The story of my volunteering project in Romania
Roxana, Romania, Age 25"I have learned that usually what we think will slow us down in the beginning is actually what will make us grow, by overcoming obstacles."
My name is Roxana and I am a 25 year old girl from Romania. In 2020, I had the pleasure of entering the world of the European Solidarity Corps programme and discovering the opportunities it offers to young people who want to develop personally and professionally by experiencing contexts outside their comfort zone. Thanks to EIVA organization, which supported me in my journey into the world of ESC, and to becoming a volunteer in my own country, Romania, I can say that my life has completely changed.
I started my volunteering internship through the European Solidarity Corps in the "Education Through Games" project, with a group of 6 people from Romania, France, Reunion Island and Spain. During the project, which lasted 6 months, we aimed to provide non-formal learning opportunities to children from disadvantaged groups, who need support to integrate into society, develop their skills and benefit from new types of learning.
The project was my introduction to the world of non-formal education, intercultural living, leadership development and teamwork.
Throughout the volunteering placement, I had the chance to explore in depth many aspects of planning and facilitating activities, disseminating the results of a project, discovering and developing my digital skills, practising languages and, above all, discovering the career path I want to follow in the future. The most important thing for me, from the beginning to the end of the project, was finally being able to take action to help those in need.
Things that were challenges at the beginning, such as integration, taking action and taking responsibility, have been overcome with flying colours. I learned that usually what we think will slow us down at first is actually what will make us grow, by overcoming obstacles. So, I decided to trust the process and moved forward because of the support I received from the organization, my mentor, and the beautiful team I was a part of.
I think I experienced the ESC project in the best possible way and I consider myself a true example of the transformation that these projects try to bring to the world of young people who want to develop themselves and the world of disadvantaged communities.
Today, I continue to work in EIVA, learning, developing and planning my future career here, where it all started, with the people who showed me the amazing world of European projects.
Updated on Mardi, 17/02/2026