My name is Taís Assadurian, I’m from Brazil and I’m here in Armenia participating in the Birthright Armenia volunteering programme, which brings Armenians from all over the Diaspora to the motherland so they can experience Armenia through volunteering work and engaging with the locals.

I have been doing volunteer work with Armenian Caritas in Gyumri for three months now and if I could summarize everything I feel about this experience in one word, it would be gratitude.

When I got here I was so shy and insecure, however, I had all the support and guidance from my mentor Armenuhi Mkhoyan, PR and Communication specialist at Armenian Caritas, during my adaptation process, which helped me a lot regarding my activities within the institution.

I felt that I was part of the team from the start. They welcomed me with open arms – and even though I had started just one day before, they surprised me on my birthday the next day. The dedication and donation to the beneficiaries is also a reflection of what is done internally among employees, of the friendship and closeness that is nourished.

At Armenian Caritas I was able to work in an area that I really like, communication, which has helped me to mature in a lot of different ways and expand as a person and as a professional.

In addition to working and gaining a priceless experience, I collaborate today with an institution that is making a real difference in society and feeling part of it is definitely rewarding.