Anna (Georgia) and Bahar (Turkey) are sharing their expierence after 3 months of volunteering in Latvia, youth NGO “Mums pieder pasaule”.
Volunteering: More Than Service — A Journey of Culture, Friendship, and Discovery
Volunteering is often seen simply as helping others, but in reality, it is so much more than that. For us, volunteering has been a powerful way to explore the world, discover local cultures, and build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds. Through our volunteering journey, we have not only contributed our time and skills but also collected unforgettable memories across several countries.
One of our favorite places in Latvia is Jūrmala. This beautiful seaside city holds a special place for us because it was where we had our volunteer training. During that time, we met volunteers from many different countries as well as welcoming local people. Jūrmala’s calm atmosphere, stunning beaches, and fresh sea air created the perfect environment for connection and learning. Walking along the seaside, sharing stories, and exchanging cultures made the experience truly unforgettable. The memories we created there remain some of the most meaningful moments of our volunteering journey.
Another city that deeply impressed us is Riga, the capital of Latvia. Riga is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Its exceptional Old Town, fascinating museums, and rich history make it truly unique. We were especially lucky to experience Riga during the winter season, when the Christmas market filled the city with lights, music, and warmth. This was one of our most memorable experiences, as it allowed us to get to know Latvian songs and dance culture on a deeper level. The festive atmosphere brought people together and helped us feel connected to local traditions.
During the volunteering period, we also had free time, which gave us the opportunity to explore nearby countries. One of the first countries we visited was Estonia, together with volunteers we met during the training. Traveling together strengthened our friendships, and we shared unforgettable moments while discovering a new culture. Our time in Estonia helped us build stronger connections and appreciate the beauty of traveling with people from different parts of the world.
More recently, we visited Vilnius, Lithuania, with a different group of volunteers. This trip felt completely different from the others, offering a new perspective and fresh experiences. Each journey showed us how diverse cultures can be, even within neighboring countries. These cultural differences made every trip more fascinating and enriched our understanding of people and traditions.
Another unforgettable place in Latvia was Rundāle Palace. Visiting this palace was like stepping into history. Its breathtaking architecture, elegant gardens, and rich past made it one of the most impressive places we have ever seen. Experiencing such historical beauty during our volunteering journey added even more depth to our time in Latvia.
In conclusion, volunteering is not just about giving back—it is about discovering the world, understanding cultures, and forming lasting friendships. Through our experiences in Latvia and abroad, we learned that every place, every person, and every shared moment adds meaning to the journey. Volunteering opened doors to experiences we will carry with us forever, proving that it is truly a life-changing adventure.