My WEED Volunteering Journey

Learning, Growing and Seeing Things Differently

My Volunteering with Weltwirtschaft, Ökologie & Entwicklung (WEED) in Berlin has been a really valuable experience for me. I joined with a background in development, advocacy and youth engagement. While I already had an interest in issues like inequality, human rights and global justice, my time with WEED has helped me understand these issues from a much wider perspective.

During my time with WEED, I’ve had the chance to dive into research on critical raw materials, resource extraction and the EPRM, looking at how decisions and policies in Europe can affect communities in Africa and beyond. It has definitely changed the way I look at everyday things — I now catch myself wondering, “Where did this actually come from, and who is paying the real price for it?” I’ve also really enjoyed supporting workshops, webinars and interactive activities like the “Cash Clash” game, where learning doesn’t have to feel like a lecture. I’ve helped with translating and adapting educational materials too that has help me in more ways than one improve my German skills a little more and has taught me how to turn complicated topics into something people can actually connect with. Overall, I’ve learned a lot, asked a lot of questions and definitely left with a much bigger curiosity about how our world is connected.

One of the things I appreciate most about WEED is the team. Everyone brings different experiences and knowledge, and I have genuinely enjoyed learning from them. The team has been supportive while also giving me space to ask questions, share ideas and take on new challenges.

My time with WEED has not only sharpened the skills I already had, but has also taught me completely new ones. It has broadened my understanding of issues that I previously viewed separately. I now see much more clearly how climate change, trade, resource extraction, human rights, consumption and economic inequality are all connected.

For me, that has been one of the biggest lessons. Volunteering is not only about gaining experience. It is also about being challenged, meeting people, learning new things and sometimes realising that there is another way to look at an issue.

I am really grateful to the WEED team for creating such a supportive space for learning and growth. My experience here has given me new knowledge, strengthened my existing skills and broadened my view of many global issues. Most importantly, it has made me more curious and encouraged me to keep asking questions, learning and looking beyond the surface. For me, WEED has been more than just a volunteering opportunity. It has been a space to contribute learn, grow and see the world a little differently.