Scouts CARE is a project organised by the youths of Marsa Scouts Group, in which we focused on the very important topic of waste management. This went beyond recycling and littering and through collaborations with ENGOs, including 7R Lifestyle and also Żibel. We organised cleanup campaigns, we handed out freebies including reusable bottles, cutlery, as well as bags and we also created a media campaign and a very tailor made waste management policy for our group and for the Scouts in general. 

So in short, what this project sought to do was to create awareness on the importance of waste management, to teach our own scout group and other scout groups on the waste management lifecycle - not just teach on the theory aspect, but also in practice. So practice included cleanup campaigns, and also how to do it, how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste at home and also outside. 

My word of advice to all groups out there seeking to embark on these projects is to not be overwhelmed with the application process. I know that there are forms and questions and the management aspect involved, but these are tailor made for groups like ours who are not for profit as well as youths who would like to embark on a very elaborate project or even a very simple one. 

These kinds of projects help both on a personal level to all involved, and also on a group level, so it’s definitely a very good opportunity for NGOs to do good and be funded for doing so.  

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

The aim of this project was to create a Christmas play and through that play attract young people and encourage them to join the youth center we have in Birgu. They would have the chance to take part in the play and show their skills. Not only this activity really attracted young people as little by little it started to reunite the community of Birgu. 

To do projects like this you need financial support. Our project happened right after Covid, when getting funding for such projects became more difficult. My message is that EU funds can there for everyone with a meaningful project. Therefore, I encourage young people like us to apply and make use of these funds so they can carry out projects in favor of the communities where they live.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

On a Sunday like many others, in late October last year, I set off for Linz, Austria, to begin my European Solidarity Corps volunteer project. It feels like yesterday, yet a whole year has passed.

During the 9-hour train ride, admiring the landscapes of northern Italy and Austria, I had no idea how much this experience would change me for the better. After two years of university with good results, I realized that what I was studying wasn’t my path. In search of direction, I discovered the European Solidarity Corps and quickly fell in love with the idea. After several applications across Europe, I joined a project in Linz with Caritas Oberösterreich, thanks to Susanne Rosmann from 4YOUgend Linz. Originally set to last until July 2024, my project was extended until October, making it a full year.

I worked in a team supporting young people with moderate disabilities, helping them integrate into the labor market through hands-on learning at Trumpf Maschinen GmbH. The professionalism of Caritas ensured a well-structured, inclusive, and positive environment. I built great relationships with my colleagues, who were always supportive despite my limited German, and with the clients, with whom I shared jokes, games, and conversations.

ESC wasn’t just about work—it was also about cultural exchange and friendships. Through my project and volunteer events across Austria, I met people from all over the world, each leaving me with something valuable (including a few international swear words, ahah).

It’s an experience I would repeat a hundred, a thousand, a million times—one I will proudly share with my future children and grandchildren. My journey isn’t over, but I now have a clearer vision of my path. One day, looking back, I know I’ll feel nostalgic yet deeply grateful.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

After the pandemic lockdown when the world reopened, I felt like I must take advantage of the opportunity to see the world. I studied my senior year of high school at a boarding school in middle of rural Pennsylvania in the United States. It was challenging for my language skills to keep up at first, but I did not give up! I jump straight into it - for example I joined the orchestra and played for the first time with other musicians communicating in English while completely lacking the needed vocabulary. Nonetheless, in the end the most important things are the friendships I made with other students. These people made this year tangible, because if it was not for them (and the photos) I would not have believed it happened and it was not just a dream.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

When I first learned about DiscoverEU during a Eurodesk lecture, I saw it as an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for travel with the chance to experience the diverse cultures of Europe. The competition seemed like the perfect way to broaden my horizons, meet new people, and, most importantly, step out of my comfort zone.

I embarked on a 21-day adventure, traveling through six countries: Ireland, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and even the Vatican. What started as a solo trip quickly became a shared experience when I connected with Merlinda, a fellow traveler from the Netherlands, through a DiscoverEU Facebook group. We decided to explore the world together, starting in Dublin for a DiscoverEU Meetup, and our journey continued as we explored vibrant cities like Rome, Milan, and Paris, before concluding our trip in the scenic Dutch cities. The experience not only allowed me to travel to my dream destinations but also taught me the value of connecting with others, and we’ve remained friends ever since.

My advice to anyone considering DiscoverEU is to not be afraid of the unknown. The fears I had about finances, accommodations, and planning were quickly put to rest, and I encourage future travelers to reach out to former participants or project ambassadors for advice. They are always happy to help!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I came across DiscoverEU on Instagram while exploring self-development pages and opportunities for active youth. As someone passionate about travel and eager to gain new experiences, I applied, even though I doubted my chances. Winning was life-changing—it enabled me to travel across 11 European countries over 28 days, combining solo adventures with shared moments alongside friends and fellow travelers I met along the way. The journey taught me invaluable lessons in independence, from planning transportation and accommodation to navigating cultural differences and unexpected challenges. Along the way, I built a network of inspiring connections, immersed myself in new environments, and discovered the joy of stepping outside my comfort zone. From exploring vibrant cities like Dublin and Amsterdam to soaking in the charm of smaller towns, each destination left me with unforgettable memories. My advice to future DiscoverEU participants? Embrace spontaneity, connect with locals, and don't hesitate to ask for help—some of the best experiences come from the unexpected.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I stumbled upon the DiscoverEU competition by chance, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. At 18, I was eager to step out of my comfort zone, having never traveled abroad except for a few school trips. When I applied, I never imagined I would win, but that win gave me the opportunity to explore Europe independently. Over eight days, I visited Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin, encountering both challenges and incredible moments, like navigating unexpected situations and experiencing the generosity of strangers. This journey taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the value of stepping into the unknown. It also inspired me to continue exploring opportunities like Erasmus+ programs, as I now dream of improving my language skills, returning to Barcelona, and ticking off more destinations on my travel bucket list. If you're 18 and ready for an adventure, apply for DiscoverEU—you might just discover a whole new side of yourself!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Studying abroad was always something I wanted to do. I fulfilled my wish by going to Oslo for one semester and it gave me all I’d imagined it would and much more. 

Of course, I met new people from different cultures with whom I could share life experiences. My English got better significantly, I even started thinking and dreaming in English in just a few weeks. But the most valuable thing for me was that I got to know myself. I managed to sort out my priorities, get a better idea of what I wanted to do with my life, and I gained more confidence. Because whatever problem arose, I could either solve it myself or get the help I needed. It taught me that I can absolutely rely on myself. 

So, I would not say that Erasmus+ changed me, rather it changed the way I look at myself, and that is something I will always be grateful for. And because I know that international experience like this can positively influence a person’s life.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Almost three years ago , after returning from my Erasmus experience in Lisbon, I joined ESN because I wanted to keep the international vibe alive in my student life. It was the perfect way to continue feeling the energy of Erasmus while helping other students have similar experiences.

Starting as a volunteer, I became Treasurer and now serve as President of ESN Cyprus. This journey has taught me leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. I’ve traveled to seminars, conferences, and workshops, gaining new experiences and meeting people from all over the world.

ESN gave me the chance to make lifelong friends, learn about different cultures, and grow as a person. It showed me the power of teamwork and inclusion, shaping my student life in unforgettable ways. These experiences will always have a special place in my heart.
 

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

As a sports enthusiast and student from Kenya, I found my purpose in Cyprus through the Running-Fluent Initiative. Supported by the European Solidarity Corps, in our project ‘‘innovative creation and development of a green and healthy community’’ I channelled my passion for sports to unite communities and promote environmental stewardship. I organised tree-planting drives, hiking expeditions, trail walks, and outdoor events that combined physical activity with ecological awareness.

These activities showcased the unifying power of shared goals, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to foster joy, environmental consciousness, and a sense of belonging.

My journey reaffirmed that nature and sports are universal bridges that connect us all.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026