Let's get to know volunteer Mariia

March 13, 2023

Let's get to know Mariia, the foreign volunteer at Tartu Youth Work Centre. Mariia introduces herself in more detail:

Hello! I am Mariia, I came from a small town Fastiv, that is located in Ukraine. In Estonia I’m about to work as a volunteer in a Youth Center for eight months. So, there is some information about me, to introduce myself.

To be honest, being a volunteer wasn’t my goal, I’ve never known about this opportunity, because it’s unpopular in my country. But one day scrolling the internet I noticed a post about different possible ways how to receive new experience. Then I started to learn about it more and looked for possible programs. Winter is my favorite season, that’s why I was interested in projects on the North of Europe. And one day after many unsuccessful applications I received answer from Tartu Youth Center. So, now I’m here, in Tartu, and believe it’s gonna be amazing experience.

By the way, I don’t only work in the center. Currently I’m a third-year student of an economical university in Kyiv, and in future it seems I will work on the custom. In addition, I plan to receive a teaching degree and become a Math teacher, as I’ve planned in the childhood. However I already try my efforts in teaching: three years I work as a tutor and help students of a high school with preparation to their final exams. Also, I dedicated 17 years of my life to dancing. I am a member of an ensemble of folk dances called “Unavushka”, and as the member, I took part in different festivals and contests in Ukraine and abroad as well. For example, last year my team won the first prize on the festivsl in Bulgaria, and then we were invited to the international festival in Georgia. There were participants from eight different countries, and we had a tour around whole Georgia. Thanks to often trips with ensemble, I’ve felt in love with travelling. I’ve visited some European countries, like Greece, Montenegro and Poland and I hope it’s only the beginning of my travel list. In addition, I’m interested in exploring Ukraine as well. I used to live with tents in the Carpathians region on the West part of Ukraine. I climbed some mountains, including the highest mountain Hoverla, visited some unique places as salt lakes and wild forests. In addition, a few years ago I played basketball in a local team, but unfortunately I had to stop it because of lack of the time for studying.

I am happy to come to Estonia. I’m really interested in this country, it’s culture, traditions and the way of living. I also try to find some free time to discover some places here and meet new people. I found a good way: different event to support Ukraine. So, on weekends I go to make candles and nets fo the army and at the same time spend time with interesting people. I try to take part in different events organized by locals to spend my time effectively, meet new people and learn about the environment where I live more. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to not only learn something really new for me, but also to share my experience and knowledge with other people. So, I hope these eight months will be interesting and unforgetting.

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