Ola! My name is Natia Lelashvili, 29 years old, from Sakartvhelo, also known as the nation of Georgia. I came to Portugal as a volunteer of the European solidarity corps not knowing what to expect, but my life has forever changed with this program.
Prior to coming to the program, I’ve always loved exploring the unknown, and worked in my country as a tour guide, offering people the chance to experience the remarkable beauty of my country. Selflessly sharing the things I love the most inspired me to get out of my comfort zone, and do the same, in a faraway land!
I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but I fell in love with the beautiful coastal cities, the warm hospitality, and most importantly, the feeling of life slowing down.
I was greeted in the program with like-minded, kind and fun people, who shared a passion for creativity, thinking out of the box, and exploring different ways of learning to push themselves forward.
During my time, the program has challenged me in many exciting ways that have made me want to continue to improve myself. The day-to-day tasks always felt like a new adventure, that ranged from dancing, teaching, solving puzzles and most importantly, working with the local youth to uncover modern day issues such as global warming, pollution, and ways to solve them to create a greener, brighter Portugal. Every interaction felt like a positive impact on the local community that left me with a sense of fulfillment!
Amongst our team, together we had a chance to experience the Azores, that instilled a sense of family and unity. All the leaders, mentors and mentees put work aside and explored the island life together, in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Together, we swam in volcanic hot water springs, indulged in meats steamed underground from the boiling volcano water, and interacted with the charming local people.
My program will end in April. I am honored and beyond grateful to meet such wonderful people, engage in an exciting project, and get a chance to open my eyes to a new culture and way of life!
