Our Belgian team spent this unforgettable week alongside participants from France, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Spain.

The setting itself was beautiful. Surrounded by the stunning Romanian mountains, the venue was warm and cozy. But the real magic happened in the meeting room, where three generations – X, Y, and Z – of open-hearted, curious people gathered almost every day to brainstorm ideas and better understand each other’s perspectives, needs, and expectations for the future.

The week began with icebreakers, name games, and activities designed to help us get to know one another. We had the opportunity to share our expectations, concerns, and experiences, making sure we were all on the same page before diving deeper into the core topics of the training course.

When it was time to focus on the main purpose of the TC, we spent many hours discussing the future of the labor market, particularly from young people’s perspectives. We explored what young people expect from the workplace, which competences and skills they consider essential, and how these views differ depending on individual values, experiences, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

It was fascinating and eye-opening to see how differently people define what is necessary or unnecessary in professional life. It was also a powerful reminder that everyone’s relationship with work is shaped by personal values and motivations that may not always be immediately obvious. This made it even more important for all of us to listen carefully and ensure every voice was heard.

One of my favorite aspects of the entire experience was the creative freedom we had in expressing our ideas. Instead of simply sitting through lectures, we worked in engaging and interactive ways, creating role plays, recording videos, and short podcast episodes. These methods made complex and important topics far more enjoyable, easier to focus on, and truly understand.

One particularly memorable day was our excursion to Bran Castle, originally built as a military fortress and now famously known as Dracula’s Castle. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into Romanian history and learn more about the lives of the royal family.

Afterward, we enjoyed a walking tour through the lovely city of Brașov, where we learned about the coexistence of three historical communities – Hungarian, German, and Romanian. Of course, we also received plenty of recommendations for restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, which was an exciting bonus.

As a group, we were all eager to learn more about each other’s cultures, so each country organized its own cultural night. These evenings were filled with engaging presentations, pub quiz-style games, music, and even a beautiful live performance by one of the participants. Last but certainly not least, we had the chance to try traditional food and snacks from each country. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

By the end of the training course, it truly felt like we had become a small international family. We shared beautiful energy, countless laughs, inside jokes, and created memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

I am beyond grateful to have been part of this experience because I came back feeling richer.  Richer in knowledge, perspective, in meaningful connections, and beautiful views.

Anna Czaman

Despite this, when I arrived in Spain, I was very stressed. I am not very sporty and I am not used to cycling. I knew I was one of the few people in the group who did not have much endurance or experience with tandem biking, while some participants were already very experienced.

But in the end, I absolutely loved the experience. Of course, some moments were difficult, especially in the mountains, and in the evenings I could barely feel my legs. However, all of this helped me grow and push beyond my limits.

I already knew part of the group, and throughout the week we created even stronger bonds. The support and encouragement from the others gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like giving up.

The landscapes were breathtaking, and I felt deeply connected to nature. Cycling so much also gave me a sense of freedom and lightness in my body.

Spain is a beautiful country. People often know its famous cities, but you can also discover small hidden treasures in the mountains.

The hostel where we stayed had a rustic and family-like atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming, and the traditional Spanish food was delicious.

During our free time, we spent a lot of time together with the other participants. We talked, played card games, and listened to music. These simple moments made the experience even more special.

I would like to thank the Views International and the other associations that made this project possible. Without this experience, I do not think I would ever have imagined myself cycling 25 km in a single day.

by Zoe

These first months in Burgos have already been very rich in experiences. I have had the chance to participate in different activities linked to sustainability, education and local community projects, such as:

• helping in the community garden and at the chicken coop, taking care of the black Castilian hens, an endangered local breed;
• participating in workshops with people with brain damage and cerebral palsy. These workshops mainly included garden related activities as well as educacional workshops about the fauna and flora of the surroudings.
• working in the community gardens alongside retired local volunteers ;
• taking part in environmental workshops related to the community gardens or the black Castillian hens in local schools and centers;
• collaborating with different local organisations and community projects in Burgos. 

I have had the opportunity to meet several people from organisations working either on sustainable development or with people with disabilities. For example, I propose to my organisation to collaborating further with another rural development organisation, leaving to a co-organised workshop.

What I enjoy most so far is the variety of the activities and the opportunity to meet many different people through the project. It is a very hands-on experience, and I am learning a lot ; not only about sustainability and environmental education, but also about community life and the local culture here in Burgos.

I am very happy to be part of this project and excited for everything that the next months will bring.

Louise

Inclusion is more than just a seat in the classroom; it is about ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to a professional career. The InHo (Inclusive Horizons) project operates on the principle that true accessibility requires providing the tools necessary for a seamless transition from education to the workplace.

Currently, the project is entering its next phase of development as specialized research and data collection instruments are finalized to empower both educators and youth across Belgium. Unlike traditional educational frameworks, InHo focuses specifically on the unique potential of youth with sensory impairments.

By addressing the specific pedagogical needs, the project works to dismantle the systemic barriers that often stand between talented young people and their professional aspirations. To ensure this research is grounded in real-world expertise, the initiative involves collaboration with a network of partners specialized in guidance, training, and inclusion.

By focusing on the tools educators use every day, the objective is not just to teach skills, but to foster an environment where accessibility is the standard, not the exception. The goal is to ensure that the transition from the school environment to the Belgian labor market is a journey of opportunity rather than a series of obstacles. With the finalization of translated research modules, preparations are underway to launch a series of specialized focus groups. These sessions will gather deep insights from stakeholders and directly involve the community in shaping the future of inclusive vocational paths. This journey continues toward building Inclusive Horizons for all, turning the vision of an accessible workforce into a reality.

Sofia Mangiaterra

Building on this mission, the project’s second training session is set to move from theory to action.

From May 11 to 15, 2026, the scenic town of Agres, Spain, will host the specialized training “Inclusive Cycling: The Practice”. This gathering will bring together a dedicated cohort of youth workers from Romania, Spain, and Belgium, including participants who are blind or visually impaired, to master tandem cycling as a powerful tool for mobility and outdoor education.

The training is designed to move beyond the classroom and get participants into the saddle. Over three intensive days of practice, attendees will focus on the unique mechanics of tandem cycling, where the “pilot” (front rider) and “co-pilot” (rear rider) must operate as a single unit.

Key learning objectives include:

• Strengthening technical cycling abilities through direct outdoor sessions.
• Refining the specific verbal and physical cues required for effective pilot/co-pilot teamwork.
• Mastering risk prevention and learning how to plan routes that prioritize accessibility.
• Testing these skills in authentic outdoor environments to build confidence and autonomy.

Beyond the technical skills, the training aims to forge deep bonds of collaboration and trust. These lived experiences will contribute directly to the project’s flagship resource “Tandem for Inclusion: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Cycling”.

By the end of the week, these youth workers will return to their home communities not just as better cyclists, but as empowered leaders ready to ensure that the joy of the open road is accessible to everyone.

Hi, my name is Caroline. I’m a 23-year-old Belgian who has just completed her studies in oceanography. I was looking for a volunteering project to do a gap year when I heard about the European Solidarity Corps. I quickly found a project that allowed me to engage in outdoor activities, thanks to the Lava Legato association, located in the Netherlands. They offered me a 10-month project on a biodynamic farm called “Urtica de Vijfsprong”, in the countryside near Zutphen (close to Apeldoorn). I quickly fell in love with Zutphen and its landscape.

I have been living in a house with three roommates for a month now. We have a lot of fun together, both at home and when we visit places. I’m really glad to be with them.

Four times a week, we cycle 45 minutes to go to the farm, where we can take part in different activities according to our preferences. 

I chose to spend two days a week in the garden, where we grow different vegetables. I dedicate two afternoons a week to a wool workshop, where we create wool decorations in a cosy atmosphere. I help one morning a week in a barn where we take care of many cows and calves, as well as chickens and pigs. Finally I devote one morning a week making dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and others. This manual activitiy, mostly outdoors, does me a lot of good.

We do these activities with people with intellectual disabilities, some who are employees, but also retirees and others who come as volunteers. I’m excited to connect and learn from people with backgrounds and experiences very different from mine.

The people here are really open-minded, and we are encouraged to engage at our own pace, together, without any pressure. As a Belgian who does not speak Dutch, I’m happy to receive lessons and have the opportunity to learn this language to help me integrate into Dutch culture, and to carry this knowledge forward for future experiences.

I’m really happy with my project and look forward to seeing how it evolves!

Caroline

On Thursday, 4 December, Sofia, our ESC Volunteer, attended the European Day for People with Disabilities (EDPD) 2025 in Brussels at the European Commission.

During the day, she participated at the two panels, enriched by personal testimonies, informative presentations, and engaging exchanges. From the opening greetings, it was clear that the space was intended for reflection and for taking responsibility – not only personally, but also institutionally – toward concrete action.

The first panel in the morning, Forging Ahead: The Next Chapter in Implementing the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030, offered a deep immersion into discussions that strengthened the shared mission of building an inclusive future, not only on words but also on tangible actions, policies, laws, and strategies that can be realistically implemented.

The testimony of Nicole Sophia Marinos was particularly moving. She explained how “inclusion gave her a voice, exclusion the determination” emphasizing how the environment shapes both inclusion and exclusion. A supportive environment, she noted, places no limits on potential.

The morning session prompted reflection on key challenges: independent living, mobility, political participation, media representation of disability, discrimination, and employment. As Markus Schefer highlighted that to change a society that was designed to be uninclusive takes time, but the effort must continue.

During lunch and coffee breaks, Sofia had the opportunity to meet and speak with other representatives from European associations and organizations, sharing insights and exchanging ideas. She observed how the common mission connects people not only in intentions, places, and events, but also through concrete actions and initiatives.

In the afternoon, Panel 2, Funding the Union of Equality: Towards a Disability-Inclusive EU Budget, opened with the empowering testimony of Patrick Luypaert about his successful experience as an inclusive employee. He shared that in his workplace, he is no longer seen as “a person with a disability who works on computers, but just a person working on computers”.

Following the panel, the Q&A and discussion provided another valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of both personal and national challenges, as well as the shared commitment to negotiate, act, and promote inclusive practices. The session highlighted how collective efforts can help shape a more inclusive Europe.

For Sofia, attending her first European event was highly motivating. She returned with a stronger commitment to listening, understanding, and contributing to meaningful change.

By Sofia Mangiaterra

From 23 to 25 November, a team of representatives from Views International aisbl and Loryhan asbl (Belgium), united under the VIEWS INTERNATIONAL flag, attended theProfessional Development for Youth Workers: Digital Leaders for a Sustainable Planet initiative in Paphos (Cyprus). Accredited by the Erasmus+ Programme, the Project (No: 2025-1-CY01-KA151-YOU-000302997) was hosted by the Cross Culture International Foundation Cyprus(CCIF Cyprus).

It was a dynamic professional development program designed to empower youth workers with digital skills and environmental advocacy tools. By combining technology, sustainability, and international cooperation, the initiative equipped 20 youth workers from Italy, Cyprus, Romania, Belgium, and Croatia to inspire and guide young people in their communities toward a greener, more sustainable future.

This mobility brought together diverse perspectives and fostered meaningful collaboration among youth workers across Europe.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The initiative provided participants with the digital tools and skills needed to address environmental challenges, enabling them to design and lead impactful campaigns that promote environmental awareness and action among youth. Participants also gained hands-on experience in integrating digital innovation into sustainable practices.

Throughout the program, we strengthened our ability to use digital tools and platforms to develop effective environmental campaigns.

Workshops focused on:

• Digital literacy and online communication
• Visual storytelling and campaign design
• Innovative approaches to environmental education
• Tools for collaboration, evaluation, and impact measurement

By the end of the program, we had developed a solid understanding of digital tools, enhanced our environmental advocacy skills, and expanded our network of international peers.

The youth mobility also included a hands-on activity in collaboration with the Municipality of Paphos, during which participants planted trees along the coastline at Antasia – Sodap Beach, reinforcing the project’s strong sustainability focus.

The Digital Leaders for a Sustainable Planet initiative successfully empowered youth workers to become confident, digitally skilled advocates for sustainability. Through practical training, international collaboration, and creative campaign development, participants left the program equipped to make a tangible impact in their communities—encouraging young people to take action for a more sustainable future.

We are confident that the skills we gained will inspire innovative projects and new partnerships in 2026!

By Anca DAVID and Abraham DIATTA

In this context, an educational tool referred to any approach, activity, or method that meaningfully engaged learners—whether through simulations, role-plays, creative workshops, outdoor learning activities, or other participatory techniques.

The ITF provided an open space to exchange, refine, and reimagine these tools with a strong focus on practical transferability.

With sport as a driver for inclusion, wellbeing, empowerment, and community cohesion, the 2025 edition of the Tool Fair highlighted sport as a powerful pedagogical and social tool. Participants examined how both formal and informal sport practices can promote equity, resilience, safe learning environments, and meaningful social transformation.

The structure of the event connected participants in an organic way in a multitude of activities like:

• Tools Workshops – hands-on sessions where selected participants facilitated their own learning activities;
• Tools to Explore – thematic deep dives dedicated to developing or improving specific approaches;
• Tool Coaching – supported presenters before, during, and after their sessions;
• Tools Market – an open and dynamic space showcased a wide range of tools, publications, digital resources, methodologies, and initiatives;
• TF Talks – inspirational presentations inviting reflection, and challenged participants to think differently about education, sport, and social impact.
• Hot Spot of EU Youth Programmes – guidance and insights from National Agencies (NAs) and SALTO Resource Centres into opportunities within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

During the “Tool to explore” we examined how sport can foster inclusion, break down social barriers, and strengthen communities. Through practical strategies and hands-on tools, the sessions highlighted the power of physical activity to promote diversity and equity, use sport as a platform for connection, and create meaningful relationships beyond the basketball playing field. These moments offered not just learning, but trasformative experience-showing how sport can catalyse social change in our local context.

Among the TF Talks, the testimony of Lama HATTAB from Lebanon was particularly powerful: “Twenty-five years ago, I ran 240 kilometers across the Sahara Desert with my twin sister, carrying a message of peace. I didn’t know then that this journey would shape the rest of my life — leading me to discover how sport can heal, connect, and transform. In this talk, I share what I’ve learned along the way — from breaking stereotypes as a woman athlete to witnessing the power of sport through the lives of young people at Generations For Peace. It’s a story about endurance, learning, and how every step can become a step toward peace. » 

The XIX International Tool Fair created an energising, multicultural, and collaborative environment where sport became more than a game—it became a tool for learning, transformation, and social impact. Held in Marrakech, a city known for its hospitality and cultural richness, the event left everyone inspired, connected, and equipped with innovative tools to bring meaningful change to our communities.

Account by Anca David