Ani Butiashvili is a Georgian volunteer who joined Polish Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability, in Poland and carries out her long-term European Solidarity Corps project funded by Erasmus +. Read what she says about her upcoming experience:

”I am Ani Butiashvili, who loves traveling and discovering. I have recently graduated from Ilia State University and got a degree in Graphic Design. Since I have decided to take a gap year before pursuing MA studies, I intended to spend my free time productively. I am convinced that volunteering is exactly what I need.

Initially, when I was selected by my future organization, I was not fully aware that my life was about to change. However, after having conversation with my future co-volunteers and program coordinators, I have no doubt that it will be a huge step forward in my life. During my stay in Gdansk, I will be contributing to the formation and development of the imaginary and creative side of intellectually disabled people. I love the idea that I will be able to help others, share my experience and ideas with them and make their life more joyful and interesting. Instead, I will be able to gain experience from the people who see the world in a different way than me.

Before I visited Poland for the first time, I didn’t expect that this country would become one of my favorites. However, when I was leaving it, I already knew that it wasn’t my last visit. Spending almost a year away from my family and leaving my comfort zone might be hard, however, that’s exactly where the magic happens.

Having an opportunity to live in an international society is very interesting for me. I am looking forward to challenge myself in new situations and therefore, to grow as a person. I believe that such situations help us to discover ourselves in a different way. The fact, I will be a part of the people who love music and art excites me a lot. At the end of the day, despite my fears, I am ready to explore new things, ready to move to a new page and start writing a new chapter of my life.” – Anni Butiashvili