This Is Italy
In one of my previous columns I already wrote that looking for a job in Italy is not an easy task. You would think finding volunteering in Italy is a little easier, the company only benefits from it, right? Unfortunately, that too is a mistake.
The animal shelter
Who came up with all those laws and ideas that even if I want to scoop poop in a shelter, I have to take an 8-hour 'safety in the workplace' course? And the great thing is that nobody knows where that course can be taken, let alone what the price is.
The lady from the shelter had no idea, because it was a new rule. maybe at the Enaip (a foundation that helps train people for companies and associations)? When I went to inquire there, it turned out that there were 10 different courses for safety in the workplace and half of them lasted eight hours. Well, I really needed some more precise information. Like it or not, huh!
Red Cross
Fortunately, there are also the Red Cross and other such organizations. At the Red Cross you also need a certificate for every type of volunteer work. Remember before October that you want to participate, because the course is offered once a year and lasts approximately from October to April. So if you're looking for something in December, you're out of luck. Fortunately, connections in Italy are always handy. That's how I found out that there are 3 different 'Red Crosses'!
Voluntary ambulance service
For the voluntary ambulance service In addition to helping on the ambulance, it turned out that there was another form of assistance in the area. In addition to several ambulances, the foundation also has 2 passenger cars available. The volunteers on the ambulance 'work' for the emergency number 118.
The volunteers with cars drive patients back and forth from home to the hospital and vice versa. This service is especially for people who can't afford to drive to the hospital every day or older people who have no one to help them.
There are various bodies you can register with, the National Organization for Public Assistance (ANPAS) is just the executive branch. You don't need anything for the car service except a driver's license. After registration and a watch morning I got my uniform and I was allowed to go out alone!
All's well that ends well
I take and pick up a boy with Down syndrome to school every Thursday. After I take him to school, I take another boy to the speech therapist. Then I wait for him to finish and then I take him to school.
While waiting, a man came to me and asked: 'madam, where can I have blood drawn?' Apparently, the Italians themselves regularly don't know what's going on… I don't work here and I have no idea, I think. This is also my first time in this hospital. But I was still able to help him on his way.
Then I drive back to the location and (how could it be otherwise) fill in a whole series of forms. Who I drove, where, why, how many kilometers, which route, and so on. Next week I will also pick up a blind lady from work.
I am happy with my volunteer work in Italy. It is very diverse and it certainly gives satisfaction!
Comments