by Nisha from Sri Lanka

Good day dear all, I thought of writing a few words about our well known – Studio41. My first time to go to the Studio was when I was a volunteer. I remember I used to go there with my other volunteer friends to take part in programmes and once to find dresses for the Carnival day. We also celebrated Christmas with the Studio 41 family in 2023. It was the first time for me to celebrate Christmas without my family. I still can’t believe that it was almost one year ago. Time really flies.

I got the opportunity to attend the 3 year celebration of the studio on 19th October 2024 and it was a really nice experience, everything was organized very well and a lot of people attended the event. Justin and Barbara have done a really great job all these years, I am so proud of them. Studio 41 is for me a safe place where I can communicate with anyone without hesitating as a foreigner.

When Justin and Barbara were asked what they would do if they received 1 Million Euros, Barbara wished to have a bathroom with showers. I really hope they will be able to have it because I can understand the need as they most of the time spend a whole day there organizing and doing programmes. It will also be good for the people who come from outside to do their events.

I wanted to know why Studio 41 gives Pizza a special place, even the stickers that were distributed on the event had a holy ring kind of thing above a piece of Pizza and Justin explained it very well: As something to come to the mind when someone mentions about the Studio.

Carolin invited us (Median, Issac and myself) to help with the glitter, to apply it on the guest‘s faces. Although we did it for a small amout of time, I met a girl who had arrived in Germany that day from South Afrika and she said she was taken care of by an elderly German lady since childhood. The lady also explained to me that the girl had arrived that day and she had taken her here to attend this party. It was really nice to meet new people on that day.

We also did Marshmallow roasting in the garden. It was so nice. It was my first time to try roasted Marshmallows!

I wish all the very best to our Studio41 and the team! May God give them strength to keep going and change people’s lives, especially the youth.

Even though my volunteer service is over, I like the idea, that I can still be part of the Studio41 and also of the UEM. It’s nice when the new volunteers come to us „former volunteers“ for advice and share their experiences with us, it gives us nostalgia because we also had those experiences or problems. I find it good that we can stay connected with them.

I am looking forward to celebrate Christmas 2024 with the Studio 41 family. Thank you!