Hello! I’m Öznur, and I’d love to share my unforgettable journey in Svitene with you.
Everything began when I found this project on the ESC portal and arrived in Latvia on the 15th of September. From day one, I had to start from scratch—learning how to work in a youth center, manage social media, and connect with local youth. It was all new to me, but somehow, it felt like I belonged there right away. Years ago, I was in Latvia for an Erasmus program in Latgale (Daugavpils); this time, I was exploring the beautiful western Zemgale region.
I still remember those first few days — I would say hi to everyone I passed on the street. At first, people were surprised, probably thinking, “Who is this smiley face foreigner saying hi like that?” But what I didn’t know back then was that soon, we’d all feel like one big family. Just a day after I arrived from Turkey, we were already off on a boat trip. It was my first time kayaking on a river—and I don’t even know how to swim! It was the beginning of many adventures that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Soon after, I began leading our youth center’s business meta account, using content editing apps and AI tools to create engaging posts—always in Latvian! I pushed myself to grow quickly and learned a lot about digital tools and youth communication. Eight months ago, I was already full of excitement, and I still carry that joy in me.
In December, I participated in an Erasmus+ project in Lithuania on digital tools for youth workers. I represented Latvia and I returned full of ideas—new AI tools, coding games, and editing software—which I used to create workshops at our youth center. It was also where I received my first Youthpass and formed beautiful international friendships.
Thanks to the national agency, I had the chance to attend both the On-Arrival and Mid-Term trainings. But one of the biggest gifts of this project was meeting my French best friend, Jessica. We first crossed paths at the Riga bus station on our way to the training—and that random meeting somehow changed everything for me.
From that day on, we became travel partners, soul sisters. We would book random flights the night before, with zero plans, just a shared love for discovering the unknown. Our days were filled with visiting castles, getting lost in museums, walking for hours, and endlessly talking about life. In the evenings, we’d find a cozy local spot, where we’d just sit, laugh, reflect on our day, and enjoy that beautiful kind of tiredness that only comes after living a day to the fullest.
Another adventure began when I discovered the Svitene Museum. We decided to create a library inside this beautiful 19th-century building. We cleaned off decades of dust and received donations of incredible books—many of them art-related and in eight different languages. I spent many days and weeks categorizing and arranging the library, bringing the space to life. Around Christmas, we held a cozy opening night where I gave a speech and shared my journey with book lovers and locals. It was especially meaningful to me, as someone with a degree in Russian Language and Literature and a deep love for books and historical spaces.
At the youth center, we often held 3–4 events weekly. I organized many Turkish events, and seeing how much youngsters enjoyed Turkish culture made me proud. One unforgettable event was Legend Night, where I taught people how to make jabot. I led the whole activity, communicating in Russian and my limited Latvian, yet we understood each other perfectly.
I always asked myself, “What can I give, what can I teach, and what can I learn?” From birdhouse-making to painting the Pilsrundāle youth center, giving public speeches about ESC, doing spray painting in the park, workshops on idioms, Parents’ Day, cooking events, crocus planting with locals, escape rooms, Halloween parties, gingerbread house competitions, and movie nights—there was always something going on. Most times, I was organizing, leading, participating, taking pictures, posting announcements, and updating our social media before and after the events. I improved my multitasking and time management skills immensely.
When I look back, I see nothing but growth and valuable memories. I remember speaking with Vita over video before the project, feeling unsure whether I could really be a youth worker. But she believed in me. And I was amazed at how deeply I connected with the children. Especially the Viesturi kids—they held a special place in my heart. They’d bring me apples, handwritten notes, dress up nicely when I visited, and hug me so tightly it filled me with joy. We even had a running joke with Vita about how much oxytocin I got from those hugs! Their love was pure and powerful.
This experience gave me more than just professional development—it touched my soul. I’ve always been an international spirit, friendly, talkative, and positive. Making friends and adapting was never a problem. Thanks to my language skills and curiosity, I communicated everywhere I went. I gained solid experience in digital tools and social media, earned two Youthpass certificates, and now leave this village with my footprints in every corner— whether it’s the library, the crocuses I planted, my paintings at the youth center, or the memories in the children’s hearts. If they remember me kindly, that’s the biggest success of all.
When it comes to Vita, our project coordinator, I honestly don’t know where to start. Her support didn’t begin when I arrived in Latvia—it started long before, during the application process. She helped me with every step, answered all my questions, and made me feel secure even before landing in Svitene.
Working with her was such a pleasure. She is incredibly organized, professional, and always one step ahead. I could really see how much she cared—not just about the project but about me as a person. She made sure I had every opportunity to grow and learn during this experience. Whether it was encouraging me to lead events, helping me with ideas, or just checking in on how I was doing, her support was constant.
And beyond the project, we connected on a more personal level too. We shared a love for psychology, traveling, and nature. I remember how she would bring me fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from her garden, or invite me over for cake when I was feeling a bit down. If I looked stressed, she would notice it right away and do her best to help. It was like having someone who truly saw me, not just as a volunteer, but as a whole person.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so close to my coordinator, but she became someone really important in my life. Like a Latvian mom! I’m so thankful to her—for her kindness, her trust, and the way she always prioritized my peace and happiness. I truly hope our paths cross again in the future, because working with someone like her is rare and special.
Now, let’s talk about Svitene. Coming from a city of 5 million people, ending up in this tiny village felt like stepping into another world—calm, quiet, and surrounded by pure nature. The fresh air, the trees, the flowers… everything felt like a peaceful escape.
I used to take long walks or ride my bike through the village, sometimes just to breathe and watch the scenery. One of my favorite places was the little Lutheran church nearby—it became part of my routine, I even started to call it “my church”.
Even though I’m a very social person who loves being around people and traveling, I also truly enjoyed spending time on my own here. I had space to just be—to read books, paint, cook something new, dive into online courses about psycholinguistics, and reflect on what I’ve learned and what more I want to explore.
Svitene gave me that perfect balance between connection and calm. It was a place where I could both grow and slow down.
This ESC project changed my life. I gained digital skills, social media experience, confidence in youth work, and two Youthpass certificates. But more importantly, I touched lives—and they touched mine. I hope when people in Svitene think of me, they remember me fondly. That would be the greatest gift.
Thank you to everyone who made me feel at home here—Vita, the children, the locals (my next door Russian babushka), and the entire Svitene community. You will always have a place in my heart. ❤