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

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

On April 4th, Carmen, Selma, Silviu, and I headed to CPSE Liège for a day that went far beyond a standard awareness session. As an ESC volunteer, I’m used to new experiences, but this session was special. We weren’t just there to talk; we were there to bridge the gap between “theory” and “reality” for the people who are shaping and will shape the next generation of our community: social studies students, educators and youth workers. The energy was infectious from the start. We didn’t just show them inclusive tools; we put them to work. This hands-on approach is vital because true inclusion starts with understanding the lived experience.

• Exploring Tactile Play: It was eye-opening to watch the students realize how a simple game changes when you rely on touch rather than sight.
• Navigating the Streets: We took the training outside, teaching the “human guide” method and white cane techniques. There is a profound shift in perspective that happens when you have to trust a partner to navigate the sidewalk (it builds a level of empathy that a textbook simply can’t provide).

The most important part of my day was the incredible exchange we had with the participants! We talked and exposed the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) opportunities for young people and the participants had so many questions about our projects, especially regarding my and Silviu’s journey as volunteers. By sharing our path we showed them that international opportunities are for everyone! Often, young people with disabilities or fewer opportunities feel that traveling abroad or volunteering in another country is a closed door – not only because of physical barriers but also due to socio-economic ones. They may never even apply because they don’t believe these programs are “for them”. But educators, teachers, youth workers are the frontline to open them! By sharing the possibilities to the youth, you aren’t just giving them a brochure: you are giving them the tools to gain independence, confidence, and be part of a global community they might never have dreamed of reaching!

Sofia Mangiaterra

Our journey started with an introductory seminar designed to melt the ice. On the very first night, we held the International Night, a vibrant celebration of European diversity. Standing with the Belgian team, I presented local specialties while tasting flavors from our neighbors in Germany, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. 

Of course, it quickly turned into a wonderful party filled with music and dancing! It was the perfect way to realize that while we come from different places, we share the same heartbeat: a goal to empower youth.

Throughout the week, we dove deep into the concept of intercultural learning, diversity and Inclusion, Communication, Conflict management, and International Project writing, and much more. We used creative tools like “identity flowers” to map out who we are: a difficult question that forces you to interrogate not only yourself but the world around you. 

In one of the most eye-opening exercises, we split into groups to create entirely new cultures: the “Spi” and the “Fa.” We developed our own social rules, values, and languages, then “met” the other culture. Without knowing each other’s codes or meanings behind gestures, we faced the raw difficulties of intercultural exchange.

This experience taught us how to deconstruct our own biases and explore practical activities to teach young people about diversity and inclusion.

Connected to this was our work on conflict management. We simulated being mediators in various contexts, learning the delicate balance of group dynamics. From this, I walked away with three new skills:

• Navigating cultural communication styles within a diverse team.
• “active listening” to ensure every voice is truly heard.
• Managing the natural tensions that arise when a group tries to innovate together.

The most rewarding part of the week was the “engine room” of project management. I worked closely with my peers to:

• Draft SMART Objectives: Writing specific goals for a project focused on environmental awareness and sustainable lifestyles.
• Co-Creation: Visualizing a project’s lifecycle, from the initial spark to budgeting and final impact assessment, on large sheets of craft paper.
• The Pitch: Developing the confidence to present our projects clearly and inclusively to the entire group.

Although, the learning didn’t stop at the classroom door; it continued through every meal, break, and late-evening conversation. One highlight was our city exploration of Trier, where we split into small groups for “funny tasks”: interviewing statues, taking photos with locals and much more.

After the city visit, we shared a group dinner in a rustic local restaurant, a moment filled with laughter but also a touch of sadness, knowing our time together was drawing to a close.

The final night was a huge goodbye party back at our accommodation. It was full of music, tears, and emotion, but also immense hope. We left with the promise to meet again and a shared drive to work together and give back to others everything we had the opportunity to learn!

Sofia Mangiaterra

We had the privilege of supporting young participants as they expressed themselves through street art and a moving theatre piece. What made this experience unique was the seamless connection between art and nature; the group spent time exploring the stunning Ardennes surroundings through walks and outdoor activities, proving that inspiration is often found right under our feet.

Beyond the workshops, this week became a deeply personal journey for me. Seeing these young people so motivated, energetic, and sensible served as a powerful mirror. It reminded me of where I started, where I am now, and the core of my commitment to this path.

Observing how a local project with young people was organized and taking part in its activities was a remarkable example of the profound value of local communities in building and empowering their youngest members. Seeing local youth find their voice has strengthened a sense of motivation I already thought was at its peak!”

Sofia Mangiaterra

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.

Silviu Musat

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

I enjoy connecting with people, discovering new perspectives and engaging with diverse contexts.
I’m passionate about photography and storytelling, which I see as tools to build empathy and understanding between and within communities. I also love travelling… discovering new places and cultures inspires me like nothing else!