Ivor volunteered from May 2014 to May 2015 in Sicily with Associazione Culturale Strauss, supporting the local community in Mussomeli, and in particular children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

"The most unforgettable part of my volunteering experience was the first few months, which felt like a complete break from everything I had known before. Living independently in Sicily was both exciting and overwhelming, as I adapted to a new culture and environment. I was deeply impressed by the lush landscape, the beauty of small towns, and the richness of local traditions. 

Sharing a home with volunteers from different countries broadened my perspective and encouraged openness. This intense period of discovery—of place, people, and myself—marked the beginning of lasting personal growth and a changed worldview."

🎤 What type of impact did your engagement have on the local community where you were active?

"My engagement contributed directly to supporting the local community in Mussomeli, particularly children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I assisted in teaching English in local elementary and high schools, led creative and recreational activities and provided care and companionship to children from problematic family situations at Casa Vanessa. In addition, I participated in activities such as park maintenance, ecological initiatives, and youth-oriented community projects. 

Through these actions, I helped ease everyday burdens within the community and supported social inclusion, education, and well-being, which made my work feel genuinely meaningful and socially valuable."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Volunteering was a major turning point in my life - a moment I will always look back on as the dividing line between “before” and “after.” It contributed significantly to my personal growth by strengthening my independence, adaptability and intercultural awareness. Living abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop resilience, strong communication skills and a deeper understanding of different cultures. 

Professionally, I improved my organisational skills, teaching abilities, language competencies (especially in Italian and English) and digital skills. Above all, the experience reshaped my outlook on life by reinforcing the importance of community, solidarity and giving back. It taught me that personal growth is deeply connected to making a positive contribution to others and to society at large."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Daniel volunteered with Active Zone Outdoor for 12 months from December 2022 until December 2023. the project focused on actively engaging people with and without visual impairment in sea and coastal activities for social interaction and inclusion.

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"On a personal level, it greatly deepened my empathy and appreciation for equal rights and diverse perspectives, giving me a clearer vision for a more just world and strengthening my commitment to social justice. Furthermore, my involvement with sea sports fostered a stronger environmental awareness and responsibility for marine protection. 

Professionally, the experience sharpened my critical thinking by challenging me to analyze complex problems and ask better questions, not just seek easy answers. My communication and listening skills improved significantly, reinforcing the value of collaboration and teamwork. I also developed the ability to take initiative and participate actively in decision-making. 

Ultimately, this project turned my values into real social action, increasing my commitment to active participation and shaping me into a more empathetic and effective agent of change."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

Volunteering is vital because it addresses the gaps in support for marginalized groups. Volunteers act as a crucial human resource, making innovative, high-impact inclusion programmes (like adaptive sports) possible when they are neglected by traditional funding. Ultimately, volunteering challenges the status quo by actively showing what can be achieved right now, refusing to accept the societal exclusion of any group.

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

To keep encouraging, motivate young people and provide funded opportunities for them to take part in volunteering and solidarity projects.

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Niki volunteered in Cyprus for one year with Generation for Change where she helped individuals with a migrant background to enhance their digital skills. The purpose was for these people to present their cultural background in an event organised specifically around intercultural diversity and inclusion.

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

"One of the most impactful moments I experienced during the project, was when we had a meeting to prepare a presentation with women from Afghanistan. They would present their culture and country. While we were making the presentation, and discussing about what to incorporate, the conversation shifted toward the current political situation, the hardships women, and generally people that oppose the regime in Afghanistan have to endure, their journey to Cyprus and the hardships they encountered here. Those two women are university graduates, and yet they are unable to work in Cyprus due to the national laws concerning asylum seekers."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"I realised that life can be more unfair to some people. Individuals like me, who are often found in advantaged situations, should do what they can to even the scale. Every little action counts."

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

"My wish is for more people to become aware that volunteering opportunities are widely available, and volunteering is needed in Cyprus. A few moments of one's time can have a huge impact to someone in need."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

I decided to volunteer because I felt that my life needed to change. I had finished my undergraduate and master's degrees and needed to broaden my horizons and find my path. I was looking for a new direction that would redirect the entire path I had travelled, while also completing my doctoral studies online. And I found it.

Sometimes, we are afraid to leave everything behind and start afresh, without realising that what awaits us could be extraordinary. I sincerely believe that everyone should have the opportunity to volunteer at some point in their lives, as they would see how rewarding it is to give of yourself to others in need.
After deciding to embark on this new adventure, I applied for several projects and, after a few interviews, I finally ended up in Veszprém, a town not far from Budapest, to work in a kindergarten where we could teach not only Hungarian but also English.

Many associations, including the one I belong to, Európa Ifjúsága Egyesület, offer great opportunities that we should definitely take advantage of in order to grow more as individuals. I have acquired new skills like leadership, problem-solving, patience, communication, positivity...
If you are wondering whether to do it or not, make the decision. A new country may be waiting for you. 

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Matyáš, from Czech Republic, volunteered in Austria in 2024 for nine months with Die Bäckerei Kulturbackstube and the support of Brno for you and Cubic.

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Volunteering opened the door to the world of cultural production for me. It was the first time I truly experienced how joyful and fulfilling working in the cultural sphere can be. Over time, I became part of everyday life at a cultural center. I began to understand how important these spaces are: they bring people together, spark creativity, and serve as a natural third home for different communities. It was there that I realised just how fragile, yet powerful, moments of connection between people can be. They often happen by chance—at a concert, workshop, or evening discussion—and yet they can profoundly shape the way someone sees the world. At Die Bäckerei, I met people from diverse backgrounds, each with their own projects and stories. The inspiration I gained from them has stayed with me ever since. Ultimately, my volunteering experience shaped the direction of my career. After university, I stayed in the cultural field, continuing to build on my volunteering experience and skills."

🎤  Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe volunteering matters because it gives people the chance to actively stand behind an idea that resonates with them. When we choose to volunteer, we’re not just supporting a project; we’re putting in our time, energy, and heart. Very often, it’s thanks to volunteers that events and initiatives happen at all. Without those extra hands, many of them simply wouldn’t be possible. Volunteering creates space for young people to get involved, show what they can do, and become a part of something they genuinely care about. It also teaches us that society isn’t just a collection of individuals, but a living network of mutual support. It reminds us that people want to contribute. Sometimes, they just need the opportunity and the story that inspires them. And when that happens, it creates a wonderful, warm feeling among everyone involved, a sense that we’re doing something that truly matters. It might only be a few hours a week, but the result can be a new friend, a new idea, or a change."

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

"If I think about the 30th anniversary of EU-supported volunteering, I picture a huge birthday cake. Everyone who has ever taken part in it would add their own slice of effort, and together we’d end up with a cake made from countless individual experiences, encounters, and stories. And in the end, we’d cut it, taste it, and sit around one table sharing what volunteering has given us. I love the idea that in multilingual Europe, someone arrives in a country whose language they barely know and still finds their way to people, simply by being open, extending a helping hand, and being willing to help. Realising that—despite different languages—we speak the shared language of solidarity and the desire to create something meaningful is, for me, the essence of volunteering. I hope that the chance to travel and volunteer becomes more accessible to those who may not have many opportunities or don’t know where to start. May our shared cake grow even bigger, more colorful, and full of new flavours."

Matyas in a cultural centre

Matyas animating in a radio studio

Matyas and his group of volunteers

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

One day, I learned about volunteering, and I immediately liked the idea. I started researching and then took the plunge. I found a project that suited me, in a country I wanted to discover, so I didn't think twice! It all started last year. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I needed a break and to get to know myself better. However, I've always loved spending time with children. I often babysat, especially for my neighbors' children, who I adore! 
I heard about volunteering from a woman whose son had volunteered 10 years ago and loved it! So I quickly did some research to find out if there was an organization near me that could give me more information. I came across an organization full of wonderful people, one of whom was particularly happy to help me! I later learned that she was organizing an “introductory” session about volunteering, and that totally convinced me! After many days of research, I came across this project in Nemesvamos, Hungary. I applied, had an interview, and was accepted shortly thereafter. I live and work with a Georgian girl and a Spanish girl, and we get along really well! As for the work, we work in a bilingual kindergarten/nursery. The teachers speak Hungarian and English, and some of the children come from other countries and therefore speak English. This kindergarten allows children to feel like they are in a peaceful place where they can grow and develop new skills freely, and spending time with them, we really feel that! I always knew that I loved spending time with children, but since I started working at this preschool, I enjoy spending time with them even more! 

Updated on Thursday, 09/04/2026

Markéta volunteered for 6 months in 2020 with International Center for Peace and Integration (ICPI) and Genesis. 

Originally, the project was supposed to involve organising international projects on various current topics for young people. Covid reshuffled the cards, and it turned into organising leisure-time activities for local Georgian youth, helping out on a farm, and preparing international projects for the post-Covid period.

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

"I will never forget the smiles of the people I worked with. And of course, the Georgian khachapuri and kinkhali — I’ll carry those in my heart, and on my taste buds, for a very long time."

🎤 What type of impact did your engagement have on the local community where you were active?

"My volunteering stay mainly supported the activation of both young and older people. And just as they opened the world’s door to me, I tried to open it for them, to show that new possibilities, new approaches, and new perspectives exist. Bringing people together across generations created space for sharing experience, energy, and motivation."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Volunteering opened the world’s door to me – literally and metaphorically. It taught me to work with people from different cultures, to be more patient and more open. Professionally, it gave me greater confidence, personally, it taught me to be more grateful for small things and to find meaning even where I wouldn’t have looked for it before. Thanks to volunteering, I now look at the world with more humility and with the awareness that each of us can contribute something."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe volunteering is important because it helps you open up and find your place in the vast universe around us. As volunteers, we see the real impact of our work – and that is a feeling that moves a person forward. It’s simply the moment when all the puzzle pieces fall into place, and we know why we wake up in the morning."

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

"My wish is that volunteering in Europe becomes an even more natural part of young people’s lives. I wish that everyone who wants to help or make a change finds a place where they can develop their talents. And for the next thirty years, I wish the same for volunteering as I wish for Europe: more solidarity, more empathy, and more courage to create a better future."

Volunteers taking a break

Markéta knitting with an older person

Volunteers and members of local community

Markéta, volunteers and local children

Group of volunteers having fun

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Nanna Stonor Edelmann volunteered in Italy in 2022 for nine months. She joined Associazione ALA, creating and facilitating workshops regarding personal development for young people in rural areas.

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

"When I look back on my stay in Italy, a variety of wonderful memories comes to mind. The little village I lived in, the work I did, my personal growth, and the experience of a new culture and new values. But what has undoubtedly had the greatest impact on me is the people I met along the way – both the volunteers and locals. I got to know some truly amazing individuals, and with several of them I formed friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Those relationships are what I’m most grateful for. 

If I had to choose just a single memory, I wouldn’t know where to start. For me, the magic lies in the overall experience and in all the small moments that together shaped my everyday life. It was Sunday pancakes in our little house, reading evenings on the mattress in the living room with tea and cookies, bus rides on the way to work, shared dinners, cozy roommate moments, wall painting, and hikes in the mountains. It was all the small experiences we shared – both during work hours and in our free time – that made my stay unforgettable."

🎤 What type of impact did your engagement have on the local community where you were active?

"We were a large group of volunteers, mainly focused on engaging children and young people in the local community. Our goal was to get them away from their screens and into nature. For instance, I ran a creative arts-and-crafts table inspired by Danish Christmas traditions, teaching children to make decorations like Christmas hearts and candy-filled cones to take home. I believe our greatest impact was in the relationships we formed. Many had never met people from other countries before, so meeting us was a new experience. 

Over time, they became more curious, open, and comfortable with other cultures. We taught them English and shared our traditions, while they taught us Italian, local customs, and meaningful small traditions. They welcomed us into their world, giving me a unique insight into the community that I could never have gained otherwise."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Living in Italy taught me something I had never expected. In Denmark, we’re used to structure, rules, and a constant need to achieve. In Italy, I encountered a completely different way of living – it was more relaxed, spontaneous, and with room to take things as they come. It helped me lower my shoulders, let go of control, and be more present in the moment. The cultural contrast also made me more open and understanding toward others. I began to see differences as natural and valuable, gaining a deeper understanding of why people think, act, and react differently. It helped me avoid conflicts and approach others with more patience. 

At the same time, I learned more about myself and realised that my way isn’t necessarily the only or the right way. Professionally, the experience was eye-opening. I had imagined a career in the natural sciences, but in Italy I discovered that I thrive when working with people. Through developing and facilitating workshops, I found my passion for creating meaningful experiences. This led me to change direction and begin a degree that builds on everything I learned as a volunteer."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"Volunteering is important because you make a real difference in places where resources may otherwise be limited. You contribute time, energy, and presence, while also gaining a unique opportunity to experience a culture from the inside. When you live and work alongside local people, the language, values, and everyday life truly get under your skin - something you could never achieve on an ordinary holiday. 

You don’t just learn about the world, you learn about yourself. I grew a lot as a person because I found myself in situations, I didn’t think I could handle - but I found solutions. It made me stronger, more independent, and more confident in who I am. Through volunteering, I got the chance to try things I never would have done at home: social media work, designing T-shirts, graphic tasks, planning and running summer camps, facilitating workshops, and even living and working as a mountain guide. 

These were opportunities I never would have had without ESC. And the best part is that you don’t need to know everything beforehand - you get the chance to learn, make mistakes, try again, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. For that, I am deeply grateful."

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

"My greatest wish is that even more young people discover the opportunities within EU-supported voluntary work. In Denmark, awareness is unfortunately still low, and many don’t even know that European Solidarity Corps exists. I hope the program gains greater visibility so that more young Danes get the chance to become part of the amazing international community that I myself experienced. I also hope that ESC continues to evolve and keep creating safe, strong, and meaningful conditions for volunteers. 

Most participants have truly incredible experiences, and I hope that in the future, the programme can offer even better support for both host organisations and volunteers, so everyone feels seen, respected, and well-guided throughout their stay. At the same time, I dream of expanding the opportunities so that EU supported volunteering can include a broader range of people - not only young people, but also families or older adults who wish to contribute and experience Europe in a new way. My hope is that ESC continues to grow, inspire, and bring people together across cultures, for this is exactly how we strengthen our European community."

Nanna in front of a map of the world

Nanna painting a mural during her project

Nanna with fellow volunteers

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Junaid Ahmed volunteered in France in 2019 for nine months. He joined Habitat Jeunes Lannion where he was responsible for creating events for the young people lining in the youth residence.

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

"It was on my 20th birthday in 2020. I had some friends visiting me to celebrate. One of them stayed until Saturday, when I normally worked. On Saturday, I was woken up early in the morning and was simply told that I had an important meeting. I walked with my friend to my workplace, where my mentor was waiting with the minibus, along with some of my other friends. They told me we were going on a trip. They kept me distracted with games and activities and claimed we were going to another town. 

In the end, it was revealed that we were actually on our way to Mont Saint-Michel, the magical castle out on the water! My dream came true!!"

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"It has helped me break down prejudices about people, become more open, and most importantly, see that every small task you do as a volunteer can have a huge impact on others! It has also become a bigger and bigger part of my everyday life after my stay in France, as I started volunteering with the organisation who sent me, AFS Interkultur. 

Now I help prepare other young people for their exchanges, and you can truly see the joy it brings them! In addition, I’ve made many friends whom I still see to this day, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel as well – this is something I consider a wonderful bonus."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"Volunteering is important because the people who do it enjoy what they are doing. They are motivated by everything other than money, such as helping others, building new relationships, and making the world a better place. That was also one of the reasons I became a volunteer - it was to help the community! 

I started locally and then went on to engage at a more European level. I also feel that you can sense a difference between volunteers and employees. As a volunteer, you feel more like part of a community of friends working together toward a shared goal!"

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

"More resources or funding to promote the European Solidarity Corps – I think it’s brilliant and too few people know about it!"

Junaid Ahmed with his mentor and friends at Mont Saint Michel

Group activity

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Kennert volunteered in France in 2023 for nearly one year. Joining the French Red Cross with the support of NGO EstYES, Kennert taught first aid gestures in primary schools and local associations together with another European volunteer. 

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

The most memorable moment from my volunteering experience was the opportunity to contribute to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games during the final month of my nearly year-long service. I was entrusted with driving the French Red Cross first aid teams across Paris to various event locations, sometimes using ambulance-grade vehicles. It was a role that carried real responsibility, and I felt proud knowing I was contributing to something so significant. 

Being part of this mission felt like living a dream. I could never have imagined my year ending in such an extraordinary way, and it’s a story I’ll share even when I retire. I felt deep gratitude for the chance to witness Paris during such a historic moment. It was emotional and inspiring, and it reminded me how meaningful volunteering can be."

🎤 What type of impact did your engagement have on the local community where you were active?

"Through my engagement with the local community, my main mission was to deliver interactive first-aid and life-saving courses to children in schools. The students I taught gained essential skills, such as how to use a defibrillator effectively and how to respond in case of an accident, enabling them to act more confidently in critical situations. By sharing what they learned at home with their parents, they created a ripple effect of safety and awareness that benefits the entire community, which is now better prepared for emergencies."

🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?

"Volunteering has shaped my personal growth and outlook on life by making me reflect on the existential aspects of life. Listening to stories I would never have heard otherwise taught me not to make assumptions, as we can never truly know what someone has been going through. 

Volunteering has humbled me and made me far more grateful for everything I have, reminding me not to take anything for granted. Experiencing gratitude through volunteering has also made me a happier person and has changed how I think, act, and feel about life. It helped me better understand the meaning of human equality and deepened my compassion toward those who feel treated unequally."

Kennert and his friend at the Paris Olympic Games

Kennert and his friend in a Red Cross vehicule

Kennert presenting at a First Aid training

Kennert and his friend giving a first aid training

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026