Thursday 4 August 2011

Testimony from Ashley, EVS Short Term volunteer in Greece


Ashley working on a Baglama


''The hope for the Greek musical project was for me to be able to learn a new way of life and develop my own sense of self. After this project I am much more open minded person and socially confident person. I would recommend EVS to anyone who needs a new perspective in life.''
Ashley


''Name is Ashley White and I went to volunteer  in a village in Greece. This was to participate in a traditional musical instrument programme. This programme consisted of getting a block of wood and literally carving out a Baglama (traditional small guitar) from this. Every intricate detail I personally carved myself to form this instrument. It was a truly amazing experience because I had never tried anything like this before. Woodwork was not my strong point but the skills that I learnt were more than I was expecting to gain. Not only learning how to create an actual functioning and playable Baglama but to confidently be able to come back and be able to explain how this was done.  Not only this but on a personal level I was not too confident in the idea of the social aspects of the programme basically because I only speak English, however I realised that this is not always necessary. The communication was testing at times but there was no problem understanding the other volunteers as they were so open to learn from me and me from them.  Overall the experience was more than I could have expected and would love to do another one sometime soon.''
Ashley

Project part of INCLUSION FOR ALL
and supported by the British Council
and the Youth in Action programme
of the European Commission 


Ashley working on a Baglama

 a Baglama (in process)