I, Maryam Adayeva, have been working as a volunteer since August 2023. As a measure of encouragement and further motivation, I was delegated on behalf of the NRCST to participate in a meeting of youth leaders as a participant in Italy in Solferino, from June 18 to 23, 2024.

Solferino is not just a small Italian commune, it is the place where the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement began. Here, in 1859, a battle took place between Franco-Italian troops and the Austrians, Henri Dunant, the founder of the RC and RC Movement, having witnessed the horrors of the war, conceived the idea of creating a humanitarian organization to help victims of the war.

Representatives from 51 countries of Europe and Central Asia gathered in Solferino. The program of the meeting included various sessions and workshops on improving the work of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The volunteers exchanged experiences, shared best practices and discussed ways to improve their activities. But the participants of the training not only studied, but also got acquainted with the culture of the country. We were invited to the Italian Red Cross Museum, where we learned a lot of new things. A concert with performances by Italian singers was organized for the participants, which added a special atmosphere of friendship and unity.

The trip to Italy became an important stage of my volunteer work for me. I received at the training, the experience of communicating with colleagues from other countries enriched my knowledge and skills, allowed me to better understand the ideals and values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.