I’m Viviana, from Turin, Italy. I’m an EVS volunteer in one of the most amazing places in England, the Lake district. I’m working as a volunteer at The Lakes District Calvert Trust Stables, a center specializing in outdoor activities for people with disabilities. At the Calvert Trust everything is possible!
My adventure started on 21st June, when I arrived I participated in EuroPeers UK training, there I listened to a lot of stories about international experience and I couldn’t wait to live mine!
Before starting this experience I attended university to become a primary school teacher, but I also wanted to find out what other possibilities the world offered and after discovering the opportunity of this project, I knew it would be the right choice for me since it involves my love for animals and the desire to help others.
When I arrived in Keswick it was sunset time and the light made the town even more beautiful, I remember smiling afterwards thinking that I would spend one of the best experiences of my life there.
After one week I started my volunteer work and it was a nice surprise to find out that the Calvert Stables staff was made up of women only!
I quickly discovered how important it was for people with disabilities to be able to do those activities and the importance of interacting with horses, their contagious joy excited me and continues to do so after six months! This is what happens when you see someone achieve their goals and break down barriers.
Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything!
It is important to have someone to share this fantastic experience with and fortunately I have found many friends here, the other volunteers and my colleagues have become a second family, I feel at home!!
