Last summer, Natalie Shyika ’25 traveled to Rome, Italy, to participate in International Volunteer HQ’s Youth Support project. Natalie and her fellow volunteers assisted with programs for children and teenagers, many from disadvantaged communities. Through the Youth Support project in Rome, volunteers help local NGOs in ensuring that the basic needs and fundamental rights of Italian and foreign children are met, including education, health care, creativity and play. Natalie shared information about her summer journey through a short Q & A
What made you choose this specific summer service opportunity?
Growing up in a small town and lacking resources taught me unity and the value of community empowerment. No matter the problem, we volunteered, led clean-up campaigns, and raised awareness and funds for the development of our town. From a very young age, I learned to appreciate the local community and felt deeply connected to the youth in Italy. Therefore, I was very excited about the opportunity to volunteer in Rome and share my experience of overcoming the struggle of lack of opportunities through service and meaningful relationships. Used to improving communities despite resource scarcity, I wanted to help grow a new generation of change-makers, ensuring the basic needs and fundamental rights of Italian children.
What was a typical program day like for you?
In the mornings, other volunteers and I would participate in various tasks, including mentoring, tutoring English, developing new recreational programs, conducting workshops, teaching new life skills, and engaging the local community of kids in environmental activism and cross-cultural understanding. Our days would usually consist of 6-hour volunteer shifts at the local kids and youth center.
In the evenings, we would explore Rome or Vatican City. Our free time was filled with exploring new local markets and enjoying Italian pasta and pastries in authentic cafes. Often we would simply explore Italian street culture, joining in on street dances and listening to local musicians performing live in the city center. Over the weekends, my newfound friends and I would travel to other parts of Italy. For example, we arrange a weekend trip to Florence and Piazza to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
What were some of the challenges you faced in Rome last summer?
The biggest challenge was connecting with kids without speaking the same language. I spent a lot of time trying to come up with a way to provide a safe and supportive environment for kids to connect and learn together despite the language barrier. That was how I discovered dance to be the best bonding method. Even without speaking the same language, we communicated and united through the universal language of gestures and dance movements.
What impact did this experience have on you as a student and as a person?
Immersing myself in Italian culture, exploring Rome and its history, allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, and tackle a new challenge. It has allowed me to further my search for the most efficient teaching methods and spread my love for STEM, gaining the necessary skills to continue developing our society.
During this meaningful activism work in the summer, I realized that I want to continue fostering communities like these to amplify voices that will change the landscape for a new generation of learners. I am immensely grateful for this experience, as it pushed me to celebrate little things in life. Today, I appreciate all the opportunities life has granted me even more than before, and I aim to continue seeking new ways to use them to help others.
Natalie’s travel was made possible in part by a Robert Keyes Poole ’50 Fellowship grant. Established in memory of Robert Keyes Poole ’50, Taft teacher from 1956 to 1962, Poole Fellowships are awarded each year to enable Taft students to engage in travel or in projects consistent with Mr. Poole’s lifetime interest in wildlife and the environment.