Last year, I was given the opportunity by Inygo-Malta – a network of Jesuits in Youth Ministry, to go on a year-long European Voluntary Service (EVS) experience in Chile.
The greatest journey is the inward journey
I worked with children and for their rights. It was not always easy, of course, but it was such a memorable experience, that I cannot express its worth in words.
There was another volunteer with me, and six others went to Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Every person drew from the experience what was meant for them at that point in their life. It left a strong mark on our values, mind and heart.
For some of us it has proved a meaningful turning point in our studies or careers, yet it does not necessarily have to be so.
Some have lived the experience and continued their life but see things differently. It has confirmed their career paths and they have returned to their work with renewed enthusiasm and new ideas.
In this European year for volunteering, I would like to appeal to young people who have the time and energy to reach out to others and give to the world some of that which is given freely to them.
Many young people are already involved in voluntary work in Malta and in short-term projects in Europe.
This invitation is for those more daring, who are ready to invest a little bit more of their life for others, who are ready to be immersed in another culture and let it take over for a while.
The contribution they make would bring a smile to people’s faces, it would give joy and peace both to the volunteers and the people they work with.
Though it may be small, the volunteers would make a difference, and they would feel a little different inside too.
The aim of an EVS experience is not only to reach out to people in another part of the world in various constructive ways.
It also helps volunteers become more aware of their qualities, strengths and weaknesses, helps them acquire new skills and widen their horizons. It gives one the ability to face challenges and start achieving things never thought possible before.
Like a seed, if nurtured well, it blossoms and lives on in other forms. What they learn accompanies them forever.
Not only would they not have wasted time, or missed out on employment opportunities, but they would have become more employable through this great opportunity of learning through non-formal means.
An EVS is also an opportunity for volunteers to look deeper within: to rediscover themself, spring-clean their priorities, truly look in themselves and their surroundings and unearth their dormant soul to find out what they really want.
The greatest journey is the inward journey. What if you had the chance to uncover what fulfills you most? To become more what you were meant to be? What if you had the opportunity to use your talents to make a difference, to make a change, and help carry other peoples’ cross? What if reality is still waiting for you?
What if you open our eyes, and dream... would you?
Ms Galea, 23, a graduate in Near Eastern Studies, returned from the EVS project in July.
EVS projects are part of the EU-funded Youth in Action Programmes.
For more information visit www.yia.eupa.org.mt.