Ana Rita Oliveira in Rome

"My name is Ana Rita Oliveira, I'm 20 years old and I study Economics at Católica Porto Business School. I decided to volunteer in Rome with the Sant'Egidio community because of the proximity that both the city and the institution have with people at risk of exclusion, namely migrant children and minors from drug-addicted families, who need all the help they can get to counteract their learning deficits."

"Every day started at around 9am when the children arrived at the school where the Summer School was taking place. Until 10 o'clock, when the activities began, we livened up the reception with songs and dances. At the start, the children were divided into three or four age groups and escorted by the volunteers to their classrooms or to the place where the activities would take place. The day ended at around 4.30pm, when the parents would come to collect the children, after which we would hold a meeting to prepare and organise for the next day of volunteering.

One of the most striking experiences of the Fly 2024 project was becoming aware of the different and harsh realities of the children, as well as the stories of the Sant'Egidio volunteers who had been and still are supported by this community. It was a moment of great reflection and empathy, as each story carried with it an intense emotional charge and a testimony of resilience that had a great impact on me. We also had the opportunity to take part in a mass for peace at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, organised by the Sant'Egidio community. During this ceremony, when I heard the list of countries that are currently in conflict, I was deeply touched, which led me to reflect on how lucky I am to live in a peaceful country. This moment of prayer and remembrance not only brought me closer to the difficult realities faced by so many people in these places, but also reinforced the importance of peace and global solidarity.

When I signed up for this project, I knew it would make a mark on me, but I had no idea that the impact would be so great. I've met people who have made me grow on a personal level, as well as understand other ways of looking at life, and who will always have a place in my heart. I'm very grateful to have been given this unforgettable opportunity."