Our former ESC volunteer, now representing our amazing Croatian partner organization Ocean Znanja (or in english Ocean of Knowledge), joined us for the Coffee With Garlic seminar – and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Milica Djukic back to Aruba!
In this article, she shares insights into the inspiring activities of this brilliant seminar.
Meet the partners
Coffee with Garlic Seminar for youth workers kicked off yesterday! It was an exciting start as partners connected, shared ideas, and explored opportunities for volunteering and mobility for young people. 🤩
Check out our amazing partners and stay tuned for more updates in the coming days!
Project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. @het_nji
Day 1 of the Coffee with Garlic youth worker seminar!
Today, we were hosted by our incredible local partner, SV Britannia. We started the day with a fun and interactive session, getting to know each other better, sharing our experiences, and learning about the amazing organizations everyone represents.
From inspiring stories to new ideas, the room was buzzing with energy and collaboration. Being in this space reminded us of the power of connection and how youth work truly brings people together to make a difference!
Excited for what’s to come in the next steps of this journey. 💪
Day 2
We had an incredible day hosted by our local partner, EPB San Nicolaas, packed with learning, fun, and inspiration:
– Played games led by the amazing school director, Rensley Mathilda.
– Heard firsthand about the DiscoverEU inclusion project from last summer’s participants at the Paris Olympic Games.
– Got an in-depth look at Youth Exchanges and learned about all the stages that make them happen.
– Enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the talented students of EPB San Nicolaas.
In the afternoon, we visited another fantastic local partner who, together with Tur Cos Ta Posibel, will co-host a team project in April. Big things are coming! 💪
Feeling grateful for the connections we’re building. 🌍
Day 3
We kicked off the day by exploring Aruba’s incredible flora and fauna with a visit to Tres Trapi Beach — where we got the chance to swim alongside a sea turtle! 🐢
The afternoon took us to the heart of Aruba’s Sunrise City, San Nicolas. We visited the inspiring social gallery and met with another amazing local partner, ArtisA. Strolling through the streets, we admired the stunning murals that have been brought to life over the years, each telling its own powerful story.
What a day full of nature, art, and connection!
Day 4
We heard that in Aruba, it never rains – but it’s just sunshine melting! Jokes aside, we kicked off the day with a hike to the Natural Pool, and even the melting sunshine couldn’t stop us! ☔️ After that, we visited our local partner, the Donkey Sanctuary, before heading over to support another partner, Popcorn Club Aruba, at the Carnival Queen election! 🎉 What a day!
Day 5
We kicked off the day with a session with our local partner, Ibiza, where we had the chance to attend a water session with the elderly—free to the public!
After that, we spent the day exploring Ibiza, getting to know the organization, and working in groups on mobility projects and partnership plans. Big plans coming up! 🤝
To cap off the day, we visited Marvelline, a talented mosaic artist in Aruba, where we created our own mosaic flowers as a lasting memory of this project. Such a beautiful and way to remember our time here!
We wrapped up the day by supporting the Popcorn dancers at Divi Divi and enjoyed a delicious dinner in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba!
Day 6
Today was filled with meaningful experiences and cultural immersion!
We started the day by visiting KIA, the local prison of Aruba, where we visited the session delivered by Sara, one of our incredible long-term volunteers who delivers weekly sessions with different departments. In the women’s wing, we had an opportunity to reflect on the inspiring FAIS team project from October 2024 and discuss international mobility opportunities, sharing new possibilities. 🤝
Later, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant Bon Bini Festival at the Historical Museum, experiencing Aruban culture through traditional dances and stories that showcased the island’s rich heritage. 🎶💃🏽
We ended the day with a cozy BBQ, sharing food, deep conversations, and lots of laughter under the stars.🍴✨
Day 7
And just like that, our incredible journey together has come to an end. But we realized that this is not the end, but one huge beginning!
The final day was all about reflecting on the experience and celebrating our growth. During the evaluations, we exchanged heartfelt words, shared warm hugs and smiles, and recognized each other’s efforts with well-deserved YouthPasses. 💌
This seminar brought so much inspiration, connection, and hope for the future. As we part ways, we carry the memories, lessons, and bonds we’ve built—already looking forward to the next opportunity to create something meaningful together. 💛
Thank you to everyone who made this journey unforgettable. Until next time!
Project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme (K01) of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
