Tekla Goliadze is a Georgian volunteer who joined in Craiova, Romania, as an ESC volunteer hosted by ACT –Asociația Comunități pentru Tineret carried out her long-term European Solidarity Corps project funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. Read more about his experience below:

“Hii, my name is Tekla Goliadze, and I spent 8 unforgettable months in Craiova, Romania, as an ESC volunteer hosted by ACT –Asociația Comunități pentru Tineret. Looking back, I can confidently say that this experience has been one of the most meaningful and transformative periods of my life.

My main role in the project was to organize and deliver informal education activities in schools and centers through games, workshops, discussions, and creative activities, we encouraged learning, participation, and inclusion with children and young people, including centers for children with special needs. Working with children and young people gave me the opportunity to make a positive impact while also learning a lot from them.

During the project, I was involved in organizing many community events, such as Children’s Day, Environment Day, Family Day, Youth Week, and several other local activities. These events allowed me to work closely with volunteers, teachers, and community members while contributing to initiatives that brought people together.

One of the biggest challenges for me was working with children. At the beginning of the project I was worried about the language barrier and afraid that I would not be able to communicate effectively. However, over time I learned that communication goes beyond words. Through patience, creativity, and genuine interest, I managed to build connections and feel more confident in my role. This challenge helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Throughout these 8 months, I developed many valuable skills. I improved my teamwork and time-management abilities, learned how to come up with new ideas and put them into practice, strengthened my communication skills, and became more comfortable socializing with different people. Living and working in an international environment also helped me improve my English and become more adaptable.

One of my favorite memories from the project was traveling to Sasca Montană with my teammates. It was a beautiful experience that allowed us to discover a different part of Romania, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together. The friendships and memories created during this trip will stay with me for a long time.

This ESC project changed me in many ways. It helped me become more independent, open-minded, and confident. I learned how to live on my own, adapt to new situations, travel more, and communicate with people from different cultures. Most importantly, it showed me that personal growth often begins when we step outside our comfort zone.

I am very grateful to my hosting organization, ACT – Act for Community for Youth, my sending organization, BITISI, and everyone who was part of this journey. This experience gave me new skills, unforgettable memories, and friendships that I will always cherish. I am leaving Romania with a heart full of gratitude and a stronger belief in myself and my abilities..”