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!”

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!

SEO/Birdlife is the oldest conservation NGO in Spain, focusing on the preservation of birds and nature through volunteering activities, scientific monitoring of species, ecological restoration and outreach programs. As an ESC volunteer, I’ve got to accompany the staff in their day-to-day work, which has been anything to bird ringing and census, invasive plants removal, raptor pellets analysis, document translation, as well as checking nest boxes, cleaning beaches and much more! Everyday is different here and all staff members are very supportive and kind.

Thanks to this opportunity, I’ve been able to do things I never thought I’d do. I’ve ringed an owl chick, climbed to the top of churches to collect data on kestrels, been vomited on by carraca chicks, seen great tit chicks only a few hours old, seen the king fisher up close and observed many endangered birds such as the marbled duck, white-headed duck, pin-tailed sandgrouse and osprey.

I’ve been living in Almonte, a typical Andalusian village about half way between El Rocio and the beaches of Matalascañas, and an hour from Sevilla. In my free time, I got to experience the local culture, which is mainly centered around horses: la Saca de las Yeguas, an event during which the semi wild mares from Doñana and their foal are taken in the village for sale and vet treatments; la feria de Sevilla; and of course the general “Western” vibe from El Rocio, where bars have very high tables for people who want to enjoy a beer and some tapas while riding their horse. It seems like here people learn how to ride a horse before they learn how to walk!

Besides, whenever I have the time, I don’t miss a chance to give a hand at the local animal shelter, where I get to take care of (and get a lot of love from) many dogs, cats, pigs, horses, goats and more!

And, of course, part of this experience is to visit the nearby places. I went to the beautiful cities of Sevilla and Córdoba, and I got the chance to visit Ronda – a charming historical Andalusian town – as well as hiking the stunning mountains of Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las nieves.

But what I’ll remember from this experience is mostly the beautiful, authentic and passionate people I’ve met along the way. This involves the other ESC volunteers I’m living and working with, the staff members, as well as the local friends I’ve made during my stay.

I’m so grateful I’ve got to a be a part of this project and community, I will only cherish wonderful memories of this experience and it has made me grow both personally and professionally. If you’re reading this because you’re considering becoming an ESC volunteer yourself, I can only recommend you to go for it!!

Throughout the afternoon, the park was filled with music, performances, and a wide range of family activities. At our stand, we had the opportunity to share information about our work, offer inclusive games adapted for children with and without disabilities, and speak with families and visitors about the importance of participation and equal opportunities for all young people.

It was a real pleasure to meet so many members of the local community and to exchange ideas around inclusion and accessibility in such a friendly and open setting.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by, and to the organisers, La Baraka ASBL and the Coordination Socioculturelle de Sainte-Marguerite (CSCSM), for inviting us. We look forward to the next edition!

The Cluj Days this year were a very special experience for me. I was invited by Asociatia Babilon Travel to take part in their stand, located in Central Park (the Grand Park), where I worked for two days and had the opportunity to represent the organisation VIEWS International from Belgium, the country where I currently live, in Liège.

I shared my personal experience with visitors at the stand: how I came to Belgium, what motivated me to leave, the volunteer internship I did there, and how, after all of that, I decided to stay. It was an open and honest exchange, and I felt that people were really listening and connecting with what I was sharing.

We also offered a few interactive activities. One of them involved a 3D puzzle, which was very popular with the public. Another activity was a demonstration on how to use a white cane, especially at night: I wanted to share a small lesson on orientation and perception. People were curious, engaged, and above all, open-minded. It gave me an incredible boost of energy.

In addition to the activities at the stand, we handed out flyers and programmes, chatted with people, smiled a lot, and felt a real connection with those around us. We also attended three concerts, explored the city, and, most importantly, enjoyed every moment. We had personal conversations, shared memories, and all of it made me feel grounded in the present while being grateful for my journey.

It was an experience full of positive energy. I realised that some things which seemed insignificant at the beginning have now taken on immense value. And perhaps the most beautiful lesson I took from it: true friendships can be felt, even from a distance.

At a time when youth work is asked to meet increasingly complex social realities, this training responded to a growing need for more sensitive, intersectional approaches.
The gender-based framework adopted during the course recognised that experiences of inequity are not uniform. Gender interacts dynamically with other factors such as disability, socio-economic status, religion, and sexual orientation and identity.
This understanding highlighted the ways multiple layers can overlap, exposing individuals to compounded forms of discrimination or marginalisation. By integrating intersectionality into youth mobility projects, participants worked towards building environments that did not merely promote diversity but actively celebrated it.

Throughout the week, the training moved beyond theoretical discussion and invited attendees to examine how gender inequalities materialise in real-world settings. Gender-based approaches were not treated as abstract concepts but as essential perspectives informing daily practices, project planning, communication, and conflict resolution. Recognising that discrimination and hate speech often stem from unexamined biases and systemic inequities, the course placed a strong emphasis on critical self-reflection. Participants were encouraged to explore their own assumptions and to consider how personal beliefs and cultural norms could unconsciously influence their professional roles.

One of the defining features of the event was its commitment to the principles of non-formal education. Rejecting rigid, top-down teaching methods, the course fostered an atmosphere of self-directed learning where participants’ experiences were valued as resources for collective growth.
Through interactive workshops and peer-to-peer exchanges, attendees engaged in a living learning process, reflecting both the diversity of their backgrounds and the inclusive values the training sought to encourage. This approach ensured that learning was not only informative but transformative, equipping youth workers to foster similar spaces of openness and empowerment within their own organisations.

Crucially, the training course created and upheld a safer space where everyone could express themselves. Special attention was paid to safeguarding LGBTQIA+ communities, too often expose to heightened risks of exclusion, hate speech, and violence. Workshops addressed how to recognise, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence, providing participants with tools and resources.

Attendees delved deeper into understanding how gender and other intersecting identities could influence young people’s experiences within mobility projects. They learnt to identify and mitigate risks, create gender-sensitive communication practices – even when navigating linguistic and cultural differences – and design educational activities that fostered inclusivity. The group discussions highlighted that a genuinely inclusive space was not merely one that welcomed different identities but one that transformed itself in response to their needs and voices.

Beyond the learning objectives, what remained with many participants was the experience of international solidarity: a diverse group of youth professionals coming together, sharing vulnerabilities, challenging each other, and collectively imagining more inclusive futures.

Participants left Lyon not only with new skills and tools but also with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to lead the next generation of mobility projects with a stronger, intersectional, and gender-sensitive approach.

Coming from France, he already plays an active role in teaching French as a Foreign Language to adults, providing after-school support, and organizing neighborhood events. When he’s not busy, he enjoys sunny walks around town, trying new restaurants, and exploring Belgium’s culture.

We met with Youssef to learn more about his background and his time in Liège so far.

Hello Youssef, could you tell us about your previous professional experiences before joining VIEWS International?

In France, I started out in a specialized secondary program designed for students who faced difficulties during primary school. Later, I pursued a vocational certificate in logistics. Afterwards, I studied for a professional baccalaureate in the same field, but unfortunately, I didn’t complete that diploma. That’s when I decided to change direction. I took a three-month IT training course and obtained a certificate of completion. In parallel, I worked part-time in a supermarket. Following that, I tried another six-month career project, but it didn’t work out, so I began searching for more suitable training that would accommodate my visual impairment. During this period, I also did some short-term jobs in logistics and helped set up and dismantle equipment for events like a traveling circus!

What motivated you to come to Belgium and take part in a European volunteering program?

I’d previously participated in a youth exchange program in Bologna, Italy, where I discovered the value and excitement of traveling abroad to learn new skills. When I heard about the opportunity in Liège with VIEWS International, it felt like a perfect next step.

I’m someone who loves to learn and challenge myself, and this experience has really helped me do that. Plus, the support here; learning how to manage my apartment, cooking, and moving around independently has been invaluable for my visual impairment.

How have your first months in Liège been, and what are your plans going forward?

They have been wonderful! I have been exploring Belgian culture, meeting many new people, and actively participating in local activities, like planning the neighborhood fair in Sainte-Marguerite.

I’ll stay involved here until I return to France for my next training program, and in the meantime, I plan to make the most of every experience Liège has to offer.

“This experience has helped me discover hidden talents within myself and has truly pushed me to surpass my own limits,” concludes Youssef.