Entering the thirtiest year of my existence on earth I am happy to realize that these last two years have been the most interesting ones of my life so far. I travelled into more countries than I can count with the fingers on my hands; I had to learn how to take care of more than two activities at a time; I finally realized that “no action means no result”; and again and again I was blessed with the acquaintance of extraordinary people who challenge and inspire me.

Two of these persons, Noa Treister (Belgrade) and Pavel Turchaninov (Minsk), I met during my project OpenFora. These encounters alone prove to me that all the work, sorrows and dedication invested in the idea of a place where Europeans meet was worth it. Two things I have learned in particular: I can achieve much more when I take myself out of the front row and rely on the “wisedom of the group” (that’s for you, Frank). The other one is: I need to push on. If Noa and Pavel are able to give their very best to improve their fellows’ lives at the margins of Europe, there is no reason why I should not be able to do it at its very heart. Noa and Pavel, thank you so much for giving back meaning to my life.

If you would like to get to know to the community of commitment , check out the interviews with Noa and Pavel on point.e.