This is the time, when I find myself in a position, where I don’t know, how to start writing about my extraordinary experience in Palermo. After graduating university, I decided to something, totally, different from my daily life. I wanted to embark a new adventure outside of my country, and, especially, my comfort zone. I remember, very first workshop at CESIE, when our mentor asked us to describe our being there in a one word, and I wrote down the word EXTRAORDINARY, because that fully described, my feelings about volunteering, new people, and Palermo itself. The story of me and Sicilia begun when I was, only, 1 year old, when my Aunt got married to a siciliano. Then, my father moved to Cefalu and he lived there for 15 years. So, I have always had a deep and strong connection with Italy, and ,especially, with Palermo. It was my childhood dream to live here, to experience every little detail, which my family members experienced. One day, in November, when I was at my lowest, I received a telegram notification and the only thing I saw, was “In Palermo”. It was like a ray of sunshine or sign from the universe, because I was so close to my dream. I applied and then I remember the mail with these very first words: “Ciao Salome, we are glad to inform you…” . and the story has begun. This is extremely hard to put everything into words. I still remember the hype, I was feeling on my way to the airport, it was like, I packed my little life in my luggage and went to discover life, and the world on my own. I have never been this proud of myself – the whole way to Palermo, I was telling myself, nonstop, that I made it, I did what I have always wished for. This city is full of excitement, warm, and hospitable people, who make you feel like your home, despite of the amount of time you know them. I have to emphasize the relationship between me, my flat mates, and our mentors. We were one big family with different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but we easily found a way to connect with each other and to share love. I will never forget, days we spent together, when we were having deep conversations, fun, or cooking together. With them I saw myself with a different angle, and gave me a possibility to be more outgoing.
As a volunteer, I had the opportunity, to help people different places. For example at Ubuntu- which is an international, and multicultural kindergarten, I engaged with children from migrant backgrounds. I was able to take part in various activities, such as playing, dancing, singing, or drawing with little ones. Additionally, I assisted older children with their homework, ensuring they received academic support to succeed in school. And this helped me to improve my linguistic skills in Italian. I must admit, it was hard, and challenging, but in the end was worth it.
Another place was “caritas”, a center which aimed at aiding impoverished and unemployed individuals, I played a vital role in providing essential assistance to those in need. This included serving meals, or distributing necessary items to support their daily life. Also, sometimes, I had a chance to help a chief to cook meals. Since, I adore cooking, it was great experience to gain some skills in this field too. I met an amazing people there too, with whom I bonded so quickly.
Now, I truly feel like, that I am not that person I was before arriving in Palermo. I learned and gained so much in this little period of time. I have grown in so many ways, which I am really proud of. Palermo, and our “Famiglia Merendino” became my second home, where I will always want to come back. And, if I had the opportunity to do this volunteering project all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. And yes, words will never be enough to describe how grateful and thankful I am.
Salome Makalatia
ESC Volunteer
Youth Unit
