Giovanni states about the Three-Week Volunteering Experience in Thessaloniki, GR

Giovanni Imparato Pomares, ESAI EN ROI Volunteer; Candidate Youth Worker   || Spanish

SC volunteering in teams  be SUSTAINABLE SPORTIVE & CULTURAL project  2/12 to 21/12 2025

2024-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000200188

I participated in a three-week European Union volunteering project in Thessaloniki, Greece, which became a very meaningful personal and social experience for me. The project focused on different social topics, but its main objective was to raise awareness about stray animals and promote measures to improve their quality of life in the city. During the project, we learned about the situation of stray animals in Thessaloniki and the challenges faced by local authorities and organizations.

One of the most impactful activities was visiting a stray animal shelter, where we helped with daily tasks and saw first-hand the dedication required to care for abandoned animals. This experience helped me better understand the importance of responsible pet ownership and the role of shelters in urban environments. In addition, we worked on developing proposals for the local municipality, suggesting practical measures to address the stray animal issue, such as awareness campaigns, sterilization programs, and cooperation with local NGOs. These activities encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and active citizenship, as we had to find realistic and sustainable solutions. The project also included activities with local schools, where we organized educational sessions to teach children about animal welfare, empathy, and responsibility. Furthermore, we prepared and participated in Christmas performances in public spaces, using art and creativity to give more visibility to the problem and engage the local community in a positive and accessible way.

Overall, this volunteering experience helped me grow personally and socially. It strengthened my sense of responsibility, teamwork, and civic engagement, while also allowing me to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. Most importantly, it showed me how small actions, when done collectively, can contribute to positive change in society.