Bernat Pratginestos

Why did you come and volunteer?

I came with a NGO which I work with. I came voluntarily because I felt like I needed to do something to help with the refugee situation.

What did you know about the place before arriving ?

I was quite well informed because we had already sent people to Lesbos and I follow the news and the situation regularly.

When did you Arrive and for how long ?

I arrived on march the 15th and stayed for two weeks.

What reactions did you get from family and friends before coming

I think that they have become accustomed to me being involved in these sorts of trips.

An influential / defining moment you had

The sundown in Idomeni, with everybody lighting the fires, a shocking moment I could spend hours looking at this scene.  the magic of fire , the energy of the place, that moment was amazing.

What did you learn new about life and people?

This is a question I often ask myself. And I really don’t know, I could tell you a topical phrase,  but it wouldn’t necessarily fit how I feel. What I really believe is that I am how I am and I do what I do thanks to the influence these experiencies have had on me.

Have you experienced moments of crisis or trauma ?

I am quite used to hard experiencies and taumatical moments because of my job. But even so, there were moments, specially when new born babies appeared, that I felt very low. And the day I left, saying goodbye to all the volunteers we had worked with and the refugees we had met.

Do you remember anyone in particular among refugees or volunteers ?

Sure, and not one or two, I go home with several of them in my mind.

What are you taking with you back home

I take home the need to return and continue working with the refugees.