My name is Sarra, I’m 31 years old and I’m from France. I volunteered with the European Solidarity Corps for six months at the Gaia Terra eco-village in Rivignano, Italy.

I had already discovered Gaia Terra before joining the programme. It was the first eco-village I ever visited, and I had volunteered there a few times. During those visits I met several people who were taking part in the European Solidarity Corps, and seeing their experience made a strong impression on me. I was inspired by the personal growth I saw in them throughout their volunteering experience. They were learning Italian, developing practical skills, taking on new responsibilities, becoming more independent, and gaining confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. I had the feeling that the programme was helping them grow, and that motivated me to have the same experience.

Another aspect that attracted me was the strong sense of belonging to the European network of the European Solidarity Corps: meeting many participants from many countries, supporting one another, learning from each other, and feeling guided throughout the experience. I wanted to challenge myself, contribute to a meaningful project, and grow while living and working with people from different backgrounds.The purpose of the project was to explore and practise a more sustainable and conscious way of living. By sharing daily life in an eco-village, we learned how to care for the environment, support one another, and build a strong sense of community.

My main activities focused on contributing to the daily functioning of the community. Together with the other volunteers and with the people who live there permanently, we organised and shared responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, construction, and maintenance, always following the principles of sustainability and cooperation.

Another essential part of the experience was working on the challenges of communal living and finding ways to continuously improve the way we function as a group. Since the strength and growth of an eco-village depend greatly on the quality of relationships within the community, we dedicated time to developing better communication, understanding each other’s needs, and creating a healthier group dynamic. Through meetings, sharing circles, and collective discussions, we expressed our feelings, made decisions together, addressed conflicts, and explored ways to make community life more harmonious. Everyone was encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative to help the community grow and flourish.

Some of my favourite moments were the women’s circles, the contact improvisation dance sessions, and the spontaneous activities that emerged from living together, such as practising yoga, making music, or simply sharing meaningful moments with the group.

One challenge I experienced at the beginning was understanding the way the community was organised, how decisions were made, and knowing who to turn to when I needed guidance. As Gaia Terra functions through a collective approach where responsibilities and knowledge are shared among the people who are part of it, it took some time to adapt and understand the different roles within the group. Over time, by asking questions, communicating openly, and taking more initiative, I became more confident and learned the importance of collaboration, trust, and care in creating a space where people can live and grow together.

I would recommend European Solidarity Corps volunteering to young people without hesitation. For me it has been much more than a volunteering experience: it has been an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, meet inspiring people, and experience a different way of living. I believe every young person could benefit from such an experience, as it encourages learning, openness, and personal development.

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