My volunteering at Svitac (Firefly in Bosnia) – Şehri Tufekçıoglu, Turkey
I am Şehri Tufekçıoglu. I am 26 years old. I was born in Manisa. I am living in İzmir. I graduated from Adnan Menderes University’s department of Food and Beverage. At the same time, I studied English Preparation for a year at Adnan Menderes University.
I decided to study at the second university. I graduated from Anadolu University, Department of Social Services. I am a cook assistant. I love this job more. I want to improve myself in the field of cooking. I have worked in businesses such as cafes, restaurants and hotels for a long time. I feel that this job is closer to my heart. I like being in the kitchen. I want to start my own business one day.
I love travelling, getting to know new people and learning about different cultures. At the same time, I want to improve my English. One day I discovered the ESC page. It was a good opportunity to go abroad and improve my language. I immediately registered on this page and applied to projects constantly. Then Elmas called me. Elmas explained the details of this project. I applied. We got in touch with the Svitac (Firefly in Bosnia) immediately. We had a meeting with the group leader Dina and our mentor Miloš. They told us the details. After making all the necessary preparations, our tickets were bought and we arrived on April 4th. On the morning of April 4th, I landed in Sarajevo by plane and from here I travelled to Brcko by bus. It was 8.00pm when I arrived in Brcko. Milos greeted us and took us to our house.
I have never been abroad. I came here with this project. I had my first experience abroad. This is very special for me. Being in this country with traces of Turkish culture did not make me feel too far from home. I have worked with children before. I also worked with children here. I participated in different activities with young people. At the same time, I met other volunteers from different countries and I practised English constantly. I had the opportunity to learn the local language. In the first week, I observed the other volunteers and the children. In the second week, we prepared an activity for the children with my friend Elmas. In the third week, I made a presentation and in my last week, we continue to do different activities. I participated in activities with children during the week.
It was also enjoyable for me to be in Brčko because it is a safe, peaceful and comfortable city. Its people are very warm, friendly and smiling. Here I worked, learned and had a vacation on this project. I discovered different places and tastes in Brčko for a month. I met the local people.
Living in Brčko and my first project at Svitac (Firefly in Bosnia) was special for me because I met good friends here from different countries. I spent a long time with many children. I had fun and learned a lot. Being here increased my faith and motivation for the future. From here on, I want to apply for different projects in different countries. Being here also motivates me toward other projects. I hope it brings me luck. I made good memories here. Thank you GAP Association for the nice experience I had.
Şehri Tufekçıoglu, Turkey
Svitac’s (Firefly in Bosnia’s) volunteer, April 2022
