Youth engagement is the beating heart of international solidarity. To better understand what motivates them, we met with Bonifacia Worou, an enthusiastic participant in our "Call for International Solidarity" event. Through her testimony, we explore the aspirations, discoveries, and impact of a first immersion into the world of volunteering.
Hello Bonifacia, can you introduce yourself and tell us what led you to participate in this event?
My name is Bonifacia Worou, and I am passionate about development and cooperation issues. When I heard about the event organized by NCI, I was immediately intrigued. The theme of "volunteering as an opportunity for discovery" resonated strongly with my desire to learn and contribute to a greater cause. I wanted to understand concretely what it means to get involved and how I could, at my own level, make a difference.
What did you enjoy most during the day?
What struck me the most was the authenticity of the testimonials. Hearing former volunteers talk about their experiences, with their successes but also their doubts, was incredibly powerful. It made volunteering much less intimidating. I realized that you don't need to be a superhero to get involved. Willingness, curiosity, and a desire to learn are the most important qualities. The interactive workshops also helped me to better understand the different mobility schemes and to ask all my questions.
What has this experience changed for you?
This day was a real eye-opener. Before, "international solidarity" was a somewhat abstract concept for me. Now, I see it as a set of concrete, accessible actions, driven by passionate people. I became aware of the importance of civic engagement not only for the communities we help, but also for oneself. You learn so much about the world and about your own abilities.
"Enriched by these discoveries, I look forward to continuing my learning through their various programs."– Bonifacia Worou
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is now much clearer. I want to actively engage in a volunteer mission, perhaps through the European Solidarity Corps, which I discovered during the event. I am convinced that this experience will be a stepping stone, both personally and professionally. The NCI event gave me the confidence and information needed to take the first step. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.