Workcamp in Deutschland

Hannover 2009

von Maria Shudeiko aus Belarus/ Weißrussland

This summer I went to a workcamp in Hannover. It was my second workcamp, and I was really eager to participate in it. The project seemed very interesting and challenging. We had to work in International Gardens in one of the city’s dwelling areas, helping the people who keep these gardens in numerous ways. The first challenge we faced was socializing with the locals working in the gardens. We were welcomed but not many of them were ready for communication. Despite this sad fact we got on with the few willing to socialize and help us very well. Then the work was sometimes physically hard: we had to dig a lot, to carry large stones and make compost – and often in the sun and 35°C heat. But that was what I had actually been looking forward to, so it was even nice. The best thing I found in our work was the diversity of tasks we were to fulfill – from painting a wooden hut to building a barbecue oven. So we tried ourselves in various activities. Each participant found some work that especially pleased him or her.

We were 12 in the camp, people from 7 different countries. And surely all of us were excited to learn things about other cultures and to feel oneself a part of it. Each day we appointed a kitchen-team of 2 persons who used all their imagination and skills to present a marvelous national dish to the rest of us. So our meals were always an international exchange of experience. In our spare time, especially in the evenings, we enjoyed playing games. There was a game from each participant that was a favourite with the others. We played loads of Spanish and German games, and also Korean, French and many others.

Thanks to our camp-leaders we were always organized. We were aware of our budget, of the issues at work and of all opportunities for spare time. It was always a pleasure to spend time with the “campers” – either going on a picnic by the local lake or hanging out at Maschseefest. Every day was unforgettable and special in it own way.

But what I find obviously the best about this camp is this. We were a real team. We worked fast and well together, always giving a helping hand where needed. We spent our evenings almost all together. There were some problems with the language at times, but we coped with them easily. And the most special thing was that: although we were one united team, there was special touch on behalf of each participant towards all the others. Each of them brought something personal into communication. And I could find some special topic for discussion or mutual understanding almost with each “camper”. With some of them we could even skip talking, as we understood each other’s thoughts. I have never thought before that such relationship could be developed out of just 3 weeks spent under a common roof. I have found true friends in this camp. And now I just hope space and time will not tear us apart very soon.

Thank you, IJGD, for this unforgettable experience – the country, the project, the people!

Maria