Meet Martina Cekova, a 26-year-old from Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, who swapped her daily routine in logistics and the business sector for volunteering in Split through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program. Today, she volunteers at Sunce and, as she says, enjoys the mix of work, the sea, and spontaneous conversations with people from all over Europe.
Before deciding to apply for an ESC project, Martina was studying, but she decided to take a break to focus more on herself and the things that had always drawn her: learning through experience, meeting different people, and living life outside the usual boundaries.
-I consider myself a person who enjoys challenges and new experiences. I love learning, meeting new people, making connections, and simply enjoying life,” said Martina, who met two other ESC volunteers at Sunce: Sanja Mirceva and Jeanne Dournel. Last month, this trio attended a training for European Solidarity Corps volunteers – read our article to find out how it went.
The path to volunteering at Sunce wasn’t completely random, but it also wasn’t something she had long planned. She discovered the project through the Volunteer Centre in Skopje, which offered opportunities for young people to volunteer in other European countries.
– I had this feeling for a long time that there was something I needed to do something good for my heart and soul. This volunteering project seemed like a great way to discover a new culture, a new place, and of course, learn something new.- said Martina.
Like most first-time volunteers leaving their country for a longer period, Martina initially felt uncertain.
– I have to admit, I was a bit sceptical because it would be my first time moving abroad for a whole year. I wasn’t sure if I had enough knowledge for the project or if I’d manage.- she tells us honestly.
But everything changed once she got in touch with the team at Sunce.
– They immediately told me that the most important thing is the willingness to learn. That meant a lot to me because I realized that knowledge comes with time, but willingness and openness are key. That’s when I knew – I am going!- she recalls.
First impressions: Split and the feeling of home
Martina says Split was never really on her radar, but she had heard it was a beautiful city. Still, once she arrived, everything changed. She was surprised by how quickly she adapted and how welcome she felt.
– I’d always heard from others that Split is very beautiful, but I never gave it much thought. And when I arrived and experienced it for myself, I can definitely say it was a yes. From the moment I got here, it felt like I had already been here before.- said Martina.
She especially enjoys spending her free time at the beach, walking around the city, and soaking in the relaxed lifestyle that Split offers. She’s met many people through the project and beyond, and she’s particularly happy about how diverse the group of volunteers is: everyone comes from different backgrounds but shares similar values.
– My favourite thing here is that I can just go to the beach, relax, enjoy the sea and the sun. Also, Split has a great nightlife. I’ve met a lot of people here, with different cultures and opinions, but somehow, we all come together, and it works.- Martina pointed out.
These shared experiences help build a sense of belonging, and Split, she says, quickly became a place where she feels safe, free, and accepted.
Working at Sunce: support, knowledge, and a positive atmosphere
At the organization, Martina takes part in various activities related to environmental protection and sustainable development. Still, she emphasizes that teamwork and relationships with colleagues are just as important to her as the tasks themselves (like organizing a Swap fair).
– I was genuinely surprised by how kind and helpful the people at Sunce are. They give clear instructions, offer useful feedback, and if you don’t know something, they’ll gladly explain it. Thanks to them, I’ve learned a lot, and I’m still learning.-said Martina.
Although she didn’t know much about environmental topics and sustainability beforehand, she never felt pressured. On the contrary, she felt supported from the very beginning.
– I didn’t know much about this kind of project when I arrived, but with their guidance, I’ve learned a lot. And I still feel like there’s so much room to grow. The team at Sunce is really great, laid-back, positive, and always ready to help.- recalls Martina.
She especially appreciates the work atmosphere at the organization and in Croatia in general.
– The work culture here is quite relaxed, and that suits me. I feel like I have space to grow, to ask questions, to participate. That really means a lot to me.- said Martina.
Don’t overthink it – just say yes
For anyone hesitating to apply for an ESC project, Martina has a simple piece of advice: stop overthinking and take the first step.
– I was in that exact place, not knowing whether to stay or go, to take the opportunity or not. My advice is: definitely go for it. You’ll gain new knowledge, new adventures, and so many positive experiences. Don’t overthink it – just say yes. And of course, enjoy it!- said Martina.
Martina still has a few more months of volunteering ahead of her, but she already knows that she’ll take much more than just memories from Split: a sense of freedom, new friendships, and an experience that helped her get to know herself better.
