Maddalena was 18 when she decided to volunteer in 2023 with Asociacion Amigos de Europa Leonardo Da Vinci - Xena Centro Scambi e Dinamiche Interculturali. The project aimed to set up a youth information office to disseminate the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes among young people in the region, through presentation in schools, participation in local events and language exchange.

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

"During my European Solidarity Corps in the south of Spain I had the chance to organise and host a short project about the environment and sustainability, focused on the impact that microplastic and marine litter have on the ecosystem. We were able to attend a conference on the matter, hosted by the University of Cádiz, and after that we spent a week cleaning the beaches of the surroundings. It was genuinely insane the amount of trash we found, and most of it was “invisible” at first sight. In the end, we collected more than fifty full trashbags. 

This experience really opened my eyes on the urgency of a change: it wasn’t just about picking up dirt from the shoreline, it was about witnessing the consequences of overconsumption and overproduction on the ground on which we build our homes. Also if small, I like to think that we had a practical impact on the ecosystem, also favoring the local communities and the tourists."

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

"I volunteered in a time of my life when I was completely uncertain of the path I wanted to take, surrounded by expectations from my family and friends. The discovery of European Solidarity Corps arrived as a “saving anchor” and little did I know that it would turn into the best year of my life. 

Volunteering not only shaped my personal growth, but helped me develop professional and intercultural skills. Firstly, living by myself in a culture that’s not my own pushed me to be more independent and resilient, more openminded and respectful towards differences. 

Being immersed in a new environment taught me that “different” is not something to fear, but something to approach with curiosity. Secondly, by having responsibilities, working in a mixed team and coordinating activities, I developed practical abilities like organization, communication and leadership. Moreover, volunteering allowed me to realise that my actions hold power and using my skills and knowledge to help others is truly a blessing."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe it is important because it brings people, skills and cultures together for a shared purpose. In a world where different communities are increasingly connected, and what is different is often perceived as wrong or scary, volunteering offers the opportunity for cultural exchange. By stepping into new environments, volunteers learn from traditions and daily realities of others, while sharing their own culture. This mutual exchange increases empathy and awareness, allowing the creation of bonds that persist beyond geographical borders. 

At the same time, volunteering is a powerful chance to develop hard and soft skills, encouraging personal and professional development. Skills are put into practice for a good cause: helping those who are in need. Volunteering does not happen in theory, it happens in real communities, where every action can make a difference. This creates a sense of purpose in the volunteer, that impacts positively on the confidence and the perception of the self."

Maddalena and her group of volunteers

A group of volunteers in the project office

A group of volunteers cleaning the beach

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Stanislavs volunteered in 2004 for 7 months in Milan, Italy. He joined 'Centesimus Annus' supporting legal working immigrants by organising their free‑time activities, informing them about local resources (free Italian language courses, cultural events, thematic centers etc), fostering intercultural events in dormitory (where they spend most of the time out of work) and promoting recycling and sustainable way of life.

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

"The most memorable moment from my European volunteering experience was definitely the pre-departure training for volunteers. At first, I didn’t want to go at all — I was expecting it to be a very boring three days full of lectures and long lessons. But it turned out to be the complete opposite. 

After the very first day of teambuilding and energizing activities, I realized that I was finally learning in the best way I could imagine. I also discovered that there are people who facilitate this kind of learning process, and I remember thinking, “This must be a dream job.” 

On the second day, I even caught myself thinking that I could improve some activities and maybe even do them better than our trainers. By the third day, I was completely sure: I wanted to become a non-formal education trainer myself and deliver the same kind of life-changing experiences to others. And eventually — I have been doing it for more than 15 years already!"

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

"Volunteering has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development, shaping the way I see myself and the world around me. It was a life-changing experience that opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Through my involvement, I discovered not only volunteering, but also non-formal education, and this completely transformed my understanding of learning, community, and human connection. I finally realized what had been missing in my educational path — creativity, freedom of choice, and opportunities for self-directed learning — and through volunteering and non-formal education, I was able to find all of it."

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

"My birthday wishes for the 30th anniversary of EU-supported volunteering is that more young people will see volunteering as a normal part of everyday life, something anyone can do. I also hope fewer young people will see volunteering as a privilege only for some. 

For the next 30 years, I wish volunteering becomes a simple, natural way for people to participate, support each other, and help build a more inclusive society!"

Stanislavs animating a workshop

A circle of people

Stanislavs writing on a whiteboard

Stanislavs animating a workshop

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Updated on Friday, 17/04/2026

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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Updated on Friday, 17/04/2026

Luisa Valentina volunteered in Greece for 7 months in 2024, joining 'FIX in Art', an organisation active in community-led performing arts and creativity.

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

"I experienced many special moments during my voluntary service in Greece, which showed me how much I had developed on a personal level. Before my European Solidarity Corps placement I felt like I was at a dead end. In Greece I found some new breathing space, performing meaningful tasks within an open community. A small thank you from an elderly lady brought it home to me how even simple gestures can have an impact."

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

"My voluntary service boosted my self-confidence. I learned to travel on my own and to expand my skillset. I learned to be more patient and now approach life with much more optimism. I can now build (or assemble) shelving, cook tasty meals with only a few ingredients, and do much more besides. I learned to embrace new things, to accept responsibility and to savour those fleeting moments."

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

"My wish for the 30th anniversary is that voluntary service should remain accessible to everyone, provide guidance and encourage young people to strike out on new paths. Small contributions can change a lot."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Noam volunteered in Finland with the 'Multiculturalism is beautiful' project. The voluntary service encompassed a wide range of activities, such as organising leisure activities at the youth centre, break time activities at schools, community service, and planning and implementing a programme at a children's festival.

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

"Before I volunteered in Finland, I tried my hand at various jobs although was never really satisfied. Volunteering marked the start of a new life for me. It helped me realise that I wanted to develop my skills in the social sector. I enjoyed organising events and workshops. I completed various training courses in Europe and learned how to organise youth projects. After that, I was able to secure an internship at the youth information centre aha in Liechtenstein. T

his was my entry into the world of youth work, as it helped me to network with many people in the social sector. I then got involved in youth work and completed a degree in socio-cultural animation. For just over a year now, I have been running the Camäleon youth centre in Vaduz alongside another person. Volunteering has really helped me advance my career. On a personal level, it has certainly had an impact too, as I have not only gained an insight into a different culture but also become more open-minded as a result."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I think volunteering is an important part of our society because it can strengthen community cohesion. I have also noticed that volunteering has made me more open and tolerant, and my gratitude for what I have has definitely increased. At the youth centre where I work, we also take on one volunteer every year. I see it as a win-win situation. On the one hand, the young adult has the opportunity to gain insights into a social organisation, while on the other hand he or she is a great support for the organisation (in most cases!). The young adult can then better assess whether he or she wants to study a relevant social subject or work in the social sector in the future, but also has the opportunity to learn many new things that can be useful in life."

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

"First of all, I would like to say thank you for offering the opportunity to do voluntary service. Thank you very much, you are doing a great job. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your 30th anniversary. Essentially, I am very satisfied with the programme as it currently stands and I hope that many more young people will take advantage of the opportunity to work abroad, as it can be a great benefit not only on a personal level, but also in terms of promoting cohesion at the European level."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Milda, from Lithuania, volunteered in Czechia for 10 months (2024-2025) with Slezska Diakonie.  She volunteered in a school for children with disabilities.

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

"One of the most memorable moments for me in this volunteering project was at the school where I volunteered. It was the beginning of my first month there - everything is still fresh and stimulating, but I always notice one young boy who consistently runs away when I enter the room. That boy was obviously scared of me. While talking with the teachers, I learned that the classroom teachers and assistants use me as a threat to him “If you do not get back to your place, we will bring Milda here". It was so funny for me, until it became sad, because he was not scared of any other volunteers - only me. I have never been a threat to anyone, so it was new. 

After two months, that boy was no longer scared of me, which was sad news for the teachers... I learned that just your existence in a habitat can be impactful. Even if it's because you look scary to a small boy from Czechia."

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

"There's no other way to answer this question, only in a quotidian way. The knowledge I gained while volunteering opened my eyes and allowed me to understand how simple, ruthless, yet beautiful, the world actually is. I come from a small town on the border of Lithuania, so throughout my life I have always attempted to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new, but volunteering surprised me. Working in a school for disabled kids, I discovered that there's so much still to learn, because in my environment, this matter was never touched on. 

This volunteering can be associated with Socrates words, “I know that I know nothing". I came to this experience with so many unanswered questions, but in the end, I didn't get them answered, or possibly I just forgot them because I was struck with even better, and indeed, more important questions that I brought back with me to Lithuania. So, how did volunteering contribute to my personal growth? It made me see some pieces of life that other individuals don't see, and now I am reminded of that experience every day - so it's a never-ending saga."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe that volunteering is important because if we were to ask the question in a reverse form - why do I believe that volunteering is not important, I wouldn’t be able to come up with an explanation. Even though it's a logical mistake - confirmation bias - I still believe that all people could learn a lot from volunteering. Any new environment can help you think differently. No one wants to have the same belief and mentality their whole lives - the world is changing, so should we. Volunteering shows you how to become more open-minded, but you need to let the world shape you. 

Volunteering allows people to feel so small, and it's impactful, because where you were born or the job you've been striving for your whole life isn't everything. There are so many people in the world waiting for you, who need your help and ideas, or even just your smile, but I can say that you need them even more - you just don't know it yet."

Young people playing basketball

Souvenir photo of Milda's volunteering

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

In 2009, Indrė volunteered with ARCI Comitato Territoriale di Catania in Italy for 12 months.

The volunteer work included informing and advising young people about EU and national programmes, assisting in organising and participating in human-rights, anti-racism and anti-mafia events, coordinating and taking part in international and local events, and engaging in the Theatre of the Oppressed activities together with people from all over the world.

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

"One of the most unforgettable moments from my year of volunteering was realising the depth and complexity of human rights violations people around me were facing. Meeting diverse individuals, listening to their stories, and witnessing their daily struggles transformed my understanding of justice, dignity and equity. At these moments, I felt a profound internal shift — it was the beginning of my own identity as a human rights activist."

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

"Volunteering fundamentally shaped who I am today. It has strengthened my values, clarified my role in society and helped me discover a purpose rooted in solidarity and justice. Professionally, it has inspired me to work with young people, to lead and teach them about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of responding to human rights violations. Eventually, it led me directly to the field of human rights, where I now engage in advocacy and train adults working with youth. My outlook on life has become more conscious, empathetic, and action-oriented."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe that volunteering is important because it connects people across cultures, fosters mutual understanding, and empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities. It expands perspectives, shapes values and often serves as a catalyst for long-term personal and social change. Through volunteering, we not only support others, but also learn who we want to be."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

In 2010, Luísa volunteered with CCPL Luxembourg in the project 'Les Jeunes et la participation civique', contributing to the political, social and cultural empowerment and integration of the Portuguese community in Luxembourg through community initiatives, cultural events and educational programmes.

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

"Volunteering played a key role in my personal and professional development. It enabled me to build lasting friendships, learn French and develop strong organisational and intercultural skills through close collaboration with the Portuguese community and public institutions in Luxembourg. 

My engagement led me to join the board of a cultural association and ultimately settle in Luxembourg, where I have now lived and worked for over 15 years."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe volunteering is important because it strengthens communities, fosters social cohesion and empowers individuals to become active contributors to society. It creates opportunities for learning, dialogue and mutual support, while promoting values such as solidarity, empathy and civic responsibility."

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

"As someone whose career and even life in Luxembourg started thanks to an EU volunteering experience, my birthday wish is that volunteering continues to be a catalyst for inclusion, solidarity and transformation across Europe. May it keep empowering young people to step out of their comfort zone, discover new cultures and build bridges between communities. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, I hope that volunteering becomes even more accessible and recognised — not only as an act of service, but as a powerful learning journey that shapes responsible, compassionate and engaged citizens."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

Cliff volunteered in Denmark in 2021 in a local youth centre of Kolding. 

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

"The voluntary service properly grounded my outlook on life because the informal way people learn, work, and collaborate there made me realise how similar we all actually are beneath our different backgrounds, habits, and stories. Living with my Russian and Turkish roommates, sharing everyday routines, and sharing stories of our different cultural backgrounds showed me that the things we worry about, hope for, and struggle with are basically the same. 

Seeing different communities in Denmark, whether immigrant families, lower-income groups, or wealthier ones reinforced my belief that everyone is dealing with their own version of the same human challenges, which honestly reassured me and reminded me that no matter where we come from, we’re all moving through life with the same mix of fears, dreams and needs. It sounds quite obvious, especially coming from an extremely diverse country such as Luxembourg, but it really nailed my belief in solidarity and shared values."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe volunteering is important because it lets me step out of the usual perception, where a person’s value is tied to output or achievement and instead take part in a shared effort, giving me a chance to cooperate freely, whereas jobs kind of apply performance pressure. It's about supporting others without expecting anything in return, and feeling the immediate impact of my actions. I think all of this also allows me to connect to humans across borders beyond my local surroundings and reminds me that, across Europe, hell even the world, people face similar challenges and rely on one another in ways that make our lives feel linked. 

So, volunteering and giving my time is not just a personal act but an act of solidarity, which reveals the importance in cooperation and a deeper sense of a shared belonging that shatters borders."

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

"On the 30th anniversary of EU-supported volunteering, I want to celebrate the impact all theses initiatives have had in bringing people together, fostering solidarity, and creating impactful projects across the globe. I hope that in the years to come, other countries will adopt models like Luxembourg’s, where volunteering is formally supported by the state, recognizing its value not just for individuals but for society as a whole. 

For the next 30 years, I hope to build more bridges. 

Bridges that bring about even bolder solidarity. 

Bridges that unite our shared human struggles.

 Bridges that weather the challenges of the political climate. 

And bridges that inspire the generations yet to come.

The Ungkolding youth centre

The youth centre in Kolding

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Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026

At the age of 21, Lawrence volunteered with Zmergo in Croatia for one year (2014-2015) in environmental projects.

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

"My volunteering experiences with Zmergo in Croatia allowed me to contribute in meaningful and practical ways to the communities I worked with. With Zmergo, I supported environmental projects and day-to-day tasks that helped raise awareness about sustainability and encouraged locals to engage in environmentally friendly initiatives. Even small actions — like assisting with activities or ongoing projects — helped promote a cleaner, more conscious community. 

Currently in Malta, my work has been focused on supporting children, families, and the wider neighbourhood. By helping to create a safe and positive environment where people feel supported and valued. Whether assisting in programmes, activities, daily tasks, or maintenance work around the centre. My role also included supporting current ESC volunteers, helping them settle in, guiding them in their tasks, and creating a positive environment for their experience. I could see how consistent support makes a difference in people’s lives."

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

"Volunteering has shaped who I am today. It has been part of my life since I was young, starting at the age of 14 with Centru Tbexbix, where I still dedicate my time. For me, volunteering is about giving a little bit of my time to make someone else’s day easier. It’s not complicated, it’s simply being present, offering help, and realising how even small efforts can make a real difference. My European Voluntary Service experience in Croatia, where I volunteered for a full year, pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow personally and professionally. 

I learned to adapt to new environments, work with diverse groups of people, and take responsibility in ways I hadn’t before. These experiences strengthened my confidence, broadened my outlook on life, and taught me the value of community. Volunteering continues to guide my choices and remind me of the impact kindness can have."

🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?

"I believe volunteering is important because it reminds us that we all have the ability to make a positive impact, no matter how small the action. Volunteering creates a sense of community and connection it brings people together and teaches us to look beyond ourselves. For me, giving a little bit of my time can make someone else’ s day easier, and that alone is worth it. It also helps us grow. 

Through volunteering, we learn empathy, responsibility, and how to work with different people. These aren’t skills you learn from a book; they come from real moments of helping others. Volunteering also strengthens communities by filling gaps and supporting those who need it most. In the end, it’s important because it shows that kindness and service still matter. It’s a simple act, but it can create real change in someone’s life and in your own."

Updated on Tuesday, 14/04/2026