In general, volunteering abroad is an experience about growing in every way and, like all growth, it is also going to have a bit of difficult parts about feeling alone, getting frustrated for not being able to do some things that at home we could, for not being able to express ourselves and communicate 100%, etc.

But, precisely for this reason, it is an experience that teaches you a lot and gives you more tools to better manage the challenges that come your way.

Specifically in the case of Tandem, you are going to experience a little from the inside what it is like to grow up in an institution. Tandem has some very positive values and objectives regarding the vision of people with disabilities and their non-life (we could call it that) within the institutions. Sharing a space (which can give us a somewhat approximate idea of the situation) helps you, later, with a critical look, to observe the different institutions that exist in this and other environments. The different cages, some of gold and others of corrupted metal that society has created to contain differences.

On the other hand, since we share so much time together, we learn a lot to “read people”, both the kids who live in the institution and the volunteers who share a little piece of your life with you. Knowing how to read those glances and those small gestures that show the likes and fears of each one. Understand that communication goes beyond language. But, also, to understand yourself better, what you need to be better, the limits you need, but also what scares you. Being able to say “I’m not okay”.

And, above all, living all those processes that you do with yourself in company and at the same time being present in those of others, also learning to respect the rhythms that each one has.

In short, grow.

Like I said, Tandem fights on different levels to make the cages disappear. But, meanwhile, the people who make up Tandem, including us as volunteers, use their time and energy to share moments with the young people and children of PIKPA and that the things in life weigh, at least for a while, a little less. They are a significant part of the life of many lives.

Afternoons in the park, impromptu dances, Christmas songs totally out of tune and swimming in the sea that leave you feeling like new. Without forgetting, of course, the wonderful cooking recipes and the tickles that are shared in a universal language. Listening to “pu pate?” every Saturday morning when you go to have breakfast and feeling like in your childhood town greeting with a “ti kanis?” to the boys you meet in the park.

I feel very happy to have been a part of this and that Tandem has let me into the lives of the youth and children of PIKPA.
Ευχαριστώ για όλα

Cris 🙂