When I first joined the European Solidarity Corps project "Pathways to Belonging" at the National Youth Foundation, I expected to gain experience, meet new people, and contribute to meaningful activities. What I did not expect was how inspiring, enriching, and transformative these two months would become.
As a volunteer, my main activities focused on supporting young Ukrainian people and creating opportunities for learning, communication, and integration. During these two months, I organized and facilitated English Speaking Clubs, conducted English lessons, and facilitated consultations for Ukrainians.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the English sessions was finding creative ways to make learning engaging and interactive. We often played the game Bunker, which encouraged participants to think critically, defend their ideas, and practice speaking English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Watching people become more confident and open to each other with every session was incredibly rewarding and reminded me how powerful non-formal education can be.
However, my volunteering experience was much more than the activities I personally facilitated. One of the things that impressed me most about the youth center was the incredible variety of activities available to young people. Every week brought new opportunities to learn, create, and connect with others.
I regularly attended Romanian language lessons, which helped me better understand the local culture and feel more integrated into the community. I also participated in the Debate Club, where people from different backgrounds shared perspectives, exchanged ideas, and learned how to express their opinions respectfully and confidently. These discussions were always thought-provoking and helped me develop my communication and critical-thinking skills.
Another activity that fascinated me was the 3D Printing workshop. It was exciting to discover new technologies and see how creativity and innovation can come together to turn ideas into reality. It was an experience that showed me how youth centers can offer not only social and educational opportunities but also access to modern skills and technologies.
The creative workshops were equally memorable. I enjoyed participating in tote bag painting workshops, stained glass art workshops, art classes, and pin and badge-making workshops. These activities gave everyone the chance to express themselves, explore their creativity, and spend time together in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Some of my favorite memories came from community events that brought everyone together. Watching Eurovision with other participants was an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, laughter, and cultural exchange. Movie nights created opportunities to relax and connect through shared stories, while karaoke evenings and ping pong games helped break the ice and strengthen friendships. These moments may seem simple, but they played a huge role in creating a sense of belonging and community.
What made this experience truly special was the people. Throughout these two months, I met inspiring individuals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I made wonderful friends, shared meaningful conversations, learned from other volunteers, and experienced firsthand how diversity can become a source of strength and inspiration.
The project also allowed me to see how much effort goes into creating a safe and welcoming youth space. Behind every activity, workshop, and event is a team of dedicated people working hard to ensure that participants feel comfortable, included, and supported. Being part of this process gave me a new appreciation for youth work and community engagement.
On a personal level, my biggest achievement was gaining confidence. At the beginning of the project, I was often hesitant to share my ideas or take initiative. Over time, thanks to the supportive atmosphere of the youth center, I became more comfortable expressing myself, proposing activities, and taking on new responsibilities. This growth has been one of the most valuable outcomes of my volunteering journey.
The most rewarding moments were seeing participants enjoy the activities, make new friends, learn something new, and feel at home in the community we were building together. Their smiles, enthusiasm, and positive feedback reminded me that even small actions can have a meaningful impact on someone's life.
Looking back, these two months have been filled with learning, creativity, friendship, and personal growth. Through all these activities, I experienced the true spirit of solidarity and community.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the "Pathways to Belonging" project. It taught me valuable skills, introduced me to incredible people, and showed me how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported.
This experience reminded me that volunteering is not only about helping others - it is also about discovering new strengths within yourself, embracing new perspectives, and creating connections that can last a lifetime.
So if you are currently wondering whether to apply for this project, I can really assure you, you definitely won't regret it.
