Mahdollisuuksien tori – the Opportunities market

StepEurope ry has participated one important event for promoting, networking and advertising the organization – Mahdollisuuksien tori. It is a nation wide event a round twenty locations in Finland yearly. Sondip ry, an umbrella organization, which stood for promoting internationalism and multiculturalism, has successfully organized the event on Sunday 17th in Turku.

Although the event was set to happen between 12 -16 at the old market square, few of our volunteers had to arrive at 10:30 in the morning to arrange our corner, the table and tent. Most importantly, as an out side event we were lucky enough to have a shining and warm weather through out the day to attract more visitors.

Variety of organizations participated the event whose working areas vary from cultural, social, sport, art, youth work, environmental and humanitarian works. These organizations include among others, Finnish Red Cross, UNICEF, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace. All organizations presented their activities in different manners they deem attract visitors and at the same time deliver their message and recruit potential members and volunteers. Mostly it was in the form of quizzes, fun games, drawings, competitions, and discussions. Overall, the program was entertaining as well with interviews, music and dances from the main stage.

In our part we prepared fun game to attract visitors and become more visible to recruit potential young volunteers. In a way we tried to show case what we have done so far and will do in the upcoming events. We have actually encountered really interesting like-minded young people from the event and exchange ideas what they think about volunteer works and impact positively in the society locally and international as well. We also took some visitor’s contact so that we could reach out to them on our activities and if they wish become our members too.

In the afternoon around 14.00, Sudhir, StepEurope ry’s active volunteer and media coordinator, took the stage and had an interview with the presenter about his volunteer experience at StepEurope ry. He eventually advertised our organization on what it is about and what we do. 

Overall, it was such an important event as it brought together varies organizations and people from different backgrounds. It was a platform to create networking with other organizations to cooperate in future activities. Personally, the event happened at the wake of my new journey as an intern at StepEurope ry. I am optimistic and exited to be part of such vibrant members and volunteer alike.

-Elias 

End season party in Kaarina –Volunteer’s Experience

After being an active volunteer in StepEurope ry about a half a year, I got an invitation from Ronja, the Project Coordinator, to the End of the season party. The event was two days long 4.-5.7.2017, which took place in Vuolahti camp, Kaarina. Vuolahti is a beautiful place middle of the forest and nearby the sea, in Kuusisto about 20 minutes away from Kaarina city centre. It was nice place to spend time together.  

I think it was special night, not only because of the beautiful view, but also because of the incredible participants and nice atmosphere. We had participants from nine different countries: Finland, Slovenia, Angola, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nepal and Domenic Republic. This was a real opportunity for all of us to get to know each other. It was the first time for me to meet the StepEurope ry’s chair, Melina and the International coordinator, Teddy.

The evening included planning session about the upcoming autumn events. We were divided into four groups and discussed about 25 minutes. After the discussion we selected one person to give the presentation of the group’s ideas. The ideas included local activities and how to involve volunteers in the future.

The evening was full of fun! We had Summer Olympics, BBQ and sauna. In the Olympics we were playing for instance Mölkky the Finnish throwing game and the Donkey Tale. Later we were dancing and singing, had music from all around the World! The experience was much of fun for me. Can’t forget the sauna and swimming in the sea in the midnight!

This is just one of the nice moments of being a volunteer. Volunteering has been giving me a lot: new friends and opportunities together with the amazing feeling of doing something reasonable!

 “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time: they have the heart.”

-Hassan