TOLA C.O.

After returning from Christmas break, daily life at TOLA quickly slipped back into its familiar rhythm. January is one of those months that feels especially quiet after the whirlwind of celebrations in December. Nothing particularly spectacular happened at the centre — it was more a time for everyone to catch their breath and ease into

As expected, December was quite a busy month. There were many excursions, goodbyes to both usuarios and volunteers, Christmas preparations, almuerzos and lunches, and probably more.  One activity I sincerely enjoyed was the visit to La Colección BBVA in Valencia. As a day trip, we went by train in a small group to the museum,

November marks the arrival of colder weather: temperatures drop, the days grow shorter, and the transition toward winter becomes noticeable. Despite the change in climate, activities at the center continue regularly. At the same time, it becomes clear that the end of my journey is approaching, naturally starting a countdown toward the final weeks. As

While I was expecting November to be a quiet month — somewhere in between the chaos of Halloween and the start of Christmas activities — it actually turned out to be a lot more eventful than I thought. The month was packed with so many things that it honestly just flew by. The first two

October was the month I really settled into TOLA and started to feel more at home. I began to understand how things work at the centre, got to know the people on a more personal level, and felt confident taking more initiative during the daily activities. With my schedule finally sorted, my days became a

October was definitely a month to remember, full of activities and special moments at the center. The days were filled with different experiences, starting with the therapy with birds, an activity that created a lot of curiosity and amazement among the participants. The direct contact with these majestic animals offered everyone a unique chance to

Although I haven’t quite completed a full month at TOLA yet, September has already come to an end — and I couldn’t feel more welcomed by the team. Little by little, I’m finding my place here.  In the first weeks, I’m being introduced to the different sides of TOLA: from the occupational and daily centres,

I went to Morocco with a friend. It was my first time out of Europe and honestly it really didnt feel like Europe at all. Everything was so vibrant and alive, total chaos on the streets, the food-amazing, the colors. It was overwhelming, but in a way that makes you feel really present. When i

I spent more time with friends – one of my favourite memories was playing football on the beach with friends and some kids from Italy. Like everyone I had my training in Málaga. It was great to get out of Valencia, meet other volunteers. At first I was too shy it was 72 people, too

Not super exciting just somewhere in the middle. Things didn’t feel new anymore, but they also didn’t feel boring. I was just living here as strange as it sounded. Work was more or less the same. I know the routines now, the people, how things work. I notice that im feeling less lost in general.

June arrived bringing with it the true summer heat the kind that wraps around you from the morning and doesn’t let go until late in the evening. The days felt endless, bright, almost infinite. And right in the middle of this slow, sun-drenched atmosphere, I experienced one of the most meaningful moments of the past

May marks the beginning of the warmth, a time that heralds summer and invites us to embrace the outdoors, explore new destinations, and enjoy the company of loved ones. This year, for me, the month of May meant so much more: it was the perfect moment to explore Valencia and share this experience with my

The training experience at the hostel in Lekaroz was intense and engaging, characterized by a combination of educational activities, moments of socialization, and personal discoveries. The journey began with a long trip to Pamplona, followed by the arrival at the hostel, where I got to know the other participants through interactive games and convivial evenings.

This was the real settling-in month. Valencia didn’t feel as overwhelming and new anymore even though it’s still strange to be living in a city like this. I started to feel more at home in the streets, at work, and even with the language (a little bit, at least). I got used to the routines,

Its the arrival month. The first time in my life I was warm in february. As i got adjusted in a city (almost as big as my whole country) and the work i ve never done and will do for 10 months. I felt really welcomed from the start (ive never seen my name on

August in Valencia felt like a breath of fresh air, a well-deserved pause after months of dedication and hard work. With the entire month free, I looked forward to enjoying a true summer break and, as planned, spent many sun-soaked days at the beach. Valencia gifted us with beautiful, rain-free weather—a perfect setting for beach

September was a month of reflection, reconnection, and a renewed appreciation for change. The first week was spent at home, which brought a sense of nostalgia, joy, and comfort as I reunited with friends and family after months apart. It was deeply fulfilling to reconnect, yet emotionally challenging as I balanced these reunions with the

As my year-long volunteer journey at the occupational center comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the lessons, challenges, and growth that this experience has brought. Working here since last November, October was particularly significant—it renewed my motivation and deepened my connection to the work. This past month brought a unique addition to

Al principio hay el momento de ver, después el de comprender y al terminar el momento de concluir. Tengo un examen muy importante la semana que viene, el avión por volver en Italia en tres días, una fiesta mañana y un montón de amigos que quiero saludar entre hoy y martes, es imposible por mi

Is not easy thinking about December 2023 because it was so intense that month! I remember that I spent Christmas in Barcelona with my ex-girlfriend in my cousin’s Marta house. She lives in Barcelona and me and Chiara (my ex-girlfriend) decided to go there to visit the city and to have the opportunity to spend