Facilitating Erasmus+ school sessions with non-formal education methods

Ainis, form Latvia, volunteered in Portugal in 2023. He joined Psientifica / Centro De Juventude De Agueda for 12 months, developing and facilitating activities at the youth center, running sessions and youth exchanges using non-formal education methods, as well as managing and implementing Erasmus+ projects.

🎤 What has been the most memorable or impactful moment from your volunteering experience — something you will never forget?

"I facilitated a youth exchange about using creative tools to improve a person’s mental health, such as drawing, theatre, singing etc. One of the main activities of the project was a theatrical performance by each participant, during which they shared something from their childhood. Thanks to all the previous activities, participants decided to go deep and personal in this one. And something magical happened – all of us expressed ourselves and shared our childhoods. Some did it during the activity, while others decided to share their stories with me in private later. They managed not to let their fears control their actions and were truly open about themselves. 

The name of the youth exchange was “You Are Seen.” In that moment, the participants were truly seen – maybe even for the first time in their lives. This youth exchange helped them on a deep personal level. This experience was the defining moment that made me decide to stay and work work in the youth field when I returned home."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"Volunteering is the greatest way for young people to understand who they truly are. It isn’t a school, it isn’t a workplace, and it isn’t a vacation – it’s a combination of all three. You learn, you work, and you enjoy life to the fullest. 

That’s why volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps programme is such a unique and special opportunity. For up to one year, you have the chance to experience all three of these “life stages”. 

One year of volunteering sometimes feels like ten years – and that’s because of just how much new experience you gain. And doing all of that while helping people and making changes in local communities? What more could anyone ask for? I believe that anyone who genuinely volunteers changes by the end of it. The people you volunteer with become a second family, with unbreakable ties. 

For me? Volunteering helped me become the version of myself I always dreamed of as a child. And it could help you become the true version of yourself as well – so just give it an earnest chance!"

🎤 What is your birthday wish for the 30th anniversary of EU supported volunteering — and for the next 30 years to come?

"I want to thank the European Union  for giving young people from so many different countries the chance to volunteer abroad and to experience so many different cultures. 

My flight to Portugal was the first time I had ever sat in a plane, and I am sure there are many young people who have had the chance to see the world only because of EU volunteering projects and other youth-focused initiatives. And that’s extremely precious! 

To truly be an active member of society, you need to understand different cultures and have the desire to help others. That’s exactly what volunteering does. T

hank you so much, EU, for helping so many young people realize their true potential by giving them a chance to volunteer. I hope that for the next 30 years – no, the next 100 years – youth will still have the opportunity to volunteer abroad: to see new cultures, to better themselves, and to change the world. 

Once a volunteer, always a volunteer!"

Ainis working on a shed

Ainis animating a workshop

Ainis during his volunteering

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3 Media files in this gallery

Updated on Freitag, 17/04/2026