Hi! My name is Luna and I have been living in Bremen, Germany, for four months now. I arrived here at the beginning of October, quite suddenly and without much time to overthink the decision.Looking back, I can say this volunteering experience has been the right decision for that moment, even though it is still challenging and not always easy.
Before coming to Germany, I was living in Spain and going through a rather difficult and stagnant period in my life. I could not find a job and I felt emotionally and creatively blocked. I needed a change of environment, a new routine and, above all, a way to reconnect with myself and with what really motivates me. That is how I decided to apply for a volunteering project on a farm.
At the beginning I had a small shock — “how is it possible that, all of a sudden, I am in such a grey place?” — but later you start to see its colour… and I really like it. I am already starting to build my own little group. The city becomes much warmer once you get to know it, and the people around you play a huge role in that.
About my role in the farm, my tasks are related to animal care, cleaning and maintenance. Every day I help with cleaning the animals’ spaces, feeding them and making sure their environment is safe and well organised. I also take part in activities with children and soon with teens, which is one of the most rewarding parts of the project for me. We prepare small workshops, games and educational activities connected to nature and the farm itself. It is beautiful to see how children interact with animals and how easily they become curious and respectful towards the environment.
I also really like my working environment. There are other German volunteers and people around my age, which makes it easier to connect and feel part of the team. The project is also mainly led by women, and this creates a space where I feel safe, respected and comfortable in my daily work.
In addition, I collaborate in general maintenance tasks around the farm. This includes cleaning common areas, helping with small repairs and organising materials. The work is quite varied, which makes the routine more dynamic and less monotonous. Although some tasks can be physically demanding, I feel there is a good balance. Communication is very important in the team, and I have learned how important it is to clearly express what I can and cannot do.
My working schedule is around 32 hours per week, which leaves me enough free time to rest, explore the city and travel. For me, this balance is essential. Volunteering is not only about working, but also about personal growth, cultural exchange and self-discovery.
In my free time, I train and meet new friends for a coffee or small gatherings. It is true that at this time of the year people are a bit less active, but I am really looking forward to making new plans and enjoying more activities in spring and summer.
In general it is a personal challenge and sometimes it can feel emotionally demanding. Living in another country, adapting to a new routine and being far from my usual support system is not always comfortable. However, I believe this process is helping me become stronger, more independent and more aware of myself.
To finish, I would like to say to future volunteers that it’s important to be active and responsible for your own experience. You really need motivation to meet new people, deal with cultural differences and be open to contrasts. If you come with curiosity, patience and a positive attitude, this project can become a very meaningful opportunity for personal growth and learning.
Risk yourself and go out of your comfy zone :), maybe you’ll meet a new you.
Luna is hosted by Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof, part of the AfJ e.V. Kinder- und Jugendhilfe Bremen on our project co-funded by the European Union.
If you want to experience something similar to what Luna did, check out our open calls here.
