Step by step – Jasper’s ESC experience
My name is Amos Jasper Buchweitz, and I came to Liège, Belgium, in March to take part in a European Solidarity Corps volunteering project at the two IRHOV schools.
I am visually impaired and almost blind, and the two IRHOV schools support children and young people with visual impairments from the age of three to 19. I chose this project because I wanted to spend some time in another European country and be involved with children and young people.
Before starting my placement, I spent the first two weeks receiving individual support to become more independent in my new environment. Different people helped me with mobility, shopping and everyday life in Liège. After those two weeks, I officially started my volunteering experience at the two schools.
At the beginning, I got to know the students, the teachers and the school environment. Step by step, I started supporting students both individually and in groups. From early on, I was encouraged to develop my own ideas and activities, which I really appreciated.
I enjoyed the warm and open atmosphere, which allowed me to create my own ideas and methods. Getting to know the students little by little and being part of their daily school life was a very positive experience.
One of the activities I organised was introducing the younger pupils to the piano and sharing my own approach to the instrument. On another occasion, we listened together to “Pierre et le Loup”. Later in the project, I also organised piano activities with older students.
I also supported students individually at both schools, for example by helping them use the computer or by practising French together. I especially enjoyed spending time with students from different countries who were learning French and supporting them throughout that process.
During my volunteering experience, I learned about the way teachers and students interact and learn together. I also learned a lot about myself and about how I communicate and teach. Teaching in French was a challenge, but it was one that I really enjoyed.
Throughout the project, I felt welcome both in Liège and at IRHOV because of the openness and support I received.
