When people think of volunteering, the first thought is field work or events. But being an ESC volunteer at the National Youth Foundation (FNT) has shown me a different, more strategic side of impact. My journey here isn’t just about “helping out”; it’s about being part of the ecosystem that connects youth needs with real-world solutions through partnerships.
Working withing the Structures Division at FNT has been a great experience. As a local volunteer, I have the unique advantage of knowing the pulse of the Romanian youth scene, and a pre-existing network, but through FNT, I’ve learned how to scale that understanding and network.
My daily activity revolves around empowering local networks. My main project has been focused on creating a community of sharing good practices throughout the youth NGOs in Bucharest. That way I realized that a foundation is only as strong as the ties it keeps, and acting as the “link” between different stakeholders has taught me that effective youth work requires both a vision and some organized chaos.
One of the most intriguing parts of my time here has been dipping my toes into a UNHCR working group on the topic of youth. While it’s just one part of my broader experience and is related to work I’ve done in the past, it did add a layer about how international partnerships have translated into local support for vulnerable youth. It showed that whether the discussion is focused on local NGOs or global agencies, the goal remains the same: creating a safe, inclusive space, adapted for every young person to thrive.
Supporting the division and partnerships team has not been only a professional ask, but personally empowering. It changed the way I viewed the Romanian youth landscape. It has proved that you don’t need to cross borders to find a mission. The National Youth Foundation has given me tools to understand how change happens at a systemic level. It’s about more than just one project; it’s about building a sustainable web of support that will outlast my time here.
I’m proud to be part of a team that doesn’t just talk about the future of youth, but actively builds the infrastructure for it, one partner at a time.