Meet this year’s ESC Volunteers!
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December 5th has been established as International Volunteer Day by the UN General Assembly in order to recognise and celebrate the power of collective action. In light of this, we want to take the opportunity to introduce and hear from our wonderful volunteers who have joined us for the year through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
ESC 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. On our team this year we are fortunate to have Sara from Italy, Jean-Christophe (JC) from France, and Tess from Germany contributing to our Solas@School programmes and After School Clubs. Having started in September, we recently had a chat with them to see how they are findings things so far and to gather any advice they might offer to others looking to volunteer.
Meet Sara!
Q: What does volunteering mean to you?
A: For me, volunteering means deciding to spend my time in a useful way that helps people and brings joy. I chose to volunteer with Solas Project because of their positive values and the opportunity to spend time with children.
Q: What have been some of your highlights so far?
A: I think the best times are those spent outdoors playing different sports, where we have the opportunity to connect more with the children and share both the difficulties and beautiful things of team play. More highlights include learning some dance steps together, jokes, and the children teaching me some Irish words and me teaching them some Italian.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: To those who would like to start volunteering I recommend not to wait because there are many ways to help and to approach it with a smile by bringing your own experience in different fields, and by being open to listening to the stories and passions of others.
Meet JC!
Q: What’s one thing you want to learn during your time at Solas Project?
A: I'd love to be able to learn how to have a positive impact on the kids of the After-Schools Club, bonding with them is not always easy but when it starts it is really rewarding. I might consider teaching later and I wouldn't want to leave any student behind, that's why learning to cope with each type of personality is so important.
Q: Have you tried any new activities with the kids?
A: We've done lots of crafting activities, painting masks, papercrafts, and tie-dyeing shirts...I'm thinking now of fun science activities that I'd love to bring to the kids, it would get them to discover fun things and might also get them interest in scientific phenomena.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: I'd say not to plan things too far in advance because it's really hard to actually imagine how things will be before experiencing them in reality. As well I’d say not being afraid because you are really supported as a volunteer in order to give the best of yourself!
Meet Tess!
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with Solas Project?
A: I chose Solas Project because I have been dealing with the consequences of some bad circumstances growing up and I wanted to do something that had meaning; even if it’s only a small positive impact in the lives of the children. I think volunteering is important because you are doing something good for others as well as for yourself.
Q: What has surprised you so far?
A: It surprised me how quickly I could build a connection with the children and how much their personal experiences and stories influence me. My highlights are always the moments when the children open-up to me, show that they like me, or simply laugh their hearts out. I especially love it when I play the guitar and the kids all sing along at the top of their lungs.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: Be aware of what you choose and make sure that the project feels right for you. And don't think that work is just work and that doesn't have an impact on yourself.
We are incredibly grateful for each and every volunteer who gives of their time, skills, and energy to help support the lives of young people. A special thank you to Sara, JC, and Tess for your courage and willingness to step out of your comfort zones to come and volunteer with us. We appreciate your insights and look forward to hearing more updates from you in the New Year!
