MADmax & Anya: I tried many things I had never done before...

Haiyan Zhang, ESAI EN ROI Esai en Roi Volunteer; || Italy Chinese

ESC volunteering in teams  MADmax project   15/07/2026 to 04/08/2026

2025-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000346873

MY THREE WEEKS IN THESSALONIKI

I am very grateful that I had the chance to take part in this volunteering project in Thessaloniki. From the first evening, when my host taught me the Greek words for “hello” and “thank you”, these two words somehow stayed with me throughout the whole three weeks.

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During the project, I tried many things I had never done before. We built a small pond in the garden, turned discarded materials into part of the Summer Bar, and created a performance that connected different parts of the park. I also left my little clay hand in the garden as a small memory of my time there.

Beyond the project, I really enjoyed exploring Thessaloniki with the other volunteers, sharing Greek food and spending time with my host family. What I will remember most are the people I met and the simple moments we shared together. Everyone came from a different background and had their own personality and stories, and I learned something from each of them. I am leaving with new experiences, new skills, and many warm memories.

To Eleni, all the volunteers, my host family, and Thessaloniki, Ευχαριστώ for these three weeks.