Work for Good

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…

What could a Portuguese person, an Armenian, a Georgian, a Ukrainian, a Pole and a Spaniard have been doing in Bakuriani? Now we know the answer. Together, this motley crew turned this city into their playground, creating memories that would be talked about for years to come. From snowball fights to impromptu dance-offs, their time in Bakuriani was a riotous blend of fun, happiness and friendship.

During a week, lost in the high peaks of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia, 31 participants from these six countries worked together, got to know each other and created memories that will stay with them forever. Brought together for their passion about volunteering and a deep wish to go beyond their limits, we discussed the myriad ways in which we can contribute to improving our communities and local realities; for a week, a question never left our minds – “How can we be better citizens”. This communitarian sense was constantly felt in every moment and interaction, with mutual aid and comradery characterizing the ethos of our project.

Our first interaction took place on a shaky marshrutka that took us from the centre of Tbilisi to Bakuriani. This bumpy, windy road served as a prelude for the coming days. Through highs and lows, twists and turns, we managed to get the best from each one of us and reach our end destination – albeit tired, we felt accomplished.

The first days saw these strangers slowly turning into old friends with the aid of different tasks and games, breaking the thick mountain ice. By playing bingo and speed-dating we managed to warm up the atmosphere in the hotel that was our home. And then it came… the event that really brought us all together – the Georgian cultural night. For some ours we were all immersed in the beautiful Kartuli culture, its history, songs, and food. Miq’vars Saqartvelo!

Over the next few days, we discussed the intricacies of volunteering on our home countries, how it functions, where it could be improved and how we involve ourselves in that reality, always with a critical mind that took us beyond the superficial and into the deep waters of material inequalities and prejudice. We role-played as NGOs, media conglomerates, citizens and governments; we discussed how our education systems work (and, often, don’t); and we even got to create our own social initiatives and programs – community centers, digital support for the elderly, animal protection, etc.

Our free time was equally as exciting and enriching as the activities themselves: many of us experienced skiing and snowboarding for the first time, explored Bakuriani and even got to see Borjomi, where the best water in the world comes from (citation needed).

And every day we got to know more about each country! The Armenian cartoons and lavash, the Spanish Holy Week, the Polish language, the Portuguese Repúblicas and desserts, and the Ukrainian salo – these were some of the many amazing things we shared with great joy.

Now we’ve departed, but the feelings remain!

22.02.2024

Bakuriani, Georgia