European Solidarity Corps at Ballyfermot Youth Service: Fostering Connections and Building Confidence
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) funds and supports young people aged between 18 and 30 from EU member states, to volunteer or self-organise projects that benefit communities. Young people can volunteer at home or abroad, through the Volunteering Projects and Solidarity Projects strands. Ballyfermot Youth Service (BYS) empowers young people in Ballyfermot through a variety of programmes that promote growth, creativity, and connection. Offering outdoor education, music and arts and European opportunities, the organisation helps young people make positive life choices while supporting their personal and social development. ESC aims to foster active citizenship and strengthen solidarity by funding organisations like Ballyfermot Youth Service (BYS) to host and send volunteers and in turn, create transformative experiences for young people and their local communities.
Read on to discover how ESC volunteer Ellie built confidence and developed her skills through her project with BYS, volunteering in a youth club, a school, and supporting the local community!
Reflecting on her volunteering experience, Ellie shared fond memories of connecting with other young people and participating in impactful activities throughout her project. These included painting school walls, organising a sports day and a culture day, and cleaning up local beaches with the young people and students involved. Not only were the activities both fun and rewarding, Ellie also highlighted the personal and professional growth she experienced during her volunteering journey.
“We made great memories and had lots of fun with the kids in the school painting the wall for them and doing a sports day and culture day. It helped me become more confident and independent.”
One of the challenges Ellie faced was adapting to living with others, especially people she had never met before. However, she explained that it became easier over time as they learned to navigate and accommodate each other’s routines.
Ellie’s experience is a powerful testament to the impact of volunteering and the transformative role the European Solidarity Corps plays in the lives of both volunteers and those they support. Explore how ESC can open doors for you or your organisation with helpful resources below:
For more information on ESC and how you can get involved, contact our team at yse@leargas.ie