Let's start :)

Olá a todos,

A couple of months ago, we started to search for an EVS-project.  After checking many different projects, we applied for one project in Portugal (Olhão). The organization received many applications from volunteers who wanted to work in this project, but we were the lucky ones.

Many people will ask: Why do you want to become a volunteer? The answer to this question will vary from person to person. We wanted to become volunteers because we want to gain satisfaction by helping others.  We also want to make a difference so the locals will remember us. Going abroad will also give us the opportunity to know a different way of life and to meet new people. And we think it can change our lives. So while we help others, we also help ourselves. And of course we can build up our CV with it.

In our society, many people only putting their effort into something when they can gain money, but we think that a smile of appreciation can have more meaning and impact on us.

The organization calls MOJU (Associação Movimento Juvenil em Olhão). Their vision is ‘me and you’. It means that everybody has an equal voice. MOJU is a youth association that works at local level, is non-profit making, and independent of all political, syndicalism or religious affiliation. The aims of the Association are: encourage active youth participation in society; develop activities (inter) cultural, educational, social, sportive, recreational and environmental aimed at overall development of young people in Olhão’s municipality; promote discussion and dissemination of information about the needs and aspirations of Olhão’s municipality youth.

The project started on the first of October. During our first week we went to Alcoutim (Portugal), because MOJU had organized a youth exchange over there that called ‘Shake your body’. For us it was a great opportunity to meet new people from different countries and to get some experience.

On the 7^th of October, we went back to Olhão to start our volunteer project. During this week MOJU had their 5^th year anniversary, and because of that they organized activities for 5 days. On the first day there was an exposition of photos, called “Exemplos”. The exposition took place in a nice bar called Catita & Companhia. There was a nice atmosphere with nice Brazilian music. We felt comfortable, cozy and we enjoyed. On the second day there was a performance of M90 Rock band and DJ Mike Moon. The singer of the band is a member of MOJU. The music was nice to listen and to dance, although there weren’t many people. On day 3 we went to a hip hop performance. The place was full of people, who were interested to see a show of young people. There were many groups of youngsters who showed their talents and the audience was very noisy and energetic! On the 4^th day, we had the opportunity to go to the theatre. It was a little bit funny for us, because we don’t understand the Portuguese language yet. But however, we liked the fact that they involved the audience. On the last day of the anniversary, the members of MOJU had a nice dinner at a traditional place in Olhão. We had a lovely dinner and we’ve celebrate like we never did before ;)