Feeding You with Smiles: Meet Corentin Ozenne

sharing smiles

Name: Corentin Ozenne

Country of origin: France

Spoken languages: French, English, Spanish

Profession: Student

Why have you come to Greece to work with the refugees?

I used to watch news on TV. I wanted to get an idea of what's happening on my own and the best way to do it is   by meeting and helping refugees. As I had seen most of the refugees were in Greece and Italy so I decided between these two countries. 

How is it to be a volunteer at Eleonas camp? 

I got close with many people there, and I learnt so much from any person at the camp. A little cup of tea, teaching children how to garden, story time, basketball with adults, hearing people's lives; there all these little moments made my experience unforgettable. 

Do you have any suggestions for people considering volunteering with Project Elea?

Most of the volunteer swill tell you that it's like being part of a big family. In the Elea project every person has specific skills and is eager to learn from others by participating in different kinds of activities. Of course at the end of the day we're quite tired, but it's definitely worth it, believe me. Just enjoy as much as you can every moment at the camp, try different activities, try to lead, try to get in touch with families. Even if we fail sometimes, we learn from it, so just try.

What has been the most memorable part of your experience here?

If I had to pick a moment I'd choose the day we'd been to the beach with the children. They felt so excited about it and when we got there every volunteer took care of a child. We could play with them and teach how to swim to some others. Making them enter into the water was a victory for some of them and seeing them that proud made me feel good. It's a moment away from the camp; it's like an adventure for them and they definitely loved it. We shared an ice cream at the end and they were really happy. The child I was looking after even told me she didn't want to go to Germany anymore but to France to be with me. (I think i fell in love in that moment ^^). It was amazing and for sure I'll remember it.

What messages would you like the world to know?

Feed you with smiles from people who will become your second family.