lands were partitioned among the Kingdom
of Prussia, the Russian Empire, and Austria. Poland regained its independence as the Second
Polish Republic in 1918. Two decades later, in September 1939, World War II started with the
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union invasion of Poland. Over six million Polish citizens died in
the war. Poland reemerged several years later within the Soviet sphere of influence as the
People's Republic in existence until 1989. During the Revolutions of 1989, communist rule was
overthrown and soon after, Poland became what is constitutionally known as the "Third Polish
Republic".
Despite the vast destruction the country experienced in World War II, Poland managed to
preserve much of its cultural wealth. Since the end of the communist period, Poland has achieved
a "very high" ranking in terms of human development and standard of living.
The culture of Poland is closely connected with its intricate 1000 year history. Its unique
character developed as a result of its geography at the confluence of various European regions.
With origins in the culture of the Proto-Slavs, over time Polish culture has been profoundly
influenced by its interweaving ties with the Germanic, Latinate and Byzantine worlds as well as
in continual dialog with the many other ethnic groups and minorities living in Poland.[2]
The
people of Poland have traditionally been seen as hospitable to artists from abroad and eager to
follow cultural and artistic trends popular in other countries. In the 19th and 20th centuries the
Polish focus on cultural advancement often took precedence over political and economic activity.
These factors have contributed to the versatile nature of Polish art, with all its complex nuances.
Nowadays, Poland is a highly developed country; however, it retains its tradition.