Voluntariado en Equipo

¿Cómo es hacer tres semanas de voluntariado en Asociación Al Hamam con el Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad?

Después de la primera semana, mis notas hablaban así: la primera semana fue para mí un arcoíris de emociones y sentimientos. Tal vez sea difícil de describir, pero lo que definitivamente siento es gratitud. Estoy agradecida por la gente que conocí, por las historias confiadas, por la sinceridad y la diversidad, por las manos tendidas para ayudar, por la curiosidad y la voluntad de intentarlo una y otra vez, por saber que a veces los objetivos sólo pueden alcanzarse juntos, y a veces no se alcanzan, pero no pasa nada. Por los que creen que la perfección es hacer las cosas lo mejor posible, a su tiempo y reconociendo sus límites. Por el presente, que es lo más valioso que tenemos.

Después de la tercera semana definitivamente no sabia como describir la experiencia, ha sido necesario un poquito de tiempo para buscar las palabras. Cortijo es un espacio mágico, donde personas diferentes pueden encontrar objetivos comunes compartiendo experiencias de vidas que para muchas son totalmente nuevas: plantar árboles, construir paredes con la técnica de piedra seca, cuidar del huerto y de los espacios, hacer yoga y meditación… Es un lugar que también te pone a prueba con su calor, esfuerzo físico, espacios compartidos y, sobre todo para mí, te pone en escucha activa contigo misma. De hecho, la prisa inducida por el consumismo deja paso aquí a la naturaleza y su cuidado, y al mismo tiempo crea espacio para las personas y su cuidado: como decía un cartel que me encanto, en el Cortijo cuidamos de la tierra, de las personas y de nosotros mismos y nosotras mismas “Cuidar de la tierra, cuidar de la gente, cuidarnos”.

Agradezco esta experiencia y la personas que han caminado, trabajado, cantado, bailado, vivido todo esto conmigo. ¿Si te la aconsejo? 

¡Claramente si!

Chiara (Italia), 

Participante del proyecto "ViTA: Life, Land and Water",  Septiembre 2024.

Testimonials from participants in the ViTA 3 activity in September 2023

My first week volunteering at the ViTA project has been incredibly fulfilling! I've had the opportunity to work on bioconstruction, the farm, and the garden, as well as assist in community tasks like cooking and cleaning. The teamwork has been amazing—everyone is so supportive and enthusiastic, making each task enjoyable. Whether it was building with sustainable materials or taking care of the plants, I’ve learned so much already. The community aspect, especially working together, has really bonded us. I’m excited for the weeks to come!

Anna (Poland)

¿Qué he aprendido? / What did I learn?

 Por participantes de la actividad ViTA 2 en Septiembre 2023. / By participants of the ViTA 2 Activity in September 2023.

No es la primera vez que estoy de voluntario en esta asociación, pero no cabe lugar a dudas de que sigo aprendiendo gracias a esta experiencia. Y es que es un espacio perfecto, fertilizado con purín de ortiga y hummus de lombriz, rodeado de personas conscientes, grandes ejemplos de realización personal y experiencia en temas de ecoaldeas y lucha por el modo de vida sostenible y natural, todo esto hace que el crecimiento personal sea exponencial, directamente proporcional al amor y cariño que se cultiva. En mi caso, ejemplos concretos, sigo aprendiendo día a día a relacionarme con las personas, practicando valores imprescindibles para mí como lo son la humildad y transparencia, que a su vez descubrí que tenía que trabajar en ellos la primera vez que pisé esta aldea. 

El trabajo en grupo ya es totalmente natural para mí, entender a los que me rodean sin necesidad de palabras, pero a su vez teniendo mucho cuidado en dejar el espacio suficiente para intercambiarlas. La escucha la practico todos los días, y cada día agradezco más lo que mis compañeros se sienten cómodos de compartir conmigo. Sigo practicando el atesorar cada momento, escuchar como estoy en mi interior, cuanta energía tengo y actuar acorde a ello, practicando siempre la economía del don, que también aprendí aquí. Dar siempre sin juzgar ni esperar recibir, orgánica y altruistamente, creando una convivencia perfecta y fluida. En definitiva, diría que hay pocas cosas que no esté aprendiendo, o por o menos, dentro de las que realmente son necesarias para la vida plena.

Leo (España)

What i learned in this project so far. By working in the eco village I learned a lot about sustainable ways of gardening. About water systems in the desert, which is completely new for me, about the struggle that this part of Europe deals with in terms of desertification. I learned about alternative ways of leaving, about the importance of community. I also learned new words in Spanish, by working with people that do not know English I could improve my language skills.

Gosia (Poland)

I learned to integrate with nature here. I have learned to live in the moment and that our inner peace comes before everything else, and I have started to discover my own self during my stay here.I have learned about the things that are good and bad for my mood. Living with people from different cultures and sharing the same space has added a lot to me. I'll definitely be changed when I leave here. Thank you for this opportunities.

Dilay (Turkey)

I've learned many different things about the surrounding area and it's environment. I understood the importance of the ecovillages and their attempts to create a new successful community of people. It's interesting by several points of view: the closeness with nature and the lack of familiarity with it if we think about people that come from the city; the importance of connect the human with its roots; the features of a ecosustainable village. I went thorough with the importance of emotions in a little community and it's "emotive laws" which is relevant as well by a sociological point of view. That's what I learned until now.

Maurizio (Italy)

I learned how to properly plant certain types of vegetables here.  But I also learned how to properly plant trees in a dry, non-forested area in order to reforest the area.  In addition, I learned how to build a stone wall using the traditional method.  Additionally, I can say that I am still learning how to live in a closed, small community in harmony with nature, animals and other people.  For example how to manage emotions, to work with group energy.  Mantra singing and yoga workshops are also very interesting for me to learn more.

Malwina (Poland)

These few days have been so intense. I am feeling very well and grateful for the opportunity that I have to take part in this project, for all the amazing people that I have the chance to meet and to know, for all the moments, the feelings and the stories that we are sharing together. It seems like we have been knowing each other for a long time and I can’t believe that only 2 weeks have passed since we arrived here. I think I changed and learned a lot in this short period of time. And I think that the only rule is to be open and respectful to every point of view. 

Andreea (Italy)

I learned a lot about permaculture and its mechanisms of sustainable food growth. I was also taught a lot about the local plant symbiotic systems and which plants adapt to certain climate conditions. Another aspect I think was very interesting was the techniques of how to make soil in the area more fertile which for example include composting, drip irrigation and reforestation. The yoga and meditation workshops were amazing and helped me to become more conscious about my mind and body.

Julia (Germany)

What competences (skills, knowledge and attitudes) have I improved or acquired in this volunteering?

By participants of the Land, Life and Water Project in September 2023.

Communication skills were another vital aspect of my experience. In such a diverse and inclusive environment, effective communication was crucial to understanding and respecting the perspectives of people from various backgrounds. I learned how to express my ideas clearly and listen actively, fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual respect.

Inclusion was a fundamental principle of the eco village. I witnessed the power of inclusivity in action as people from different cultures and walks of life came together to work towards a common goal. It reinforced the idea that diversity strengthens a community and allows for more innovative solutions to ecological challenges.

Time management took on a new significance in the eco village. With a busy schedule of farming, sustainable living practices, and community events, I had to learn how to prioritize tasks efficiently. This experience taught me to make the most of my time and appreciate the value of a well-structured day.

Finally, my time in the eco village provided me with a unique education in ecological studies. I had the chance to immerse myself in sustainable farming practices, renewable energy systems, and conservation efforts. This hands-on learning experience deepened my understanding of the environment and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Overall, my summer in the Spanish eco village was a holistic learning experience that touched on teamwork, communication, inclusion, time management, and ecological studies. It left me with a profound appreciation for sustainable living and the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world.

Alpar (Romania)

I learnt how to speak in front of people, even when our opinion is not the same, or is the oposite. I learnt how to respect people who don't have the same opinion as me.

I diveloped my language skills.

I got new friends, and I know now a lot of different points of views.

David (Romania)

This week in the cortijo I learned the importance and the features of the permacultures, the benefic effects of some earbs that grow naturally in this environment, I learned to recognise them and their specific uses. In the spare time, I even learned the basic guitar chords, thanks to help and the relationship with other volunteers. At last, I understood the importance of some identity issues according to their political beliefs and the way to communicate about controversial topics in a non violent way. 

Maurizio (Italy)

Skills, I learned how to build water systems for the garden, I learned more about composting, planting trees and reforestation in deserted areas. I learned a lot about yoga and being in touch with my body and mind. I learned more about myself thru living in a community. I also learned about Spanish culture thru events such as salsa dance. And about ecology in general. 

Gosia (Poland)

Testimonials from participants in the ViTA 1 activity in March 2023

Since the very first moment, we had a very warm welcoming, everybody is very nice. It's very peaceful see the colours of sunrise while we do yoga and clearly see the starts when the night falls.

For the first week we have been doing activities in the association garden and learning very interesting new things about bioconstruction and arboriculture like learning how to do a stone wall or how to make fertilizers and insecticides with plants and water! 

Feeling and living this sustainable lifestyle is very refreshing and we are looking forward for the next weeks! ☀️

Inês and Margarida from Portugal