Barbare Turmanidze is a Georgian volunteer who joined Casa da Juventude de Amarante in 2025 and carried out her long-term European Solidarity Corps project funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. Read more about her experience below:

“Hi! I’m Barbare from Georgia 🇬🇪 — though friends know me by many names. Some call me Barbie, but our volunteer group in CJ  gave me a nickname that’s extra special: Basia. I’m someone who loves travelling and exploring — not only new countries and cultures, but also personalities and different characters. This curiosity helps me connect with people and work better in diverse groups.

One of the most transformative chapters of my life began in Amarante, Portugal. Living there wasn’t just an experience — it was a turning point. I grew in ways I never imagined, both as a person and in my skills. Working in a beautifully diverse groups, I found inspiration in every teammate and together we made each activity meaningful and impactful.

In Amarante, I pushed past my comfort zone, embraced challenges I once thought were impossible, and discovered strength I didn’t know I had. It was more than a project — it was a journey of growth, courage, sharing and connection. And for that, I will always be grateful to the incredible people who shared it with me and were part of safe space we created together.

How did this experience change you? Did you grow? Have you developed new skills? How volunteering impacted your life? Why is volunteering important?

Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to grow, learn, and connect with others. It has changed me in many ways, showing me that people’s opportunities are limitless and that through different experiences, you can discover yourself more deeply.

During my time as a volunteer, I worked with children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and teenagers. I learned that to truly connect, you need to be a child with children and an adult with adults — adapting your energy and approach to meet each person where they are.

I also spent time working on farms, which helped me reconnect with nature and gave me a sense of inner peace. Taking part in various work camps and Erasmus+ projects exposed me to new perspectives and equipped me with valuable skills, both practical and interpersonal.

For me, volunteering is not just about giving — it’s about growing, learning, and building meaningful connections that can change the way you see the world and yourself.

Can you shortly describe and comment on your personal project and its implementation?  

My personal project is called ,,Transforming power” and it included 3 day workshops for international group about non-violonece communication at interpersonal level. Transforming power is part of Alternative if violence project, which shares the believe that every person has inner power to solve conflicts non-violently. It started in 1970 in new york prison, when prisoners asked to learn some nonviolent ways to deal conflicts inside the prison. From there, it spreaded worldwide in many communities. I discovered transforming power during fairtogetger project orginized by act for transformation caucasus office in Georgia and since then it become my inspiration and sparkle to explore the topic more.

During workshops we made many interesting and creative activities about positive affirmation, diversity and stereotypes, conflicts and conflict resolutions. We had many interesting role plays including forum theatre and privilege walk, where participants experienced everything that we talked in real Life. I believe that transforming power is in all of us and we have our own individual ways to express ourselves for better community.

Implementation of the project was so nice because coordinators and other volunteers supported me a lot, which made this process even more productive.

List of Activities in which you were involved and short comment about it

1. Organic Farming – I loved working in nature, taking care of plants and doing something useful with my hands. Being outdoors and connected to the environment felt really rewarding.

2. Porta – Upcycling Workshops – This activitybis about giving second-hand clothes a new life. We ran workshops where people could paint and decorate clothes, and others could take them home. It was fun, interactive, and very creative.

3. Schools and Kindergartens – I really enjoy spending time with children. We did all sorts of creative workshops together and I learned a lot from their energy, curiosity, and imagination.

4. CERCI – Working with People with Disabilities – This is my favorite experience. Even without speaking the same language, we connected deeply. Warm hugs and shared moments said everything.

5. English Lessons at Senior University of Amarante – we taught English to older adults, and even though they were much older than me, we had a lot of fun learning together. Using games and creative activities made the lessons lively and engaging.

6. Fitness and Yoga for Elderly People – I helped run gym and yoga sessions. It was lovely to connect with the participants, encourage them and share energy and movement.

7. Theatro de Rua – Street Theatre – I joined a workcamp and performed as the “baby” from Dirty Dancing. It was an unforgettable experience, full of laughter, teamwork, and creativity.

8. Project Walk – Youth Nature Camp – We camped with teenagers for three days and did lots of activities in nature. It was a great way to connect with young people and explore the outdoors together.

How did you connect with the local community? Have you participated in activities or events outside of the organization? (Ex. Sports, city events, external organizations…)

I connected with the local community in many different ways, both through my volunteering and outside of it. I took part in street theatre performances, local markets, and creative workshops where people could join in and contribute. I also joined community events like upcycling projects, nature activities and sports sessions with elderly people. Teaching English to seniors and working with children gave me a chance to build strong relationships across generations. Even simple things like sharing a coffee after an event, chatting with staff of CJ vegetarian restaurant  or helping at local initiatives made me feel part of the community.

Thank you so much!“