Welcome, resilience, transformation: three actions that summarize the work of the Saint Monica’s Home of the Augustinian Recollects in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil), where a young woman from Badajoz, named María, volunteers. The Home takes in girls and teenagers sent by the relevant authorities after they have experienced abusive situations that resulted in the violation of their rights, including abuse, abandonment, exploitation, or various forms of violence.
“Hi, my name is Maria, I’m 19 years old and I’m from Spain, from a town in Badajoz. I’m an International Relations student. I’ve always wanted to experience other realities and learn from people of different cultures and with different life stories. When the opportunity to volunteer in Brazil came up, I thought it would be a unique experience for personal growth.
I knew I could contribute in some way, but I also knew I would return home with many lessons learned. That’s why I decided to come to the Saint Monica’s Home. This experience is teaching me that small gestures can make a big difference. Sometimes a smile, a conversation, a hug, can change a person’s day.
One of the most special moments I experienced during this trip was the walk through the dunes of Fortaleza. It was wonderful to see the beneficiaries happy, playing, and enjoying this unique break from their routine. Seeing their joy and sharing that moment with them made me realize that being here was worthwhile.
Anyone can make a difference. It’s not true that we need to do something grand to help: time, attention, and affection are also very valuable forms of solidarity.
At Saint Monica’s Home, they do very important work, offering care and protection to many girls. Supporting this project, whether as a volunteer, by spreading the word about their work, or through a donation, is a beautiful way to build a more humane society.”
In July, the beneficiaries of the Saint Monica’s Home enjoy a few days of school vacation. This coincides with the annual holidays of students and workers in other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, who dedicate those days to volunteering. The Augustinian Recollect International Solidarity Network ARCORES manages these experiences.
Maria wanted to experience new realities and contribute to society through this transformative experience. Volunteering allows her to discover a new culture, grow as a person, learn a great deal, and feel every day that she is helping to build a better world.
