Hello, my name is Kirsi Korosec.

I graduated from high school in 2018 at the age of 18. I wanted to experience something and do something meaningful at the same time. So from October to December, I spent three months volunteering in Ghana at a school in Gbefi Tornu, a village in the Volta-Region.

Actually, I was only supposed to support a class, but as the school was short of a teacher for one class, they asked me. So I taught a class all by myself... At least I tried as best I could.

I got to know a lot of people during this time. Among them was my supervisor, Bilal Kassim, nicknamed Lyle. He is a Ghanaian teacher at this school and is supposed to be my contact person.

We quickly became friends and I realized that I could trust him.

I had incredible experiences in Ghana, experienced many adventurous events and got to know a whole new culture. I also learned a lot about myself. All of this made me feel free and pushed me beyond my limits. The challenges and experiences helped me to develop my personality.

Finally, I flew back to Austria. Out of gratitude, I wanted to give something back after these 3 months.

That's why I wanted to organize a benefit concert. However, I had never done this before. I had to approach the planning step by step. First of all, you need a large venue that is provided free of charge. I asked the parish of Perchtoldsdorf if we could use St. Mary's Church for one evening. They agreed immediately!

You also need an entertainment program for an evening. I have been singing in the Perchtoldsdorf children's and youth choir, led by the lovely Ingrid Verbaeys, since I was 5 years old and I asked her if the choir could sing at the concert. She also agreed straight away! This meant that over 100  children and young people, including myself, sang at the benefit concert.

Flyers and posters were produced and printed. I asked the municipality of Perchtoldsdorf if they could put them up in Perchtoldsdorf free of charge. 

I was suprised, that they agreed.

 I also wrote a speech, which I read through as often as possible.

Finally, my parents thought that a buffet after the concert would be good and that they would finance it. In the end, my whole family and lots of friends helped with the buffet and collecting the donations!

As you can see, I couldn't have managed the whole thing on my own. It needed the support of the parish, community, choir and many dear family members and friends, and last but not least you donors!

Everything worked out well in the end!
During the concert, I flitted from the lectern to the choir and back again. (you can find more about the 1st benefit concert here)

What I do in Austria, however, apart from planning the projects on the phone and computer, is organizing other events to raise funds for the projects.

For example, the second charity concert and other activities.

Even though it sometimes makes me sad that I put a lot of work into the projects and then can't be there in person, I always enjoy seeing the photos when projects are completed. You often see the beaming faces of the children and then I know that the work was worth it...