European Solidarity Corps volunteers at Solas Project
/
The European Solidarity Corps is an EU initiative that provides young people aged 18 to 30 with the chance to engage in voluntary activities that promote solidarity, foster social integration, and contribute to positive social change. Let’s see how is the experience of Lomé, Berivan and Lucas going so far at Solas Project.
“It has already been 9 months since my arrival in Ireland. After many apprehensions before leaving, here I am in Dublin, more myself than ever. This experience has been enriching in every way. The language barrier has gradually faded, the relationship with the children in the after-school program keeps improving, and Ireland itself is an incredible country with breathtaking landscapes. After all this time, I feel comfortable in my own skin. I am surrounded by people of all kinds, with different cultures and unique backgrounds. At work, my relationship with the staff is very good, and the assistance provided by the new volunteers/interns makes life easier. I have also been able to establish connections with other people outside the work environment. The warm-hearted nature of the Irish gives you the feeling of being at home. This Irish experience has allowed me to discover myself, explore a new culture, improve my English, and also take risks, face my fears, and continuously learn and grow. I will remember this period of my life as a year of discovery, changes, ups and downs, travels, a first experience in the professional world and the joys shared with people from all around the world.
I'm really looking forward to spending the last three months with the youth club. We've had such great times together throughout the year, and I've formed strong connections with them. I can't wait to see how they continue to grow and learn. And of course, I'm excited to keep exploring and experiencing the beauty and culture of Ireland." Lome
“Summarizing my volunteering experience and explaining it to my loved one is always a difficult task, given the immense richness and intensity it holds. Nonetheless, when I look back and reflect on the initial challenges I faced, I can't help but feel proud and grateful for the incredible journey I embarked on and the deep connections I forged with the children. One standout moment occurred in February, following my return from Scotland where my handball team emerged victorious in a tournament. Sharing that victory with the children was truly rewarding. It was incredible to witness their enthusiasm for this new sport, despite its limited presence in Ireland. They not only showed interest but also began practicing it. Additionally, my involvement with Solas introduced me to tag rugby, a highly popular sport in Ireland but less known in France. Now, I find myself captaining a tag rugby team comprising international players who are joyfully exploring this new sport. Remarkably, the children from Solas are the first to offer tactical advice and share the keys to success in matches. This small anecdote encapsulates the profound exchanges I've experienced throughout the year. It's a coming together of two worlds, forming beautiful relationships and giving rise to extraordinary stories born out of our differences and unexpected connections.” Lucas
“My European Solidarity Corps volunteering in Ireland has been a significant experience in my life. It was challenging for me to adapt to a new routine at the beginning of the project, but the experience has provided me with valuable perspectives and instilled meaningful values in my life, for which I am truly grateful. The most rewarding aspect was the strong relationships I built with the children I worked with. My Afterschools program leader provided me with invaluable support and guidance, which empowered me to take initiative and create a nurturing environment in the club. The connections I built with the children were genuine and based on trust, respect, and a shared love for learning and growth. Witnessing their progress and seeing their smiles of accomplishment filled my heart with joy. Moreover, this experience allowed me to meet wonderful people in Ireland who have become lifelong friends.
The warmth and hospitality of the Irish community have made me feel truly welcomed and appreciated. I am grateful for this opportunity and eagerly looking forward to exploring more of Ireland's immense beauty and rich culture in the upcoming summer. This journey has inspired me to continue embracing new adventures and cherishing the remarkable experiences that await me in this incredible country” Berivan
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the dedicated volunteers who have generously devoted their time and effort to our cause. Your commitment and selflessness have made an invaluable impact on our organization and the communities we serve. Thank you for sharing your skills, passion, and compassion, and for embracing the spirit of volunteerism. Your unwavering support has helped us achieve our goals, uplifted those in need, and brought about positive change. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for the difference you have made. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful journey together.
