My name is Marc, I am 23 years old, and I am currently in Austria volunteering with IniciativAngola. I joined this NGO thanks to Fernando, who told me about the opportunity. I decided to join because I wanted to understand how an organization functions from the inside, learn from experienced individuals, and gain knowledge that would aid my personal and professional development.

Since I arrived, I have had the chance to participate in several important activities. One of the most meaningful experiences has been organizing the traditional Tombola, an event that has been held for almost three decades. It was inspiring to see how each person had a key role, and thanks to excellent organization and everyone’s commitment, we were able to complete the activity on time. This experience taught me a lot about the importance of teamwork and the value of collaboration within an organization.

Being in Austria is also giving me a unique multicultural experience. Alongside my volunteer work, I am learning both German and Slovene. This helps me better integrate into the community and understand the cultures around me. I have also joined the KOŠ Klagenfurt basketball team, which has further enriched my experience and allowed me to connect with people from various fields.

This experience not only allows me to work on social impact projects but also to acquire insights into the organization and planning of projects on an annual basis. IniciativAngola has shown me how essential it is to have a well-organized structure and a clear vision to achieve long-term goals. These skills and lessons are valuable tools that I know will benefit me in the future.

My aim here is to contribute to the positive impact that IniciativAngola seeks, bring a fresh perspective, and support the organization with new ideas. I hope my time here will be remembered for my willingness to help and my ability to offer different points of view.

Overall, this experience has shown me the power of a committed, well-structured organization. I am grateful for each lesson I am gaining, as it is not only helping me understand the internal workings of an NGO but also enabling me to grow and develop skills that will accompany me throughout my professional and personal life.

Marc Sarroca Lopez