Hey there, I am Luka, and I would like to share with you what my IVY experience has been so far.
It has been a month and a half since I first stepped into the offices of the Manging Authority of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme in Trieste and I am writing this to present to you, future IVYs, what such volunteering experience entails.
I must admit that the first days were quite hard, a new environment, a new desk, and especially new colleagues, quite a lot to digest and get used to! But I soon found out that the work atmosphere is really relaxed, everyone is always ready to answer my questions, listen to my proposals and quickly jump to my rescue when I find myself in doubt.
My role as an IVY reporter is to promote what the Interreg Programme does as an active member of the communication team, so as everyone can imagine my daily tasks are publishing content on the Programme website, revise and help with the writing of the brochure to present the state of the art of the projects cofinanced by Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme, take part in the weekly meetings with the rest of the communication team, writing emails and much more. I also had the opportunity to be present at the 5th Monitoring Committee of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme held on March 21st and 22nd 2024, this was something different from the usual day to day office work and was also the occasion for my first study visit of one of the partner’s sites of the MEDS GARDEN+ project.
The prospect of an office job could sound a touch boring and always the same, but it is not. There is always something new and exciting to discuss and learn. Sure, it is quite a steep learning curve, getting used to the terminology and to the new role is not always easy. However, all the challenges and the opportunities that this IVY experience has presented so far were all moments of enrichment, of learning what volunteering in an atmosphere that promotes cooperation and shared European values is.
I would strongly recommend to try it for yourself. Apply and become an IVY and help to promote what cooperation is and how can be implemented. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun and learn something new, an experience where you can participate in shaping our common future. Sure, everyone has a different memory, a different experience, however I am sure that this volunteering opportunity can help you, young people, to be prepared to work for a better cooperation and with that help to build a Europe ready for future challenges.
Say YES and help shape a better tomorrow!
– Luka, IVY Reporter at the Managing Authority of the Programme Interreg Italy-Slovenia
