Ever since I started my ESC journey with SCI Catalunya, I have had so many different opportunities to
help on improving myself and my experience in many different paths. I was introduced to
many trainings and projects along the way and here is the story behind a couple of them.

MIDI working group:
I had the chance to participate in 2 sessions with MIDI working group, where I had the chance
to understand the way they operate and what their goals/aims were. I found it very interesting
to be able to have a better look on what is going on in the Mediterranean area from a different
point of view. I was not active that much as there were things happening on that side but I did
give my input as a Palestinian living in the diaspora, we discussed what are issues that are
happening in that region and how we can approach using the resources we have at hand. The
work they do is great to be able to help and participate in another region without the need to
be there.

Placement officer training – Bern:
During this project I was able to participate along with all the volunteers who are placement
officers from all around, and during this training we were able to discuss the new face of OPS
and website to put in use. Other than learning about the new system, we had the chance to talk
more about SCI in general and about how we, as volunteers, can make a change. The experience
overall was very interesting, thanks to the trainers we had the chance to exchange information
and experiences to see how we can move forward during this whole year. The information that
was used helped me in understanding the power we have as individuals and the will to change
if you want to change something. The week we spent in Bern did not just include information
about the placement of the volunteers but also included all the things that we might face as
volunteers and officers all around Europe. Overall, it was worth every minute of the week and I
would do it all over again if I had the chance.

No More War group:
I have had relations with the NMW group before even starting my ESC in Catalonia, I had the
chance to be in their seminar (stop all genocide) in Rome. And that alone made me think about
doing my ESC.

During my ESC I stayed in contact with the group members and discussed all the projects
they’re working on and I was so invested to be a part of the group as I do align with their
values and the goals they are trying to achieve. I had the chance to participate with them in
their first NMW open Forum in Bulgaria. This opportunity was life changing for me as I think I
finally found the group of people I want to be surrounded by. The project in Bulgaria opened
my eyes a lot and I had the chance to prove to myself and the others that Palestinians are
worth living and can do a change even if just by words.

The experience itself was informative and I learned a lot of things that I know will help me in the
future. The week in Bulgaria gave me hope that there are still people working towards the good change and want what is best for the others. People from all around met and talked and had the chance to be able to present actual issues that others are not bringing up or afraid to. The open forum also gave me and the others the chance to work on future plans with the group and as a result of participating, I got onboard to work with the NMW team. And we already started planning for future projects that will make a change and help a lot of people from different backgrounds.

STAR youth exchange:
For a week in Barcelona, I had the chance to participate in the short-term project STAR youth exchange. This project was about finding new alternative tours around the city. I met new interesting people during the project and had the chance to meet and learn a lot from the others. The different workshops that were included in the schedule made the whole exchange worth it. We had the chance to learn how to use the 360 cameras, we had some speakers to talk about their experience living abroad in a different country and we also did an introduction about the country of each. Overall, it was great because it tackled some new things which made it more fun to be around. I also had the chance to discuss some of the projects I have in mind for the future with different volunteers.

In general, participation in many different projects will only bring good results as you never know
what is waiting for you on the other side, that’s why I always try to include myself with work
that I know might not be the best plan at first but will have a huge effect in my life and future.
The projects or trainings I participated in were all good and helped in improving my work, life
and network. These opportunities are hard to find but with my ESC in Catalonia I had the
chance to find all the different paths that I can follow.