IRHOV (Institut Royal pour les handicapés de l’Ouie et de la Vue) is composed of two schools specialised in supporting young people with sensory impairments. As part of his volunteering, Jasper will contribute to inclusive educational and extracurricular activities for students with visual impairments, supporting both learning and participation in daily school life.

During his first days in Liège, Jasper had the opportunity to become familiar with his new environment, meet the team, and take his first steps into the project. He visited IRHOV, where he was introduced to the students and teachers, and began to understand the context in which he will be working.

As he shared:
“I was so pleased to see the new environment. During my first visit to the IRHOV schools where I will be volunteering, everyone was incredibly open and friendly. I have already met some of the students and teachers.”

Beyond the school, Jasper also connected with the VIEWS team and his fellow ESC volunteers, starting to build relationships that will accompany him throughout his experience. Together, they explored the city of Liège and discovered new places.

“I also met the welcoming team at VIEWS and my two co-volunteers. Plus, I got to explore the city. I saw so many new, beautiful places.”

As part of his introduction to the local ecosystem, Jasper also visited La Lumière, where he discovered a wide range of activities and workshops supporting independence and creativity for people with visual impairments. This visit offered an additional perspective on accessibility and inclusion beyond the school environment.

We are very happy to have Jasper on board and look forward to accompanying him throughout his volunteering journey in the coming months!

At the Jean Boets school, I am providing assistance during French classes, helping create fun and interactive activities to support language learning with non-formal approaches. I typically follow both an adult group and a class of younger learners from Monday to Tuesday, and I really enjoy experimenting with new ideas and methods. It is exciting to see how small changes in approach can make learning French more engaging and accessible!

At La Baraka, besides helping the team with the daily activities at the youth centre, Together with Pierre, one of the volunteers at La Baraka, I have also started developing an Erasmus+ project for the young people who attend the centre. For this project application I am supporting the writing process, bringing in my experience with Erasmus+ programmes. The goal is to submit a DiscoverEU project and, fingers crossed, get it approved.

Outside of work, I try to make the most of my free time. I go to the gym, spend time with friends around the city, plan future trips, and enjoy meeting new people.

Overall, my experience so far has been great. I feel supported in my tasks, which really helps me stay motivated and confident in what I’m doing.

I am visually impaired, but this does not prevent me from doing all kinds of activities. I enjoy them a lot.
So far I really like my job, I’ve met really nice people and I am very convinced that we will develop many new and exciting projects together.

And despite the rocky start, there were so many moments worth celebrating. We wrapped up two in-house projects that had been close to our hearts. We organised two beautiful events here in Belgium – a training course in March – Inclusion for all project with our friends at Loryhan asbl, and a study visit in Liège in May through the ACT-YOU project. Hosting people in our home city always brings a special warmth; it reminds us why we do this work.

One of the biggest highlights of the year was launching the VIPPSTAR project. This one feels special – not just because it’s innovative, but because it’s deeply human. VIPPSTAR is about giving young people with visual impairments and their families the tools, support, and confidence they need to navigate life and its challenges.

It brings together personalised interventions, digital tools, eLearning, and even avatars, all co-designed with the young people themselves guided by some of the most inspiring minds in Europe. At its core, it’s about empowerment, dignity, and preparing for a future where digital and real-life independence go hand in hand.

This year also brought the joy of sharing more podcast episodes – little windows into our projects and the lives of those who take part in them. Every episodes feels like a conversation with friends: honest, warm, and full of humanity. It’s a way for us to reach people far beyond any meeting room or event hall.

And of course, there’s a chapter of our work that always touches us deeply: the European Solidarity Corps volunteering projects. This year we welcomed four volunteers to Liège and supported four more on their journeys abroad. Watching volunteers grow, discover new sides of themselves, build confidence, and broaden their horizons is endlessly rewarding. Volunteering changes lives – every single time – and it reminds us why we believe so strongly in youth mobility and solidarity.

Towards the end of the year, we also kicked off four Erasmus+ KA2 collaborations, each in its own way opening new doors and possibilities. These projects target a wide range of groups – from young people to adults, with and without visual impairments – and reflect our belief that inclusion and learning should be lifelong and universal.

So, yes, 2025 brought its challenges, but it also brought progress, connection, and hope. It was full- sometimes overwhelmingly so – but full of meaning. And so we look toward 2026, we carry with us the lessons, the energy, and the renewed optimism that this year gave us. None of this could have happened without the ongoing support of our local and international partners, local volunteers, broad members and the extraordinary and dedicated office team!

Here’s to a new year filled with stability, insipiration and shared achievements.
And thank you – for walking this path with us. 

Anca David, Executive Director

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

Volunteering in Liège through the European Solidarity Corps has been an amazing experience. I got to discover new places, meet great people, and learn a lot about myself and others.

During my time here, I was involved in several organisations. At La Baraka, I helped adults who are learning French. I supported them with their lessons and even led a small activity to practise listening skills. It felt good to see that I could really help.

At GASS, I helped children with homework. I loved it! The kids were full of energy, and even though it was sometimes challenging, it was really rewarding. They taught me patience and gave me a lot of joy with their smiles and questions.

At the Maison des Jeunes, I worked on my weekly reports, joined meetings, and helped welcome young people. It was a calm place where I could think about everything I was learning and doing.

Some of the best moments were outside of work, like the colourful Carnaval of Eupen, a 15 km hike with the association La Lumière, and the Ramadan iftar dinners I shared with others. These moments really touched me because they brought people together with kindness and respect.

This project taught me so much. I learned how to listen better, work in a team, take initiative, and adapt to new situations. I also became more confident in myself.

I’m passionate about IT and want to build a career in that field, maybe even start my own company one day. Thanks to this volunteering experience, I now see how my future in tech can also include social impact. For example, I’d love to organise computer workshops for children or for people learning French.

I leave this project with a lot of gratitude. I met incredible people, shared meals, laughs, deep and light conversations, watched children grow and adults keep going despite challenges. Some days were simple, others more intense, but every day I felt like my presence mattered.
This volunteering experience inspires me to imagine a life that truly reflects who I am: a life where I stay engaged, curious, and open to others.

Some periods are particularly intense, such as January through March and August through October, when we’re focused on writing applications, submitting reports, and managing the final details of completed projects. February and March were especially busy for us, juggling project applications, final reports, and running local activities like Dinners in the Dark, as well as coordinating the move of our ESC apartment to a new location and preparing for a new volunteer’s arrival. It’s been a year of hustle!

But in spite of the busy times, there’s so much to celebrate. Thanks to an increase in EU funding, we’ve been able to grow our team—now with four members (three full-time and one part-time). This growth has brought fresh perspectives, new ideas, and increased capacity, allowing us to approach our projects with more confidence and creativity. The best part? We’re no longer just colleagues, but a real team that supports and relies on each other, making the work both more enjoyable and effective.

Our partnership with the Board of Administrators has also been key in maintaining strong communication with our members and partners. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping us stay aligned with our shared mission and ensuring we all stay connected to the VIEWS International spirit.

A Year of Growth and Connection

2024 has been a year focused on expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We’ve worked hard to diversify our partnerships and connect with even more young people, especially those from underrepresented communities. A few highlights include:

• Study Visits: We had the pleasure of organizing two study visits this year: one in Romania in January and November, and another to the Azores (San Miguel Island) in May. These visits have been instrumental in strengthening our international network and providing valuable learning experiences for everyone involved.
• Partnership Building: We also hosted two important partnership-building activities: one in Spain (May) and another in Albania (July). These activities have allowed us to establish meaningful collaborations and explore new ways to support youth in different parts of Europe.
• Hosting ESC Volunteers: Another highlight was hosting two incredible ESC volunteers in Liège. Patricia from Romania worked on our Views Project while Kinga supported the Sainte Marguerite project. This year, we also achieved a major milestone: for the first time, we were able to extend an ESC project to a full 12 months, thanks to the availability and flexibility of EU subsidies. This has allowed the volunteers to immerse themselves even more deeply in their work, fostering personal growth and community impact.

Creating Connections and Tools for the Future

A central theme of 2024 has been building connections—whether through shared projects, networking events, or developing tools that empower youth workers across Europe. Two projects in particular stand out:

• The Big Thing: This strategic partnership allowed us to prepare seven young people with visual impairments to become youth facilitators through the Training of Trainers (TOT) method. We’ve documented their experiences in a series of podcast episodes, which you can listen to on our website and dedicated platforms.
• Inclusion for All: This mobility project for youth workers is still ongoing, and we’re excited to share that the guidelines we’ve been working on will be published in 2025. The goal of this project is to equip youth workers with the tools and knowledge they need to be more inclusive and effective in their work.

Additionally, our online language tandems, which we launched back in 2020, continue to thrive. If you’re looking to improve your skills in English, French, Spanish, German, or Russian, these ongoing sessions are a great opportunity to learn and connect with others across Europe.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

So, what’s next? While 2024 was a year of growth and consolidation, we’re already looking ahead to 2025 with great excitement. One of the most exciting things on the horizon is the launch of VIEWS Talks—a new concept where young people, partners, and well-wishers can connect online to discuss shared projects, ideas, and challenges. The monthly meetings will kick off in January, and we can’t wait for you to join the conversation!

We’ll also continue to share updates and resources through our social media and website. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on all our activities and initiatives.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Before I sign off, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made this year possible. My colleagues—Giulia, our Communications and Junior Project Officer; Sara, our Project Officer; and Landry, our Assistant Project Manager—have been a constant source of support, inspiration, and dedication. I am incredibly grateful for the team we’ve built together.

And of course, none of our activities would be possible without the unwavering support of our local volunteers. Carine, Angélique, Ahmet, Philippe, Mircea, Lori, Carmen, Yassin, Or, Pierre, Laure, Alex, Emi, Sit, Anna Rita, Francisco, Beatrice, and many others—you are the heart of what we do. Your energy, skills, and enthusiasm make everything we do possible, and we are deeply thankful for all the ways you contribute.

I also want to thank our members, partners, and Board members—Sylvie, Elif, Michael, and Adil—whose guidance and partnership have been instrumental in keeping us on track and moving forward.

Wrapping Up

As we head into the holiday season, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been part of our journey this year. Your support, collaboration, and shared commitment make everything we do meaningful. I wish you all a restful holiday season and a bright, hopeful start to 2025.

Thank you for being part of the VIEWS family.

Warm regards,
Anca David

Some of my more distant acquaintances thought I was out my mind, but the people closest to me said, “Great, congratulations on your decision.” Both attitudes were present in me as well. How can you leave a comfortable, well-paid, fully remote job and go to Belgium for a low-subsidized volunteer program? The world belongs to the brave, and once I remembered that, my hesitation turned into determination. My name is Kinga, and I’m a volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps.

The Decision

My friend Dorota, who had participated in a project in France years ago, had long encouraged me to take part in a volunteer program under EVS (European Voluntary Service), now ESC (European Solidarity Corps). She still says it’s one of the best experiences of her life. I had read many times about the volunteer opportunities in Liège, Belgium, in the Polish Association for the Blind’s bulletin, but the dates never matched my life plans. However, after six months of job hunting and receiving yet another email rejecting my application, I decided it was time to make a bold move and join the project. My application thrilled Ania Lemarczyk from Polish Association for the Blind, who had already encouraged me to apply, knowing that with my French skills, I was the right candidate for work in Belgian Wallonia. She was not wrong.

The Recruitment

The recruitment process went as follows: after choosing the project, Ania scheduled an interview with the coordinator from the Belgian side, Views International’s Anca David. She then arranged an online meeting with people from the host organizations—Alain from Coordination Socio-Culturelle de Sainte-Marguerite and Dugumbi from La Baraka. The purpose of these meetings was to get to know the candidate and assess their motivation and language skills. Both meetings were very pleasant and friendly, and everyone was supportive, which convinced me even more to go. After these interviews, I handed in my resignation at work.

The Preparatory Visit

The actual project was preceded by a preparatory visit. Two weeks before starting my volunteer work, Ania and I flew to Liège for three days to meet future colleagues, the staff at Views, and my flatmate. It was also an opportunity to see the workplace, the apartment, and the city. All travel expenses were covered, so we didn’t have to spend any money out of pocket.

First Impressions

I felt good in Liège right away. Despite the ongoing construction everywhere, the city is beautiful, has interesting architecture, and the friendliest residents in all of Belgium. One of my biggest concerns was the accommodation and the conditions of the apartment provided by Views International. Luckily, since January, volunteers have been staying in a new, comfortable apartment near the city center.

My favorite part of the apartment is the panoramic window in the living room, offering a beautiful view of the river winding through the city, making every meal more enjoyable. All my guests are impressed by this window and love posing for photos. A little secret: there are outdoor fire escape stairs next to the building that lead to the roof, which is a perfect spot for a picnic with friends or a romantic date.

Getting Started

The volunteer program is very well organized. The first two weeks in Belgium are dedicated to getting to know the city, mobility training, learning essential routes, French language lessons, and other orientation meetings. The goal of this period is to help volunteers settle into the new city and meet new people. In my case, this period was shortened to one week, as I quickly felt confident and safe thanks to my good sense of direction and language skills. However, the program can be adjusted to individual needs, and the trainers and Views staff remain in contact with us, so help is always available. At no stage of the volunteer program are we left on our own.

The Belgian coordinator is very supportive, and I have a mentor who assists me with any new situations, like visiting the city hall, going to the doctor, or booking train tickets. During the first few weeks, Anca also introduced me to some people living in Belgium, giving me a chance to make friends and discover some cool spots.

The Work Begins!

In my second week, I started working as an assistant in French classes for adult foreigners (FLE – Français Langue Étrangère). I immediately bonded with both the teacher, Philippe, and the students. During the first lesson, I impressed the group by showing them an alternative method for memorizing verb conjugations—the “boot method.” In the following weeks, I participated in various activities at both La Baraka and CSCSM. I assisted with evening French lessons for teenagers, worked with Alain in the office, and joined outdoor activities for children during school holidays.

My schedule ultimately shaped up as follows: in the mornings, I help with FLE classes for adults, and in the afternoons, I assist children and teenagers with their homework in the homework school (fr. École de devoirs). As part of these activities, I also participate in extracurricular programs like theater clubs and orienteering classes. I’m also planning to write articles for the local bi-monthly magazine “Salut Maurice!” where I’d like to share my experiences of living in Liège as a person with low vision and discuss architectural accessibility issues.

Opportunities and Challenges

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to further educate yourself by participating in additional projects and thematic events. I’m involved in the project “The Big Thing,” which aims to train informal education trainers. This project is run by Views International in partnership with organizations from Slovenia and Spain. Additionally, as a Views volunteer, I represent the organization at volunteer fairs, help organize events like “Dinner in the Dark,” and conduct workshops on raising awareness about visual disabilities. This gives me a chance to try new roles, including public speaking. There’s also an opportunity to participate in events focused on the activation and support of people with disabilities, both in the city and in Brussels.

Moreover, the holidays spent in Belgium gave me the opportunity to work on expanding my autonomy. In Poland, I was afraid to travel alone by train because in the past, I once got on the wrong train and ended up 300 kilometers away from my intended destination. However, here, I overcame that fear quickly. Train stations in Belgium are much less crowded compared to stations like the ones in Warsaw, where I lived, so it’s harder to mistake the platform or get on the wrong train.

What’s more, the blue card guarantees free travel, so even if I make a mistake, I can return to the city without additional costs. During these few weeks, I haven’t experienced any unpleasant incidents related to traveling.

A Few Downsides

Like everything, volunteering also has its less glamorous sides, but from my point of view, they aren’t related to the project’s structure or organization. They’re more down-to-earth matters. Firstly, the endless roadworks and the resulting changes to traffic and public transport in Liège are starting to weigh on me. While I walk to work every day and genuinely enjoy it, there are days when I’d like to shorten my commute. But I have to keep in mind that there may be the changes to the bus routes, which could prevent me from reaching my destination. However, I’ve already seen the first trams being tested, so I hope that by autumn, I’ll be able to take this form of transport to work at least once.

Secondly, cloudy skies and rain are the norm in Belgium. I’ve learned to dress in layers and always carry an umbrella with me. Still, there are times when this weather affects my mood, especially when I hear about the exceptionally warm and sunny weather back in Poland. However, my holidays in Belgium have been filled with many trips, most of which had great weather, so I’m starting the second half of the project with recharged batteries – which, in my case, seem to work like solar panels!

Conclusion

Thanks to volunteering, life is placing me in new and unusual situations. I feel immense satisfaction being able to flood my friends in Poland with anecdotes and stories about my adventures—whether they’re positive or negative, I’ve learned to laugh about them. As I write this, six months into my stay in Liège, I already know that this will be one of the most interesting experiences of my life, impacting both my professional and personal life.