Belén (Spain)
Belén chose this project for its unique integration of arts, social work, alternative pedagogical methods, and nature. She brought her skills as an illustrator to the project, using her talents to promote various initiatives. She also organized activities for children related to arts, music, and capoeira. Her primary responsibilities included maintaining and beautifying the land, organizing activities for the forest school children, helping in the garden, cooking at the social cantina, and assisting Maria D’Alegria in organizing events, festivals, and visits.
“The people around are very interesting and nice, you find people from all over the world and different backgrounds.”
One of Belén’s most memorable experiences was the camaraderie with her fellow volunteers. They enjoyed sunny days bathing in the tank, learning to play the Adufe in Monsanto, organizing games with the children, attending concerts and activities, and planning dinners and trips together. These shared experiences created lasting memories and a strong sense of community, making her time at Descalças Cooperativa Integral truly special.
But Belén also faced challenges, such as the feeling of isolation and a wish for more local activities and opportunities to meet locals and practise the Portuguese language. Miscommunications within the project occasionally created discomfort, but these were resolved through honest and open dialogue.
Overall, this experience helped Belén set boundaries, build resilience, and adapt to changes. She also learned new approaches to working with children, the elderly, and people with special needs.
Irini (Greece)
In 2023, Bosque Escola Avelãs welcomed Irini for a nine-month volunteer project. Irini engaged in a variety of activities, including leading music sessions, helping the children write about the plants on the school’s farm, conducting science experiments, and organizing outdoor games. It was incredible for her to see the kids’ excitement and curiosity grow with each new activity. In addition to working with the Maxis, she also assisted in the kitchen and tended to the vegetable garden.
From day one, Irini felt a strong connection to the BEA maxi group and their supportive teacher, who encouraged her to take initiatives and try new ideas. Working closely with the teacher, they developed a professional bond that turned into a friendship, making Irini feel confident and valued.
“The skills and memories I gained from my time at the forest school will always be with me.“
Despite these positive experiences, Irini faced challenges. The school’s isolated location made transportation difficult without a car, and she sometimes felt lonely despite participating in many local cultural events. She missed being around people her age and interacting with diverse social groups beyond the school families.
Overall, Irini’s experience at Bosque Escola Avelãs was positive. She learned about resilience and the importance of community, and the skills and memories she gained will always stay with her.
“If you’re thinking about volunteering here, I highly recommend it. Be ready for some isolation, but also be prepared for a lot of warmth, creativity, and learning. With an open heart and a willingness to get involved, you’ll find this experience truly rewarding.“
Chiara (Italy)
“I really enjoyed spending time with the children, observing their funny behaviour and listening to their needs.“
In 2023, Bosque Escola Avelãs welcomed Chiara, a 23-year-old educator from Italy, for a project lasting four and a half months.
Chiara chose to volunteer at this forest school because of her deep interest in this type of education and her desire to put into practice what she had learned during her studies. Her responsibilities included helping and supervising the children, facilitating the work of the tutors, and leading various activities.
During her time at the school, Chiara learned a great deal about forest education. With the help of her tutors, she developed skills in non-violent communication and active listening to better understand and respond to the children’s needs.
Chiara also faced challenges during her project. The lack of transportation and not knowing Portuguese made it difficult for her to fully engage with the local culture and communicate with the children, leading to occasional feelings of isolation. However, she found strength in the support and camaraderie of her fellow volunteers. Despite these difficulties, Chiara’s experience was very rewarding.
In 2022 Descalças Cooperativa Integral received its first European Solidarity Corps volunteer and now the organization is hosting three volunteers. They participate in pedagogical activities as well as in partner projects (Maria d’Alegria, Férias na Quinta, Cantina Social, among others), developing their interests and learning in the areas of forestschool, nature regeneration, sustainability, food and culture.
Francesca (Italy)
Italian Frenju was the first volunteer to arrive in March 2022. She jokingly describes herself as the guardian of the farm. She maintains Terra d´Amor by gardening, building and painting. She also follows Maria Simões (Maria d’Alegria) to her shows as a technician and a scenographer. From time to time Frenju works with the children of the BEA.
Being a volunteer for me is to have the volition to change things for the better, help and leave a sign, Frenju says.
The strong will to change the world also brings challenges. Frenju feels that during the year as a volunteer she has understood that she is a strong person and that challenges are part of life.
Paiju describes: Francesca is the most efficient person I know. I would need years to complete the things she can get done in one. She will always have time to help you and in the meantime you will laugh so much that your stomach hurts. I honestly did not think I could call someone one of my best friends after half a year.
Paiju (Finland)
In September 2022, Paiju (a Finnish volunteer) joined the project. Most of her work is related to the BEA Mini. She assists the educators and plans activities for the children. She also helps to take care of the needs of the Mini, whether it is with the maintenance of the cabin or making hand-crafted toys.
My culture is quite different from the Portuguese one and it is the best and the hardest part of being here, she says.
According to her, the new environment offers a great opportunity to learn but in the challenging moments, it is difficult to find familiar, comforting things. In those moments it is important to have people around you: “I feel that the community gives me space to grow and learn and offers support when I need it.”
Zoё describes: Paiju is a great part of the family of the Quinta, she brings fun, creativity and a joyful and caring energy with her. Her musical talents are a great addition for us at the farm, and we are blessed to regularly hear her angelic voice and Finnish harp at events. She’s socially engaged and interested with a vision for what living together well means, but is also dynamic and open and excited by new experiences.
Zoё (Denmark)
Zoё joined the project recently in January 2023. She participates in the lessons of the BEA Maxi and accompanies the group from the morning until the end. She also plans and implements activities:
“There is a lot of space for ideas and to create things”, Zoё says.
Planning activities is an opportunity for her to learn to be more confident in taking the initiative. Zoё describes volunteering followingly: “It is fun to be a volunteer here. In comparison to other places I have volunteered, it feels very much like you´re an integrated part of the project. You are a part of a community and they are kind of a family where people care about each other and think about you.” She thinks that the challenges she faces create space for learning: “It can be a bit challenging with the language especially but it is also one of the best ways to learn. You get kind of thrown into the deep end and hopefully you develop that skill”
Francesca describes: Zoё is nice and she is a good worker. I think she really believes in this project so she puts a lot of effort into this project and the children, and everyone in this world. She is a safe person so you can be yourself with her.