Hello everyone! My name is Mariona, I’m 19 years old and I come from Sabadell, a city near Barcelona in Spain. For seven months I have been taking part in a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project at San Giovanni Apostolo in Palermo. This experience has given me the opportunity to live far from home, discover a new culture, and grow on a personal level.

I decided to start a volunteering experience abroad because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn Italian. I also wanted to meet people from different countries and live an experience that would allow me to learn something new every day. During these seven months, I have taken part in many activities with children and teenagers from the neighbourhood. The main ones include homework support, recreational workshops, sports activities such as boxing, dance classes, and theatre activities. Each day has been different and has taught me something—both about working with young people and about myself.

The best moments have been those spent with the children and teenagers at the association. Seeing their progress, sharing moments of play, and building friendships with them has been truly special. I also had the chance to meet volunteers from different European countries, creating friendships that I will carry with me even after the end of the project.

Of course, there were some challenges too. At the beginning, adapting to a new city and communicating in a different language was not always easy. However, thanks to daily practice, the people I met, and my desire to learn, I managed to overcome these obstacles and become more confident.

I would definitely recommend an ESC volunteering experience to all young people. It is a unique opportunity to grow, improve foreign language skills, and discover different cultures. It is an adventure that leaves unforgettable memories and helps you see the world from a broader perspective. I am sure this experience will have a positive impact on my future and will always remain an important part of my life.

Project: 2024-2-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000268869