Lava Legato

🇮🇹🍕 A Taste of Italy in the Neighbourhood 🇮🇹❤️

Here you see Ilenia, one of our volunteers, enjoying an Italian evening with the neighbours. 🍕✨

The evening included delicious pizza, lasagna, traditional Caprese salad and other lovely Italian dishes. 🍅🌿🧀

A wonderful occasion to enjoy good food, good company and a relaxed evening outdoors. ☀️🥂

Thank you Ilenia! ❤️🇮🇹

🇮🇹🍕❤️

Last year, we launched a small social media project with some of our volunteers, inviting them to share their experiences and give a glimpse into life in the Netherlands through their own stories and perspectives.

As some of these volunteers have now completed their projects and others are preparing to leave, this mini project is coming to an end. Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing a few final posts to celebrate their contributions.

Today’s post is by Annabel, who tells us about DAL (Day Activities for the Elderly)—a meaningful programme that offers elderly people a structured, social and enjoyable day filled with activities that promote well-being, independence and connection.

Read Annabel’s story below and discover more about this valuable activity. 💙

🌟 Connecting beyond volunteering! 🤝
Every six months, we organise a social event — sometimes with the whole group, sometimes with volunteers from different locations. 🌍✨

Here you see the Rotterdam group together with mentor Sigi 🏆who jouned them for a day of connection, exploration, and shared experiences. 😊

It’s not about big things — it’s about taking the time to appreciate each other, discover something new together, share stories, and enjoy a good bite to eat. 🍽️💬

Because strong connections are built through moments like these. ❤️

Last but certainly not least, meet Annalisa! 💫🌟

Annalisa joined us as a volunteer in June and completes our team in Zoetermeer. Here’s what she has to say 🎤: “Hi everyone! My name is Annalisa, I come from a town near the Lake Como (Italy), and I arrived here in early June for this new volunteering adventure!
​I have a degree in Clinical Psychology, and I chose this project because it perfectly aligns with my interests and my desire to step out of my comfort zone. I’ll admit, it was a bit of a struggle at first with my bike, but now… I’m absolutely loving it!
​In my free time, you’ll find me in the kitchen experimenting with new desserts. I’m really looking forward to traveling around the Netherlands and learning some Dutch.

🌿 Last year, Ewald, Patricia and Jessie worked together on the preparation of the project, which was an intensive but rewarding process 💪💫🤝 In January, the two Dutch volunteers, Sophie and Ruben, finally arrived and the project moved into its next phase. 🌍

Because the budgets for international volunteer projects are limited, it is always important to find creative and practical solutions. 💡 Lava Legato decided to invest time and resources to make this project possible, and Patricia took on the role of project leader during the volunteers’ stay in Albuñol.

The volunteers had a valuable experience 😊, and the local organisations involved in activities with elderly people, young people and other groups were also positive about the collaboration. 🤝 We would like to thank Patricia for her commitment, flexibility and hands-on support throughout this project. 💛

At this moment, we are still exploring how this project can continue in the future. 🔄 We can look back on this first experience with positive results, valuable connections and many lessons learned. ✨

This is what Patricia herself has to say: 🎤
“These past few months have been truly special. Together, we’ve shown that with dedication, enthusiasm, and kindness, it’s possible to make a positive impact on a community while learning, growing, and creating unforgettable memories.

We wish Sophie and Ruben all the best in their future projects. Thank you for your commitment, your hard work, and everything you brought to this experience. You will always be an important part of this project’s story! ✨☀️

As for me, Patricia, my journey as the project’s coordinator also comes to an end as I return home to begin a new chapter. I’m grateful to have been part of bringing this project to life.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this adventure. 💚” 🌟

Pardeep is one of our volunteers who joined the Rotterdam team. Read her story below: My name is Pardeep. I am from Portugal. I joined Lava Legato because I am eager to build new connections, learn more about the Dutch social sector, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. I see this as a valuable opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while gaining insight into social initiatives in the Netherlands.

I look forward to making a positive impact, growing through the experience, and getting the most out of this unique opportunity. I believe I have joined the right project to do exactly that.

On June 1, Ana joined our team in Zoetermeer. Below, you can read her personal introduction 🌞. Hi everyone!👋🏼 My name is Ana, I’m 26 years old, and I’m from Barcelona, Spain.🇪🇸☀️ My project is developed in Zoetermeer and The Hague. I’ve just arrived, so I’m getting used to the weather and the fact that I’ve swapped my motorbike for a bicycle.🛵🚲 In my free time, I love playing board games and painting to relax.🎨 I chose this project to grow personally and make a positive impact. I can’t wait to learn some Dutch and create some unforgettable memories!

🩷🧡always nice to hear from previous volunteers who meet again all over Europe. Here you see lovely Iris from Italy and wonderful Bernard from Poland who both lived in different places but that did not stop them to stay in touch. Thank you for sharing! 🩷🧡 -vous

Here is Óscar from Spain who joined the Rotterdam team😍! “I’m Óscar, 23 years old and I come from Spain.
I’m excited to meet people from different backgrounds, learn about new cultures, and discover new perspectives through shared experiences.
I’m looking forward to joining activities where people support each other, share ideas, and work as a team toward a common goal.
I also want to be part of projects that make a positive impact on communities while growing personally and being part of something meaningful.” 📸 and 🎵 selected by volunteer - 🎨 design by Annabell

“Hi everyone🌻 My name is Ilenia, I’m 26 years old and I’m from Italy. I have a Master’s degree in Economic Development and International Relations, and I probably have too many hobbies to list here! What matters most to me is building meaningful and fun connections with people and making the most of these months together. I chose this project for two reasons: to grow as a person and discover more about myself through a new lifestyle and experience, and to learn more about a field I deeply care about and hope to work in the future. I believe the Netherlands and its system have a lot to teach me 💚“ - 📸 & 🎵 ➡️ Ilenia; design ➡️ Annabell