In late September, our European Solidarity Corps volunteer Patricia participated in the ESC mid-term training organized by the Belgian National Agency, Bureau International Jeunesse. The training brought together young people from across Europe who are currently in Belgium as part of the programme. In her blog, Patricia shares her experience of the event, highlighting the engaging discussions and inspiring moments of reflection that she shared with the other participants.
Between 23 and 25 September I joined a variegated group of young people who are conducting their European Solidarity Corps volunteering project in Belgium for the Mid-Term Training organised by the Belgian National Agency “Bureau International Jeunesse”. At the Auberge de Jeunesse in Liège there were people from all across Europe, including from Italy to Spain, France, Poland, and Germany.
The purpose of the training was to bring all the ESC volunteers in Belgium together, so we could meet again, share experiences, learn from each other, and reflect on what we have done so far and what comes next in our ESC journeys.
The training included various interactive games and activities designed to help us connect, communicate better, and manage conflict.
For example, one of the ice-breaking games challenged us to form a line in rising order according to a number we were assigned. The catch was that we were all blindfolded and were not allowed to talk, so we could only rely on our touch to communicate our number and find the right order. This activity not only helped us bond, it also showed how difficult communication can be in some situations, and demonstrated the importance of working together to achieve our goals.
Through guided questions and engaging conversations, we also had the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon our ESC experience so far: how it was until now, what is working for us and the challenges we encounter, the progress we think we have made and what learning outcomes we are going to carry with us, how this experience is going to help us shape our future.
In my hectic and fast-developing life, taking a moment to stop and think about my experience so far, to discover my hidden skills and to imagine my future was a much-needed exercise. This moment of collective reflection made me understand first and foremost that success is not only measured in terms of career development, rather personal growth and the contribution we bring to society.
In this sense, I picture the ESC experience as an explosion of colours. Volunteers embark in an exploration journey that leads to learn more about themselves and the culture that surrounds them. In this journey, all the steps are accompanied by personal growth, and every connection with the others is a trampoline to the construction of a stronger, more united community.
My experience and the connections that I created with the other volunteers made me even more determined to continue working on projects that promote inclusion and diversity. I believe that, together, with our combined strengths, we can work towards a better world.
