Study visit to “Kvinnor utan gränser”

   On the 10th of November we had a study visit to a women’s association named “Kvinnor utan gränser” (Women without boarders). We met the chairwoman of the association Salwa Abdallah, who was the guide during the whole visit. We had a possibility to see the center where they are working and to meet other members. They are from different countries with different backgrounds. It was very interesting to speak to them. It was inspirational to see the workshop rooms, too. The center is very well organized, suitable for different kinds of activities.

 The organization helps women and girls to integrate into Swedish society. The members and interns participate in everyday activities and get prepared for the job market. They have handcraft workshops, such as knitting and sewing, as well as baking.The women also sell their products on various fairs. Sometimes they also organize discussions and work for democracy. The association has cooperation with the city municipality and with other organizations.During the meeting our boss Yousef and project manager Kristina discussed some common plans for Kvinnor utan gränser and Framtidståget, too. We also had fika together and had a pleasure to taste the fresh potato pies baked by  the women from the organization.

 It was so interesting to see how people, with different backgrounds try to integrate into the local community and also, to keep their own roots.

Mid-Term training

   From 3^rd to 5^th of November I was in the “Bromma Folkshögskola” in order to take part in my EVS Mid-term training and to meet again other EVS volunteers from all around Sweden. Unfortunately, not every member from our “International Band” was present. Unlike the arrival-training course, we were just 9 volunteers, but I am sure, all others were with us by heart. 

   On the arrival day we had the group work called “This is Sweden”. During the group work we discussed about the facts which we faced in Sweden, about stereotypes and generally what are positive and negative sides of Sweden. Also, on the arrival day we had a possibility to meet the drama class students from Folkshögskola. They showed Forum Theatre to us. They were acting in different kinds of problematic situations, and we had to find the solutions. 

This workshop was called “Dealing with conflicts and dilemmas”.

   The second full day was about the past. For the brainstorming we read the letters from the on arrival training, which we wrote to ourselves. It was really emotional to see what were our fears and expectations in the beginning of EVS. Durng the day, we had enough space and activities to look back and reflect on what has happened during our EVS so far.         It was a good way for us to share with each other what we have done, what we are proud of, and the challenges of our projects, all in all - our stories and impressions. We had a possibility to check our competencies according to the 8 Key Competencies from Erasmus + Youthpass. During this session we had a visitor from the NA.

  The topic of our last day was the Future life after EVS. It was really good to see the motivation and the enthusiasm of others and we could easily get inspired by each other.  As for me, this day gave me the most as it helped me to define my dreams and priorities. Moreover, the future planning sessions made me bear in mind that EVS is "just" a station of our bigger journey which can develop and prepare us to reach what we really want from our future. 
   After all these activities, I felt that I am so lucky that I am volunteer in Framtidståget. I was so proud and satisfied because of myself and of my organization. This day I saw what I have done during 7 months as an EVS volunteer. 

   All in all, the training could give to me lots of memorable moments. We had so enjoyable and nice evenings in Stockholm. Unfortunately, maybe it was our last group meeting in Sweden, but for sure we will meet somewhere and somehow, and I always will be a member of the “International Band”, which is made by the EVS volunteers 2015 in Sweden.