Questo post è disponibile anche in: Italian
The young Giulia Marullo from Chiari, who graduated as an accountant and now works as a promoter, has just come back from Zaragoza, Spain, where she participated in the training course “Urban Ecology Youth Democracy and Public Participation” from the 21st to 28th of June promoted by Youmore Morcelli Giovani. The international initiative that gathered in the Spanish town thirty participants from Italy, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Cyprus, Greece and Romania, with Giulia Marullo who was in the Italian group with three other youngsters from Pescara and Naples, in the training course that developed in particular issues on ecology and sustainable development to promote the awareness of youth of these topical issues.
“Zaragoza is a very beautiful city! – said enthusiastic Giulia Marullo – – I fell in love with Zaragoza and with its graffiti, with slogans and dedications, which appear anywhere and occupy public spaces and make them remarkably cozy! I had no problems to socialize quickly with all the other young people participating in the training course. Indeed, I was “forced” to speak only in English and this has definitely improved my ability to understand and use language: I have acquired greater fluency, even with the use of specific terminology and, in the moments of difficulty, I found immediate support from everyone. I plan to deepen better the knowledge of English to be able to travel again and face another experience at European level.
For the group activity it was useful intercultural evening where each country made a personal contribution to raise awareness of traditions of their original country. The Italian table, the only one who had the tricolor flag packed specially by me, was very appreciated thanks to the specialties of our house as Nutella, pesto, Parmesan cheese, s alami and wine… We broke the ice and improved the harmony of the whole group in dances that our Hungarian and Bulgarian friends have taught us.During the week we learned to stay in community and I personally found many close contacts not only with other Italians but with all the participants to initiate new partnerships with Youmore Morcelli Giovani. Besides, the President of the Foundation Fund Natural gave a free beautiful poster of Zaragoza for the Fondazione Istituto Morcelliano of Chiari. Among the activities during the training course we saw the volunteer experience made in Zaragoza by members of various associations working in the city and redistributing leftover food from canteens and restaurants in order to avoid waste and provide the help to needy people. We carried out on this issue an ecosustainable business that, for my group, regarded the organization and management of a farm with animals with ecological awareness to avoid any waste.
On Tuesday, June 23, we observed the Spanish tradition of bonfire on the beach that for Zaragoza has an auspicious meaning. We also had a guided tour in the city at night which allowed us to appreciate the aquarium and the Zuda Tower, which is mirrored in the river Ebro. We also had the opportunity to admire the magnificent pavilions of the Expo 2008, which took place in Zaragoza. On Thursday, June 25 we spent the whole day with the leaders of voluntary Spain organizations which demonstrated to us some initiatives of interest: some public spaces were made in private gardens which are temporarily grown by individuals who request them to ensure the consumption of groceries to families and schools. The State supports these initiatives and Zaragoza seems a city particularly sensitive to tackle issues of need and social disadvantage. On Friday, June 26 each youth group developed independently an ecosustainable activity. With my group we alerted the staff of the hotel who was staying there to avoid wasting leftover food and to promote the differentiation of waste in order to protect the environment. Cooks and waiters of the hotel have definitely liked our contribution by identifying an area dedicated to the recycling of waste which wasn`t practiced before our intervention. Other groups were involved in support of needy people on the road developing the message of strong social and humanitarian value.
I can`t forget the electrifying experience of kayaking on the river Ebro: it 
was an exciting test that allowed me to work with my sports partner on the boat! I must also mention that I DIDN`T SPEND ANYTHING except 130, 00 euro for airline tickets. Moreover, accommodation, meals, tickets to the aquarium, dinners in the restaurants and even the tram tickets were included. “
A few days after coming back to Chiari, Giulia Marullo confirms her desire to leave for a new international project of Youmore Morcelli Giovani, maybe as a group leader in November, in German…
She is the ideal candidate with this enthusiasm!!
