The first training course of this year specifically on International Volunteering was held in Madrid on January 28th and 29th. It was taught by Juan Ciudad NGO and the Benito Menni Foundation. It was attended by 25 people from all over Spain, interested in collaborating and volunteering in the social and healthcare centers of these organizations in countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The training includes various training blocks with institutional content (such as the mission and values of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God and the Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters), volunteer motivations, emotional management, risk and safety, and numerous group dynamics and teamwork, among others.
These sessions are coordinated by BelĂ©n JimĂ©nez, head of volunteers at Juan Ciudad ONGD, and by Sister Roza Izquierdo, head of the Benito Menni Foundation, and on this occasion they also included presentations by Brother JosĂ© MÂȘ Viadero (director of JCONGD), LuĂs GarcĂa Villameriel (psychologist and director of the Psychology Without Borders Foundation), Lydia Polo GarcĂa (health psychologist specializing in psycho-oncology, working at the San Rafael Hospital in Madrid), and Adriana Castro (head of communications at JCONGD).
In addition, a space was reserved for other people who have already volunteered to share their experiences and exchange impressions with the training attendees. Participants included Lucila Calvo, a midwife who worked at the SJD Hospital in Asafo (Ghana); Eduardo RodrĂguez, a businessman who worked at the SJD Special Education School in Veloor (India); and JosĂ© Antonio PĂ©rez, a yoga teacher who worked at the SJD Clinic in Iquitos (Peru).
To know the requirements and profile of Juan Ciudad NGO volunteering click here.
You can see more photos in our Facebook.
Text and photos by Adriana Castro, Communications Manager at Juan Ciudad NGO.
