La belle aventure: a CES volunteer’s account from Morocco
Maroc • 6 months • Isaaf Jerada
As she approached her 30th birthday, following a difficult period at work, Claudia decided to make a plan she’d been mulling over for more than ten years a reality: to go on a humanitarian mission. She had never before been away from France for more than a week, nor had she travelled outside Europe. Her plan took shape through the European Solidarity Corps, and she chose to call this experience ‘La belle aventure’ : an adventure rich in human connection and full of discoveries.
What title would you give to your experience?
‘La belle aventure’ – that’s the name I gave it.
It was a project I’d had in mind for 10 years, which finally came to fruition just as I was turning 30, following a difficult period at work. It was that turbulent period that made me want to set off for new horizons to take a step back, rediscover myself and get to know myself even better!
‘The Great Adventure’ because it was an adventure for me, having never left France for more than a week before. And ‘great’ because I knew this experience could only be enriching and rewarding on a personal level.
What were your main reservations before setting off?
I didn’t really have any reservations before setting off; I’d assessed the feasibility of the project from both a personal and professional perspective. I’d wanted to go away to volunteer my time and share my skills for a humanitarian project for a long time. I hadn’t done it before because I’d found a job straight after finishing my studies.
The doubts I had mainly concerned how I would feel in an unfamiliar environment, and what I would actually be doing during my mission. But I set off in the mindset that this experience would teach me a lot and that I needed to let myself go to make the most of it.
How did your arrival and settling-in go?
I arrived in Morocco on the evening of 18 January. After spending the night at a hotel in Oujda, I set off for Jerada on the 19th. I arrived at my flat, where I was welcomed by my mentor from the charity and the landlord.
Once I’d settled in, I was keen to explore my new surroundings and get to know another volunteer who’d arrived a week earlier. It was with her that I went on my first walk around Jerada and, to be honest, it was at that very moment that I was hit full force by what we talk about so much during training and what we have to prepare for: culture shock.
No matter how much you prepare, do your research or imagine what the town and its people might be like, there’s often a gap between what you imagine and reality. Indeed, I’d only just left my cosy little life behind and found myself in a town where everything was new: no supermarkets, people staring at me as I walked past as if they’d never seen a foreigner before… At the end of that outing, I thought to myself that it might take me a while to feel comfortable in this new life.
But I know I’m someone who adapts quickly and, above all, I put things into perspective, because I know this feeling is normal and temporary. And, most importantly, I knew that the organisation would be there to support me as I took my first steps. In the end, there were two of us volunteers going through the same experience, and that really helps.
That feeling only lasted a few days in the end. I quickly adapted to my new daily routine, where every day was a new discovery for me: shopping in the souk, getting used to the pace of life, and the many animals I came across in the street. Everything is different, but I’m making the most of it and learning about Moroccan life.
Was there an encounter or a situation that particularly moved you?
The situation that particularly moved me was the day I turned 30. I’d only been there a week and wasn’t expecting a big party as nobody knew it was my birthday. To mark the occasion, I turned up at the office that morning with some cupcakes to share with my colleagues.
That afternoon, they’d organised a surprise for me with all the children from the centre, who arrived singing and carrying a cake to share. We then had a little party. That evening, when I got home, my landlady turned up with a surprise and we threw an impromptu party on the terrace. We ate, sang and danced… It was a wonderful moment of togetherness.
That day will stay with me forever because you only turn 30 once, and even though I was far from my loved ones, I certainly didn’t lack for love that day!
What did you discover about yourself whilst on this adventure?
This experience gave me the chance to discover new sides to myself. I knew I wanted to go away, but I’d never been away from France for more than a week and I’d never left Europe. So I didn’t know how I’d cope with being away from my loved ones, the differences in lifestyle, the loneliness…
It was a chance to step out of my comfort zone and learn a great deal about myself. I did things during this experience that I would never have considered before, such as travelling alone and actually enjoying it.
I felt capable of adapting to any situation. Although I’m naturally anxious, I managed to let go and make the most of this adventure.
What would you say to someone who’s still hesitating about setting off?
If you want to do it, don’t hesitate. Of course, in the run-up to departure – particularly in the final few weeks – you might feel stressed and start wondering if you’ve made a mistake. But that’s just the fear of the unknown talking.
In truth, the unknown is part of the journey and that’s what makes it magical, as it leaves room for wonderful surprises!
And then, you have to be honest with yourself and realise that things certainly won’t all be plain sailing during the trip. You go through a range of emotions before, on arrival, during and after. But if you’re surrounded by the right people and know who to confide in — your loved ones or ADICE — nothing seems insurmountable.
It’s an experience I’d wish on anyone who feels ready to give it a go!!
How did ADICE help you prepare for your departure?
ADICE helped me prepare for my departure by being there to answer all my questions. They’re there to reassure us, to make us think about things we might not necessarily think of ourselves.
What’s more, there’s a two-day training course before we set off, which gives us further advice and prepares us for what we’re going to experience and feel, particularly during the first few days.
ADICE supports us before, during and after the trip. I didn’t have any particular problems, but they’re always ready to listen and can offer advice and support.
Would you like to share a detail, a memory or an anecdote of your own?
I cried beforehand, as my heart was heavy at the thought of leaving. Six months seemed like a long time to be away from my loved ones and friends.
Whilst I was there, I was moved by the people I met, the kindness I received and the wonderful places I had the chance to discover.
And I cried afterwards, too, when I had to say goodbye, leave the city and board the plane, enriched by this six-month experience during which I’d been through so much. I’ll cherish these unforgettable memories and I’ll most certainly return to Morocco, inshallah!
The European Solidarity Corps’ VOL4PEACE project, funded by the European Union, is led by the Movement for Peace – MPDL – (Spain) in partnership with ADICE (France) and WeWorld-GVC (Italy), and with the collaboration of numerous local partners. From Morocco to Uruguay, this solidarity network has demonstrated that it is possible to build community capacity and promote youth leadership in contexts marked by conflict, social inequality and forced displacement. #VOL4PEACE
