Venturing beyond the typical tourist experience while here in Rome, a few students and I volunteered at a local soup kitchen at Caritas Diocesana di Roma. This experience provided me with a perspective of the universal language of compassion. Many passionate and dedicated volunteers that come in at least once a week to serve food and be a part of the process that helps others in need. For around five hours, starting at around 9:30 am until 2:30 pm, the volunteers all work together, given roles in different locations such as trash duty, drying dishes, food serving, paperwork, and the front to check the ID of the guests.
This experience provided me an opportunity to break down preconceived notions I had of Rome before coming here. My perception of Rome overlooked those who may be in need because the city is so romanticized as one of grandeur and glory. It also served as a reminder that human struggle is universal and the power that compassion has in society can make a huge difference to the lives of others. This opened my eyes to the profound realities of the city that can go unnoticed by the average passersby and how common the issue of food insecurity can be around the globe.
I plan on going back and volunteering again because the hard work and dedication to the cause that everyone contributes to is so amazing to be a part of. The kitchen was a place that did not discriminate, did not question what brought them there, and did not shame anyone for it. Smiles and gestures bridged the divide and helped make the experience more positive not only for myself while being there, but it seemed to help those who attended. The positive attitudes of the volunteers were brought by gracing them with a pleasant good morning, or “buongiorno” and a smile on their face. When they were leaving, we would tell them to have a nice day, or “buonagiornata” in Italian. There were no signs of shame or embarrassment from those who went to eat there and most of their spirits were quite high. The soup kitchen genuinely was a place where humanity trumped any differences.
One of the most profound realizations made during the day of volunteering was the sense of community that blossomed amongst each other as well. The guests formed connections with each other, keeping each other’s spirits high and their connectedness may have been what kept some going. Socialization is so important to human beings and despite their circumstances, exuded resilient high spirits. The diverse mix of those who came in and out was something that shocked me a little as well. There was no limitation to the specific demographic of people entering, men and women, young and old, locals and migrants, each arriving with a unique story that spoke to the complex layers of poverty that affects almost every, if not every country. I was more prepared for the mixture of cultures and races though because of one of the classes offered at Temple Rome called Imperialism, Race, and Empire that I am taking while here.
It was extra nice that after the soup kitchen closed, volunteers offered us to have the leftover food they were serving. Because of this we were able to experience the same meal that was being served to the guests first hand. Most food options were similar to what I have seen volunteering at an American soup kitchen except, they gave out giant blocks of ricotta cheese that some guests like to eat by itself, but a lot of us had to share amongst each other. We didn’t even finish half of the block of ricotta that was genuinely bigger than the size of my hand.
All in all, volunteering at this soup kitchen in Rome allowed me to witness a different vibrant side of the city of Rome that is not displayed or talked about publicly. It was an eye opening cultural experience and showed how simple acts of kindness really can transcend into huge differences. I left the soup kitchen and will leave Rome with an even better appreciation for the universal language compassion has that can bind us all, regardless of where we come from.
To learn more about how you can immerse yourself into another culture and country while gaining credits at your university, check out how to apply to the Temple Rome Campus!
