Evropska solidarnostna enota ESE (ali European solidarity corps) je del evropskih programov na področju mladine in solidarnosti. Mladim osebam ponuja priložnosti za udejstvovanje v solidarnostnih aktivnostih na različnih področjih, kot so vključevanje migrantov, okoljskih izzivih, preprečevanju naravnih nesreč, mladinskih dejavnostih in humanitarni pomoči. Mladim ponuja izkušnjo, ki zagotavlja navdih in opolnomočenje mladih, ki želijo pomagati, se učiti in razvijati.

V okviru projekta, so se nam za 8 mesecev v KNOF-u, pridružili trije ESE prostovoljci – Asil, Emanuel in Okay. Zastavili smo jim nekaj vprašanj, da jih bolje spoznamo. Tretji se nam predstavi prostovoljec Okay.

Kako bi se opisal (od kje prihajaš, tvoji hobiji, interesi)? Zaupaj nam kakšno zanimivost o sebi?

Prihajam iz Turčije, rodil sem se in odraščal v Istanbulu. Moj glavni talent je “komuniciranje z ljudmi”. Menim, da je vsaka oseba, ki jo srečam, lahko priložnost. Všeč sta mi potencial in nepričakovanost življenja. Kot inštruktor plavanja imam rad vse športne aktivnosti, še posebej plavanje. Obožujem naravo, čudovit pogled na nebo polno zvezd, pijačo in zabavo v svojem slogu. S seboj prinašam nekaj zabave za vsakogar. Raziskovanje novih krajev in spoznavanje novih ljudi je vznemirljivo in del mojega življenja. Sovražim obstanek na enem mestu, zato bom tudi potoval.

Zakaj si se odločil za prostovoljstvo na KNOF-u?

Iskal sem dolgoročne projekte v okviru ESE. In ko sem zagledal Knof, sem opravil raziskavo. Zdelo se mi je dobro. Moje mnenje in tudi dejstvo je, da je trajnost prihodnost, ki se jo bo nekega dne zavedal vsakdo. Verjetno bo prepozno, v vsakem primeru pa je ena bolje kot nič.

Česa se želiš naučiti/spoznati v naslednjih 8 mesecih?

Želim se naučiti ter odkriti svoje meje na področju trajnosti, kakor tudi uporabljati laserski stroj ali 3D tiskalnik. Spoznati, kaj lahko človeštvo stori, da bi spremenilo stanje na področju trajnosti, in biti zgled drugim ljudem. Prav tako pa se želim naučiti, kako razmišljati kot podjetnik. Tega se veselim.

KNOF deluje na področju trajnosti, krožnega gospodarstva,.. katero področje tebe najbolj zanima?

Trajnost in krožno gospodarstvo gresta z roko v roki, zato bi rekel, da me zanima oboje. Prav tako me zanima, kako pritegniti pozornost ljudi z izdelki, ki jih izdeluje zavod Knof. Več pozornosti pomeni več trajnosti in boljše krožno gospodarstvo.

Od kod izvira tvoje zanimanje za trajnost, krožno gospodarstvo?

Moje zanimanje za trajnostni razvoj izhaja iz zavedanja. Nekateri ljudje se ne zavedajo trajnosti, zato jih moramo poučiti in o trajnostnem načinu življenja. Brez krožnega gospodarstva bomo vse izgubili, kajti življenje je danes povezano s trošenjem in uporabo stvari.

Kako pa ti prispevaš k bolj trajnostnem načinu življenja?

Recikliram, ne uporabljam plastike, kadar je to mogoče in kupujem reciklirane izdelke. Prav tako pa skrbim za zmanjšanje porabe vode.

Kakšni so tvoji prvi vtisi o KNOF-u in življenju v Sloveniji?

Navdušen sem nad Knofovim delom in novimi projekti. Veliko prispevajo k trajnostnemu razvoju na splošno in enako velja za ozaveščanje. Vsi v Knofu so zelo prijazni, tako kot vsi ostali Slovenci.

Kakšne razlike opažaš med krajem od koder prihajaš in tu kjer si sedaj?

Tam, od koder prihajam, je bilo več kot 18 milijonov ljudi. In to je bilo samo mesto, v celotni Sloveniji je le 2 milijona ljudi. Ljudje so tu prijazni in spoštljivi. V mestu od koder prihajam, je bilo veliko ljudi, tudi ko si se sprehajal…. Konec mojega odgovora.

Bi še kaj dodal?

Zelo sem vesel, da sem del te popolne družbe in se veselim, da bom naslednjih nekaj mesecev ustvarjal z vami. Zabavali se bomo. Zelo,

How would you describe yourself (where are you from, your hobbies, interests) Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I am from Turkey, born and raised in Istanbul. My main talent is “Communicating with everyone. “I think every person I meet can be an opportunity. I love the potential and unexpectedness of life. As a swimming instructor, I love all kinds of sports activities, especially swimming. I love nature, the beautiful view of the sky full of stars, drinking and having fun with my style. I bring some fun with me for everyone. Exploring new places and meeting new people is exciting and part of my life. I hate being stuck in one place, so I will also travel.

Why did you decide to volunteer at KNOF?

I was looking for a long term projects through European Solidarity Corps. And i saw Knof, i made my research. And it was looking good to me. Because in my opinion and also as a fact, sustainability is the future which everyone will be aware of it one day. I wanted to be a part of it. It will be too late probably, but 1 is better than 0 anyways.

What do you want to learn/realise in the next 8 months?

I want to learn everything about sustainability, even how to use a laser machine or a 3D printer. I want to discover my limits in sustainability. I want to learn what and how humanity can do to make a difference in sustainability and be an example for other people. I also want to learn how to think like an entrepreneur. I am looking forward to that.

KNOF works on sustainability, circular economy,… which area of KNOF’s work are you most interested in?

Sustainability and circular economy go hand in hand, so I would say I am interested in both. I am also interested in getting people’s attention with the products maden by Knof. More attention means more sustainability, and better circular economy.

Where does your interest in sustainability, circular economy come from?

My interest in sustainability comes from awareness. There are people who are not aware of sustainability. So we have to teach people who are not aware of sustainability and make them realize it. Without a circular economy, we will basically waste everything. Because living is all about using and wasting things these days.

How do you contribute to a more sustainable way of life?

I recycle, I don’t use plastic whenever possible, I buy recycled goods. And i also don’r waste water.

What are your first impressions of KNOF and life in Slovenia?

I am excited about Knof’s work and new projects. They contribute a lot to sustainability in general and the same goes for awareness. Everyone in Knof is so nice, same as in Slovenia. People are nice, respectful, friendly.

What differences do you notice between where you come from and where you are now?

There was more than 18 million people where i came from. And it was just a city, in whole Slovenia is just 2 million people. People are nice, kind, friendly and respectful here. In the city where i came from, there was human traffic even when you are walking… end of my answer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am really happy that i am the part of this perfect company, i am looking forward to spend my next months being creative with you all. We will have fun. A lot.