Hello from Slovenia!

Us

We have been here now four weeks and time has gone so fast. Slovenia is amazing country with stunning nature and friendly people. The village where we are staying in is called Begunje na Gorenskjem, and it`s about an hour drive from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

Other volunteers who we share our house and work with are from Norway, Estonia, Belgium, Georgia and Macedonia. Here lives also three crazy bunnies and two cats and a hamster.

We have been working with some handicraft projects and outdoor work and also planned activities for children. Usually we play with children on wednesday, friday and saturday afternoons and on thursdays there comes school kids from the local school. On fridays we work at the center of people with disabilities.

Handicrafts

Painting the fence

Outdoor work

On our free days we have been travelling around in Slovenia and also went to Zagreb in Croatian.

Castle in Begunje

Begunje na Gorenskjem

Church that`s on top of the mountain behind Vila Cira Cara (the house where we live)

Metelkova in Ljubljana

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia

Zagreb

Zagreb

Zagreb

Mountains in Slovenia

Trip to the mountains

Street in Ljubljana

Lake

Pauliina and Jonna

Hey! I'm Pauliina.

Name: Pauliina Suonio

Age: 23

Why I'm going to Slovenia? I’m going to Slovenia because I want to have new experiences.
I haven’t been in Slovenia or worked in another country. I also want to meet new people and see what’s every day life in Slovenia like.

What are you expecting for your time in a foreign country? I’m expecting to see beautiful Slovenian nature. I have heard that it is stunning. I also expect to become better English speaker in foreign country.

Is there something you find exciting? I find working another country exiting. And also I’m exited to use English more.

What are your hobbies? What kind of stuff are you interested in? I’m interested in many things. I do yoga, run and meditate. I’m very creative person so I most of the time paint, draw or shoot pictures with my camera and edit pictures. Most of my paintings and photos are gothic because I’m very in to goth subculture and goth is what I am. I’m also interested of metal music and goth music, science, pagan religions, conspiracy theories and psychic powers.

What is the most important thing you're going to stow with you? My camera.

What would you like to tell about your homeland to people you'll meet in your destination?
About finnish language and old pagan culture of Finland.

What do you wish for your future? What is your dream? I wish to become my greatest version. I also dream to publish my action comics, make epic animation movies of them in future and have great time and future with my boyfriend.

Hei!

Name: Jonna

Age: 23

Why I'm going to Slovenia? Traveling has always been an interest for me, so when I heard that I could go living and working in Slovenia for two months, it sounded like a way too good opportunity to miss. Also I can't wait to get to know some Slovenian language and culture.

What are you expecting for your time in a foreign country?

I want to gain new experiences and meet new people. And I want to practice my English.

Is there something you find exciting?

I´m waiting to explore the village that we are staying in and see the mountains and nature. Also it will be fascinating just to see some differences between cultures in everyday life.

What are your hobbies? What kind of stuff are you interested in? I read a lot, watch movies, play videogames etc. I´m interested about science and technology.

What is the most important thing you're going to stow with you?

Laptop.

What would you like to tell about your homeland to people you'll meet in your destination?

Something about our culture and language.

What do you wish for your future? What is your dream?

First I wish I could go to school. In the future I want to travel and live abroad some time. I also dream of starting my own company.

Feelings about returning home!

Hello guys!

It's been 3 weeks since I came1 back home from Finland. I have finally found some time to write this post. To be honest, I don't even know how to describe my feelings, because I've been too busy studying (you know - attending the faculty from the morning 'till evening, then studying etc.) that this is actually the first time when I sat down and started really processing things.

This has been an amazing experience for me! I've learned a lot of new things and gained a lot of new skills. I haven't really realised it until I had to aplly my knowledge about Finnish culture to my studying, until school-mates started asking questions "What were you doing? What did you learn? Would you like to go back?" It was very hard for me to adjust back to my "normal" life, because I got used of living in Finland and speaking English, I miss that :( .

I know I will defenitely come back to Finland! My goal is to study really hard and after two years go back to Finland, to study there-I hope I will make it! Country is amazing, people I've met are amazing (I still keep in touch with them). This was an amazing period of life for me, and I'm really thankfull to the EVS project and all people cooperating in it for giving me this oppurtunity.

Soooooo I hope you won't be angry but after a whole day of studying I want to catch one episode of Family guy (amazing TV-series by the way!).

At the end I would only like to say, that I wish to the other volunteers to have the best experience while living and working abroad, no mather in which country you are - just pull the best out of it, it's worth it! :)

Teja

Teja, Denis and the gang!

On Wednesday we had Teja's and Denis's farewell and good bye-party! They got their Youthpasses, we all got to enjoy some coffee and carrot cake in the luchcafeteria workshop. Emotional speeches were given and just hanging together for the last time, at least for now :)

Thank you some much for everyone involved in :) Teja and Denis we hope for you a nice and safe journey home and of course everything good for your future! Hopefully we will hear from you guys soon <3

Terhi, coordinator

What's happening? Regards from the coordinator!

Hi everyone! I thought that I could let you in to see whats happening in the "scenes" :)

As you know, we have had our first volunteers here in Lahti, Teja and Denis from Slovenia. Working with them has been awesome! Tomorrow we are doing things concerning coordinator role; checking receips from the traveling here, getting signatures to the participant list, they will give us feedback about the period and some other things as well.

In the same time Mikko is in Slovenia. We have been in touch with him by messages, checking up how is he doing there, what's the work been there like etc.

Also we have keeping contact with Slovenian workers Barbara and David by email. Just to let everybody in the same page and checking that everything is going as it's planned :)

AND! November is coming fast! So this means that the volunteers from Sweden are coming to Lahti at Ohjaamo :) We have been in contact with Anna in Sweden, sending different documents and agreements to her and of course planning together the period with our EVS-team! We are hoping to have a skype meeting with Anna and the volunteers before they arrive here.

So lots and lots of emails, WhatsApp messages, writing documents, doing things together and enjoying our work! I think it's refeshing to do work with international level. It might take a little bit of more time to write the emails and documents in english, but if the volunteers and youngsters have learning experiances, so do us workers! And it's been nice to notice how youngsters in the workshops speak english, take part in the conversations and help our volunteers to adjust living here in Lahti.

We had a attitude indicator with our younsters in Drama, Media and Interior desing workshops before Denis and Teja arrived. The goal of this indicator was to discuss about attitudes, prejudices and how do the volunteers see Finland and Lahti when they come here for the firts time.  We are having the second meeting with the younsters next week. It's also about giving an opportunity to the younsters tell and talk about what they have learned from internationalism and possible tell if have they learned something about themselves! We are doing these indicators in every period that happens in Lahti. So stay tuned, we will make a summary of it.

Can't wait the to see the next volunteers!

Terhi, coordinator 

Meet me halfway!

Hellou! :)

Sooo half of my journey is already over. What can I say about past two weeks? Well I was attending interior design workshop, where I've learned a lot of new things - I made my own apron, I was painting the walls, learned how to sew and a loooot more.

My very first apron :)

I've met a lot of great youngsters during my "journey", I've learned a lot about Finnish culture, differences between Slovenia and Finland. I'm kind of sad that my days in interior design workshop are over, but now I'm going to media, where again I will learn a lot of new things + I'm going to be neigbours with my previous workshop, yaaay :)

Gift from the youngsters working with me in interior design workshop :)

We've been also having Finnish lessons, went to Swimming and visited Naomi camp, where I've tried my skills in Frisbee-golf, enjoying the nature by the lake, and had a nice time drinking coffee by the open fire. Guess what - I went to yoga for the first time and actually realized that yoga aren't just "standing on the head" poses, but that is actually allowed to fall asleep - yep, you've heard that right.

Yoga instructor on the left, and Susanna on the right (Thanks to her I've tried yoga for the first time) :)

Finnish lessons :)

Lake at Naomi camp - At first I actually tought It was the sea haha :)

Well I think this is all for now. There is a lot going on, every day I learn something new, but let's leave it for another time, shall we? :)

Warm regards from cold Finland!

Teja

Still alive! :)

Hello!

We are still alive. We are veeeeeeery happy, both volunteers and mentors about our staying here and meeting each other. At the beginning we didn't know each other but now we have a great bond, We have the same interests, taste in music, movies and share the same values about life.

We all LOVE black humor. Thank God there is three more weeks left, because time goes reeeealy fast! 

Making weird faces with mentors (They are amazing by the way!) :p

We have eaten Finnish food (and luckily we're still alive), we went to the swimming pool, gym, we've learned some of the Finnish words (and we didn't break our tongue), some of them sounded like we were singing, and the others one sounded like we're going to throw up haha :) 

Our Finnish teachers Tanja and Kati :)

Traditional Finnish meal (Lauri is the "picture jumper") :)

Workshops are pretty awesome. Every day we are learning and experiencing new things, that we've never done before. Work coaches are amazing, they are very helpful and understanding!

You will hear from us soon, so that you'll know we're still alive!

Riina, Irene, Denis & Teja

Bon voyage, Teja & Denis!

Have a great journey and awesome learning experience in Lahti Youth Services and around the "perimeter"! 

Warm regards from me and my friend(s)!! :)

The EVS-appartment is almost ready and waiting for you guys!

Teja and Denis! You will be the first lucky ones who will be living in our new appartment in Sammonkatu :) Interrior decoration worksshop with the youngsters has been working last week and doing the painting jobs and making the appartment nice for you :) They will continue the work for couple of days this week to get the furnitures in! If I were you, I would like to live there, hih ;) We hope you like it what we have done with the place. And the best thing, see you two soon! Jia!

Some fresh paint!

Terhi, Coordinator

Hello from Slovenia!

Hey guys!

How are you doing? :) Sooooo, where to begin.. there are 5 days left until our arrival to Finland. My preparations for going abroad are almost finished (all of the formal things, getting new haircut ofcourse :D) , there is one more thing that is left- packing, this is the hardest thing, believe me. Right now I'm wearing t-shirt and shorts because is so warm here in Slovenia and right now I'm making the list of "what to take with me".. I defenitely won't forget sweater and jacket. You know that feeling when you think you've taken everything with you, but then you forget something? Yeah, me too, that is why I'm making that list. :)

I'm already counting the days until our arrival, I'm veeeeeeery excited to come to Finland again. I've already been there once and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. I hope I will make a lot of new friendships and spread my horizons about the "unknown things".

 Challenge accepted! 

 See you all very soon, greetings from Slovenia :)

Teja

On-arrival training with Mikko and his group

Traditionally, when the weather is nice, I do on-arrival trainings outside, under the walnut tree at the entrance of the Vila. This tree became kind of our summer check-in place for workshops, evaluations and other meetings, but at the same time also a nice playing spot for the children and with its’ deep shade, the best place to chill-out during the hot days.

This time, the training was done with six volunteers: Mikko from Finland, Theo and Benjamin from France, Anka and Adrien from Romania and Youssef from Sardinia. 

The introduction started with a short get-to-know activity and a small challenge of how are we able to communicate without speaking. It’s hard, but possible. J After that, we went into the details of the volunteers hosting organization, it’s aims, goals and vision. It’s really empowering to share our learning processes with the volunteers and vice versa, and with the help of our volunteers’ new ideas, their fresh heads, hands and hearths being able to continue building a comfortable and safe place for experiental learning, for the local children and other curious souls. The intercultural dimension which volunteers bring, is an awesome value which can change also the people who are indirectly involved in our projects: by-passers, neighbours, parents etc.

Hey, what about volunteering? What does volunteering mean to us? Are volunteers able to do their job better that a professional? Where is the learning in this story? What are the volunteers’ rights, responsibilities and commitments in our local reality? Do we need to pay to be volunteers? These are just a few questions when we discuss about the background of the volunteering and at the same time open our way for the practicalities of every-day life in the Vila.

After the pre-departure trainings, all the flights and journeys to arrive in this small village “under the mountain”, it is time that the volunteers lift their anchors and start to sail. Like in all new oceans, it is important to set our compasses, astrolabes and other instruments to prepare for the storms that might come. But we can’t get ready for the storms, if we don’t know in which direction the winds blow, how the streams behave and what is behind the horizon. For these reasons, we continued the training by having a hike around the village.

First check point is usually at the memorial park behind the old manor, where we run an activity about our cultural backgrounds, what living in a community is about, which are the obstacles and challenges, coming along with these topics.

After giving the volunteers some time to adapt to the first “waves”, the first challenges come. Finding a way to our destination – the old Castle Kamen can be fun, but with a serious learning process behind it.

When the group arrived to the small crossroads in the forest, me as a coordinator (named “United Nonsense-UN” :) ) proposed to democratically vote for the path we should take. The first question was, whose votes count? Wait a second, what is the majority of voting? Then what? Are we voting for the path or for a person who should have the power to decide which path to take? Should we then elect a leader? Is that leader then an absolute leader or can he or she be a democratic leader? What is better – a bad democratically elected leader or a good dictator? And many many more... The group trusted the elected leader, the leader did everything not to become a tyrant, and they all accepted their actions with understanding and high awareness.

After continuing the walk to finally reach our destination, we ran into a place where ancient settlements used to be. Today, this place is a nice climbing area and perfect climax to use the climbing metaphor: stepping out of our comfort zones, accepting and dealing with new challenges, preparing for and using the proper routes to reach the goal, trusting yourself and the persons next to you in case you fall down, using not only the force but also the technique when dark days come and so on. Hopefully, one day we can actually try our climbing skills here :)

The last part of the training was held at the castle Kamen. Being tired from the hike, all the activities and so many new information, the only thing left was to come closer and congratulate each other for doing a great job!

However, the training doesn’t finish here… :)

Introducing Denis and Teja, the volunteers from Slovenia

"We're doing good, so let's continue with this story!" said someone at the APV , and the rest agreed :) And now is the time that new volunteers from Slovenia meet Finland and that Finland meets them!

The two volunteers who will very soon take part in Lahti Youth Services drama, multimedia and interior design projects, are Teja and Denis. Being very open, they will be really happy to answer any questions you might have.

Teja

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Where are you going?

To Finland.

Age: 19

Why I'm going to Finland?

One of the main reasons why I to go to Finland is to gain new experiences, to see things I've maybe never seen, to do things I've maybe never done. The second reason is meeting new people, creating new friendships, changing the environment I live in and to »expand my horizons« a little bit.

What are you expecting for your time in foreign country?

I expect adventure, to learn something new, get to know even more about Finnish culture and everything written above.

Is there something that you find exciting?

Nothing in particular. I believe that everything can be exciting if you make it that way.

What are your hobbies? What kind of stuff are you interested in?

Denis & Teja

My hobbies would be singing and reading books. I'm interested in many different things, because I know that there are so many things I would like to experience and learn. I can't expose nothing in particular, because I'm very open to do stuff I've never done before, and learn new things.

What is the most important thing you're going to take with you?

The most important thing I will take with me is my optimism, smile and a will to gain new experiences.

What would you like to tell about your homeland to people you'll meet in your destination?

Anything they would like to know about, maybe break some stereotypes about Slovenian people if there are any.

What you wish for your future? What is your dream?

I don't know what to expect, I don't even know what exactly I want for my future, because I believe we are making our own destinies. I've always dreamed about finishing my college, settling down, having a family and travelling around the world.

Denis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Where are you going?

To Finland.

Age: 30

Why I'm going to Finland?

I'm going to Finland to improve my English, to meet new people, to gain new working experiences and learn something about Finnish culture.

What are you expecting for your time in foreign country?

To enjoy in every single activity and to be surrounded by optimistic people. 

Is there something that you find exciting?

Changing the environment, to get along with co-workers, smiling at the workplace as much as possible. I would really love to see the capital city and visit my Finnish friends there.

What are your hobbies? What kind of stuff are you interested in?

My hobbies are sport, reading books, listening to music, watching good movies.

What is the most important thing you're going to take with you?

Positive Slovenian energy and attitude.

What would you like to tell about your homeland to people you'll meet in your destination?

That Slovenia has a lot of beautiful highlights, a lot of nature, that we are very opened and talkative.

What you wish for your future? What is your dream?

To work in a global company and maintain my financial stability, also to improve my German language, to improve my “peaceful state of mind”, to be happy as much as possible, to buy new apartment and to have a family.

Their story is to be continued and we're all very much excited to hear about it!

Mikko and Olli-Pekka are heading to Slovenia!

Important moment! Mikko and Olli-Pekka are signing up the Volunteer's application for the next September and October. They will be heading to Slovenia and spend two months in a super beautiful place surrounded by mountains and other volunteers. Are you ready Slovenia?!

We'll keep updating their planning and preparation! Enjoy the summer folks!

Anna-Kaisa
Coordinator

Advance planning visit 2.-3.6.2016 in Lahti

The first mobility in our project took place in the beginning of June when Laura (Ireland), Annika (Sweden) and David (Slovenia) came to Lahti! We had two days full of conversations and success. We also had an amazing weather, days were heat all day and night long :)

The purpose of the advance planning visit is as the name says; plan together with all the partners and discuss about the coming activities, get to know how each organization is arranging practicalities like accommodation for volunteers, do joint operating agreements and go throw the financial side as well. All hard work but interesting and exciting to think about the awesome experiences what volunteers can have through this project.

From Lahti we had several people, workers and youngsters along these two days.

So that our visitors would know what their volunteers are doing to do in our workshops, we had a tour! Our youngster, Mikko, was our tour guide when we visited the catering, arts and crafts, car and metal and carpentry workshops. Oh yeah, Mikko is also chosen to do his period in Slovenia at the beginning of September :) So you will hear more about him later on.

But our hard work in the morning going throw the project and presenting our organizations to each other’s for a reminder, we had to have lunch before the tour! Youngsters in cafeteria had translated the menu to us.

Pictures from to workshop tour:

After the tour we went to Ohjaamo Lahti where volunteer from Sweden will be working at the end of this year. Ohjaamo is only a walking distance away from Sammonkatu, so we met up with Juuso who is doing his period in Ireland and walked there together. Laura and Juuso got to talk about their coming teamwork. Laura told Juuso what kind of volunteer work Juuso is going to do and Juuso got to tell about himself to Laura.

At the end of the day we visited Niemi youth club where the volunteers are staying in Lahti and rest of the day we spend working in the harbor, discussing how each organization is arranging practicalities.

In Finland we even have moving Sauna’s :DD

The second day was also full of work!

We discussed around topics; roles of different people in the project, agreements about project management etc. The day was full of conversations and result was for example updated risks assessment and we shared good practises about trainings.

This blog and how we are going to use it in this project was also on discussion. So that you will know what we decided you should stay tuned! ;)

Vesa for media workshop was helping us with the blog

So that the hole day wouldn’t just been sitting around we had again lunch in cafeteria workshop. After that we continued the workshop tour. We visited media, interior decoration and environment workshops. During the tour Laura met up with Allu, who is our other volunteer leaving to Ireland :)

Vesa and Saija from the media workshop

One workshop is still missing from the tour! So that’s why we went to see Drama workshops show in Ohjaamo Lahti later on that evening. Although the show “Tunto”, “feeling”, was performed in Finnish, our visitors got the hang of it and liked it! As well we all :)

Reason why we got to know the workshops in Lahti was because now by seeing their own eyes Laura, Annika and David can tell their youngsters and show pictures what’s the place and people about :) For anyone who’s going to a new place, you know that it’s easier and nicer to come when you know something before :) The same thing when Juuso and Allu met up with Laura!

We were all pleased about the two days working together. Now the project continues on, we will make use of all the information that we gained from the APV and will start sending and hosting volunteers, do what this project is about!

Terhi
Finland's coordinator