In the middle of voluntary service - time to stop, exchange ideas and think ahead

Between arriving and departing - our midterm seminar in Laage

Four days away from everyday life, four days to pause for a moment. From February 25 to 28, 2025, the Turbina Pomerania volunteers met at “Dat Armenhus” in Laage to do just that: Stop, look back and look forward.

For many of the volunteers, half a year full of new experiences is already behind them at this point: new people, new places, new tasks. The midterm seminar offers space to sort through all of this. In discussions, reflection rounds and small workshops, people talked, listened, laughed and thought. What went well? What was difficult? What do I want for the remaining time - and what comes after that?

However, it was not just about personal stories, but also about looking at the bigger picture. The group wanted to gain a better understanding of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern not only as a place to live, but also as a political area. So we packed our bags and set off for Schwerin.

Not only the impressive castle awaited us there, but also an exciting insight into the state parliament. After an intensive tour of the state's political rooms, we were allowed to ask our questions - in conversation with Dirk Bruhn, a member of parliament for the Left Party. There was an open discussion about commitment, co-determination and the challenges facing young people today.

The volunteers returned to their Hosting organisations with many new impressions and a stronger sense of solidarity. Now they are looking ahead - to the second half of their voluntary service and beyond.