EVS House in Kalamata

A big house with yard in the center of Kalamata. 5 mins from the central square and 3 mins from the Youth Centre of Kalamata

ex-EVS volunteer in Kalamata: Daniel Fernandes

My name is Daniel Fernandes, I am from Portugal and I was born in 1987. I graduated in Genetics and Biotechnology and after that I decided to do something different, EVS. Let’s say, the best option I have ever made in my life! EVS was the most proficient and rich experience in my life until now. I learned many many things that will certainly help me in my future, both in personal and professional levels. The way everything is done in EVS promotes a different method of learning in life by experience and informal methods, which I completely love! I keep saying that everyone should do an EVS or similar experience in their lives.

Initially my project was going to be about Reforestation and Rehabilitation of the zones affected by some huge fires in 2007 but unfortunately it didn’t work so I was incorporated in the brand new Youth Center of Kalamata, together with the volunteers of that project, Totya and Jerónimo. Although in the beginning it was a bit awkward for me, in the end it was fantastic! It was not easy, but that’s what EVS and multiculturalism is about, understanding and respecting other ideas and habits! We helped to build it up, and now that I hear the Youth Center is growing and growing I feel proud! It is like I left a bit of myself there, I will always be connected with that place and that city, those fantastic friends from K.A.NE. and the volunteers (all friends for life), my greek girl, the women from the tirópita’s place, Jimies’ souvlaki, and so many others... Thank you Kalamata, thank you K.A.NE.!!

Now I am doing a master in Human Evolution and Biology, but I keep linked to the Youth-in-Action programme as I am coordinating EVS and Youth Exchanges in my sending organisation.

7o CRITICAL MASS in Kalamata

7o Critical Mass Ride
Δικαίωμά μας!!

Αυτή τη Κυριακή, ελάτε όλοι...με τα ποδήλατα σας στη κεντρική πλατεία. Ετοιμαστείτε για μία μαζική ποδηλατοβόλτα στη πόλη μας! Το 7ο CRITICAL MASS θα έχει ως θεματική τα δικαιώματα και τις υποχρεώσεις του πεζού και του ποδηλάτη.
Να μη λείψει κανείς...

27 Φεβρουαρίου, έναρξη ώρα 21:00

- DJs
- Διαπολιτισμικό PARTY
...και άλλα...

28 Φεβρουαρίου, έναρξη ώρα 12:00

- DJs
- Skate battles (με έπαθλο μια σανίδα)
- Graffiti (δηλώσεις σημετοχής μεταξύ 12:00 και 13:00, θα τηρηθεί σειρά προτεραιότητας και αυτοί που θα δηλώσουν θα παραλάβουν και σπρέυ δωρεάν)
- Άλματα με ποδήλατα (dirt bikes) - απαραίτητα με κράνος για την ασφάλειά σας
- Ζογλερικά
- Εργαστήριο 3R-χειροτεχνία
- Face painting
- Χαριστικό Παζάρι
...και πολλά άλλα...

Επίσης θα λάβει μέρος διαγωνισμός μέσω λαχειοφόρου αγοράς, με πλούσια δώρα. Δώρο πρώτου τυχερού: 1 ποδήλατο BMX και πολλά άλλα.

ΤΗΝ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΣΤΗΡΙΖΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΔΗΛΑΤΕΣ ΚΑΛΑΜΑΤΑΣ
Το CRITICAL MASS θα λάβει μέρος την Κυριακή στις 16:00, θα ξεκινήσει από τα ψαράκια και θα καταλήξει στην Αγορά στο Φεστιβάλ του Κέντρου Νέων.

Interview with Nina Meyer

Nina Meyer is a volunteer for KEKYKAmeA project in Kalamata. She is 18 years old and she is coming from Germany.

1. Nina, why you decided to become EVS volunteer?

I have personal reasons. I didnt want to go to unversity after I have finished high school. More important is that I wanted to gain new experiences, to become more open-minded person and I want it to discover new cultures and countries. And ofcourse I want to do voluntary work and help other people.

2. For how long time you are going to stay in Greece?

8 months.

3. Why you decided to come here?

I had possibility to choose between several different projects. But this one here in Greece, in Kalamata was the one what I liked most. I had luck, because I am not only interested about the project, but I am also very interested about the country.

4. What kind of work to you do?

I work in the center with disabled people. I support the escort of disabled people between their homes and center. Maybe later I can also start supporting them in some workshops. For example painting and pottery.

5. What especially likes you about your work?

Mainly I like to work with disabled people and I like to be in the contact with them. They are always friendly and joyful.

6. How your daily life looks like here in Kalamata?

Sometimes I discover the city with my bike. I learn Greek. I participate in the workshops in the center and I also give workshops in the center. I am giving German language lessons. I also like to spend time with other volunteers.

7. What to you think about Greeks, their culture, food?

I cant say not much yet, because I have been here only 3 weeks. I have discovered traditonal Greek music, but I still have to get used to it. Also I have discoverd that every party where I am going, then there is always live music. Greeks like to play live music. I also like your hospitality. You are always invited everywhere.

Youth Centre of Kalamata