A LIFE DEVOTED TO SERVING OTHERS
Martina and Alberto are a young Italian couple who have made volunteering a way of life. Their latest adventure together took place at UNISOL, in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, where they arrived after having spent some time in Chile, where they also volunteered with another project.
Although they could be considered experts in the art of giving, having already taken part in several volunteer experiences in different parts of the world, every new service requires new preparation. That is why, in November 2025, they got in touch with Milonga and, with renewed enthusiasm, took on this new challenge, embracing each of the steps that we proposed as a program.
After several meetings, many conversations, and a period of preparation, they finally arrived in Santa Cruz on April 7, 2026. They were welcomed by Reina, her family, and a beautiful community that, although already accustomed to welcoming volunteers from different parts of the world, receives each one with renewed enthusiasm and is always ready to be surprised by what every new experience brings.
It was a little over a month, but the intensity and depth of their time in Bolivia left an indelible mark both on the community—especially on the children with whom they spent long days learning, meeting, and playing—and on Martina and Alberto, who shared what their time at the Clara Luz Center meant to them:
“Our volunteer experience in Bolivia was not only beautiful, it was unique—one of those experiences that stay with you and change the way you see things.
We set out thinking that we were going to give something, to help, to teach. In reality, we were the ones who received more.
We met children with incredible curiosity, a sparkle in their eyes, and amazing smiles, even though they had far less than what we consider essential.
Our days were full and divided between supporting school activities and moments of group play. Seeing their eyes light up when they understood something new was our greatest satisfaction.
What we brought home with us, above all, was the idea that education is, first and foremost, about relationships, trust, and the sense of security that we, as educators, must provide to children.
That is why we want to thank everyone who made this journey possible, those who welcomed us in Bolivia as part of their family, and above all, all the children we met, who taught us simplicity, gratitude, and the joy of being together.”
We are sure this will not be the last volunteer experience for this young couple, because a life devoted to serving others finds meaning in the other person, in others, and becomes so intense, so powerful, that there is no turning back.