During my long-term volunteering experience in France, where I spent 8 months, one of the main objectives of the project was to train us to become workcamp leaders. Along the way, I developed many skills—some of which I never expected to gain through volunteering.
One of the most important skills I developed unintentionally was language interpretation from English to Spanish.
During a week-long training, there was a volunteer from Spain who did not speak English. Since I was the only person fluent in both languages, the coordinators asked if I could translate for him. I agreed, not fully realizing the responsibility I was taking on. I did my best to ensure he could understand everything and actively participate in all activities.
Throughout the training, some participants who understood a bit of Spanish told me I was doing a great job. While that feedback meant a lot, the most impactful moment came when one of the coordinators—who had formally studied interpretation—praised my work and encouraged me to consider becoming an interpreter.
That moment gave me a level of confidence I didn’t know I needed.
It also made me realize how important it is to have your skills recognized and validated. Although I did not pursue interpretation professionally, as I was completing my degree in International Business, having a way to formally prove the skills I developed would make a significant difference.
This is why the C-IVS Skills Recognition project is so meaningful to me. Having a system that acknowledges and validates the competencies gained through volunteering can truly change how these experiences are valued—both personally and professionally.
Written by Kiary Sageth Coronel Lobo (Part of We Collab organisation in Colombia, CCIVS Youth Committee and CIVS Youth Steering Committee).
Co-funded by the European Union and the EYF of the Council of Europe. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Council of Europe. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.