Erasmus volunteers relishing roles with Carrickfergus YMCA

The work of Carrickfergus YMCA in the community has received the thumbs up from three young European volunteers.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2014, 13:46 BST
Vanessa Kaubukowski and Rafael Deutschmann from Germany and Raquel Azanza Alvarez from Spain are volunteers on the Erasmus+ programme for a year. They visited the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, in the Town Hall with Ivor Mitchell, Robert Hunter and Karen Graham from the YMCA. INCT 42-101-GRVanessa Kaubukowski and Rafael Deutschmann from Germany and Raquel Azanza Alvarez from Spain are volunteers on the Erasmus+ programme for a year. They visited the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, in the Town Hall with Ivor Mitchell, Robert Hunter and Karen Graham from the YMCA. INCT 42-101-GR
Vanessa Kaubukowski and Rafael Deutschmann from Germany and Raquel Azanza Alvarez from Spain are volunteers on the Erasmus+ programme for a year. They visited the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, in the Town Hall with Ivor Mitchell, Robert Hunter and Karen Graham from the YMCA. INCT 42-101-GR

Germans Vanessa Kaubukowski (18) and Rafael Deutschmann (19) and Spaniard Raquel Azanza Alvarez (22) are on a one-year placement with the Irish Quarter West-based organisation through the Erasmus+ exchange programme.

Ivor Mitchell, general secretary of Carrickfergus YMCA, said: “The European volunteers make a real difference in our programmes, they bring a fresh perspective often causing us to look at why we do the things we do.

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“When they share with local young their stories and why they give a year to work here, it can be both inspirational and motivational. Last year one of our local young volunteers applied to EVS and is now volunteering for a year in Spain - a fantastic opportunity to learn and for personal growth.”

Raquel, who finished a Social Work degree in June, said: “I’m really enjoying it a lot. We are working during the week and the rest of the time we have free time to travel, to meet new people.

“I knew the previous Spanish volunteer that came here last year, so I met with him before coming here and he told me of the work of Carrick.”

Raquel added the one of the best parts of the experience has been engaging with young people, “it’s amazing the things you can learn”.

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“I love the small towns. I prefer living here than in Belfast. It’s a more cosy atmosphere and people are really nice.”

Kassel native Vanessa is working with the PAKT (Parents and Kids Together) project at Glenfield. She got involved with Erasmus following an online search.

“When I did my A-levels, I worked as well with children. After this year I am going to study about childhood education,” said Vanessa.

“I was looking on the internet because I wanted to go one year in another country and my friend told me about the YMCA.”
Added attractions, she noted, were the language and the landscape. She continued: “The people are very nice. I like it all.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Raffa, from Esslingen, who has adapted quickly to the role, which includes working with PAKT, the YMCA’s youth club and training.

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Raffa said: “I thought it was going to be more challenging to be away from home, in Northern Ireland, but I really enjoy it. I already have experience of youth work, I did it for seven years in my home town in the YMCA.”

“So I think it’s a great opportunity for young people to have the experience of going abroad for a year.”