Mid Term Report of European Solidarity Corps volunteer Selenny Blandón

Sending organisation Proutist Universal Malta

Upon arriving at La Villa de Le Mans, we had several days
filled with activities organized by La Maison d’Europe,
aimed at introducing us to and familiarizing us with volunteering
and to the other volunteers in the organization.

The first activity was a picnic at Parc de Tessé, during which La

Maison d’Europe organized various activities for volunteers to
get to know each other.

The next day, we had another activity intended to

familiarize us with our housemates. This activity involved taking
a tour of the old city, guided by a booklet from the tourist
office. We had to complete activities outlined in this booklet.

The following days consisted of introductory sessions to

volunteering, during which we were helped to create games, define our goals, and navigate
our arrival to the city. These sessions took place at La Maison d’Europe offices.
At the end of these sessions, we had another picnic, this time to get to know our mentors.
This was what is commonly known as a "potluck party." Everyone, including the organization,
volunteers, and mentors, brought something from their country to share.

After this introductory week, I finally started at my workplace, "Service Jeunesse." Here, I
developed new posters and even a small game (a crossword puzzle) that includes the capitals
of our countries in order to promote volunteering.
 The first activity I did, which I also had to organize,
was "Forever Young." This activity involved
preparing a meal representing each volunteer's
country to share and promote volunteering at the
event. It was a bit challenging, as coordinating
among 13 people from completely different
backgrounds, ages, and cultures, especially at the
beginning of the program, wasn't easy. However, we
eventually pulled through and succeeded.

Another activity in which I participated during the Forever

Young event was taking photos for the newspaper "Vitav"
during the auditions for the singing contest and making a
brief intervention on the radio.

During this month, there were also two school

interventions. In one, I presented and promoted mobility
through games and small talks at a stand within a mini expo
at a school. In the other, at Joseph Russel School, I had the
opportunity to present my country and talk about the
Spanish language.

At the same time, at Dulac School, I initiated mini games of basic vocabulary such as clothing,
numbers, animals, and colors. I also engaged in dances with songs like "Head, Shoulders,
Knees, and Toes" and "One Little Finger" for younger children, aiming for them to learn the
language in a fun way.

In the next event I participated in, "Fait Lires," my involvement was brief during the morning,
and I helped to arrange the luggage of the invited authors.
We also had a breakfast meeting with La Maison d’Europe to discuss our progress and address
some issues that had arisen with certain volunteers.
Next, I began participating in meetings for the upcoming
major event "La Semaine de la Petite Enfant."

I also prepared a small exhibition about mobility and

Erasmus days at the Service Jeunesse office for the Time
to Move month, where I included a poster about Malta.

I collaborated with various volunteers during Erasmus Days week, participating in different
activities promoting mobility and languages at their respective MFRs (Mobile Film Recording).

I even collaborated again at Joseph Russel School in an evaluation called "Civic Dating," where
students flirt with each other to facilitate their learning of the Spanish language.

I participated for the first time in the "Mercredi des Languages" program. Its aim is to support
those who wish to learn and practice the languages that the volunteers handle, such as
English, Spanish, and German.
I also had a small participation in an article for the digital newspaper "Vitav," sharing my
experience starting as a volunteer in the city of Le Mans alongside my colleague Claudia.

In October, we had an initiation training for volunteers in Narbonne.

I also collaborated with different facilitators to conduct activities with children at the daycare
and participated in Halloween day festivities.

During the month of November, there were no major events, but I was again with small
groups of 5 children, teaching them Spanish through games.

We had another progressive meeting with La Maison d’Europe and our mentors, where we
discussed our integration into the workplace and brainstormed ideas for activities for Europe
Day.

During this month of November, Claudia and I were also developing two interrail games, one
specific to Spain and another across Europe. We even attended a dance performance.

In summary, the mid-term report highlights a diverse and rewarding experience in

volunteering, encompassing activities focused on integration, cultural exchange, and
community engagement. From initial orientation sessions to active involvement in events like
"Forever Young" and "Fait Lires," the journey has been marked by challenges, growth, and
meaningful contributions. Through collaborations, language initiatives, and personal
reflections, the volunteer has demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to
making a positive impact. Looking forward, the report sets the stage for continued
involvement in projects aimed at fostering community cohesion and personal development,
showcasing the transformative power of volunteering.