European Solidarity Corps at Ballyfermot Youth Service: exploring opportunities, building connections and developing new skills
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. ESC projects can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months and support local community and voluntary organisations across various fields. 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.
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. Paula, one of BYS’s volunteers, has spent time creating a safe and engaging space where young people can develop social skills, build connections, and express their creativity. She supports and organises activities while actively contributing to the local community, helping BYS in its mission to empower the young people of Ballyfermot.
Read on to discover more about Paula’s inspiring journey and the impact of her work!
My volunteering project with the Ballyfermot Youth Service focuses on engaging with the local community in Ballyfermot. The organisation provides a safe, fun space where young people can develop social skills, explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy themselves. As a volunteer, I support the organisation in its activities, such as running workshops, organising day trips, and facilitating opportunities for young people to grow. This project is helping me develop valuable skills related to communication, youth work, and workshop planning, while also increasing my awareness of the challenges faced by the Ballyfermot community and how we can implement good practices for its young people. I’ve enjoyed meeting and working with other volunteers from organisations in Dublin and across Ireland, which has been a very enriching experience. Overall, this opportunity has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to growing further as I continue to learn and contribute.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue empowering Ballyfermot’s young people to explore new opportunities, build connections, and develop the skills they need to make informed decisions about their futures. I hope to see them grow as active citizens in their community, supported by a nurturing space where they can thrive.
Some of my favourite moments so far have been the day trips we’ve taken together. It’s such a joy to share laughter, hear their stories, learn about their interests, and talk about their plans for the future. One moment that stands out to me is a young girl who shared how much BYS has meant to her. She explained that before joining, she lacked support and guidance, but through BYS—and volunteers like me—she found a community where she could truly be herself in a safe and supportive environment.
This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me, and it’s a reminder of the impact we can have as volunteers. Being part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) has not only allowed me to grow but also to help create positive change in the lives of others.
Paula’s experience highlights the transformative impact of volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps on both volunteers and the communities they support. If you’re curious about what ESC has to offer, explore the helpful resources below:
For more information on ESC and how you can get involved, contact our team at yse@leargas.ie
