A Note From Our ESC Volunteers
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Every year, Solas Project welcomes three vital volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps scheme. These volunteers become an integral part of our After Schools team and their additional support facilitates the delivery of this programme. This year we had Sophie, Léonie, and Mickaël from France. Sophie and Léonie together share a bit about their Solas Project experience and Mickaël leaves us with a letter to the kids:
Sophie
Dia dhuit! I’m Sophie, I’m from France and I first arrived in Dublin on the 25th of August 2019. After obtaining my psychology degree, I chose to pause my studies for a year. I wanted to go abroad to get some experience and improve my English. I heard about the European Solidarity Corps and decided to get involved in one of their missions, which is how I found Solas Project.
I still remember arriving in Ireland, my first meeting with the team, my first day with the kids, and my first Guinness. I spent an amazing seven months in Ireland meeting incredible people. I took part in one of the After School clubs, “The Bridge.” This club provides support to kids from 11 to 13 years old. I really enjoyed spending time with them.
To be honest, it was tough at times. It took time to gain their trust and build a relationship, but it was definitely worth it. I really hope I brought a bit of joy to them like they did for me. I had good fun with all of the kids! I taught them some baking recipes and they taught me Dublin slang and how to play Bingo. I also took part in Sport Sessions in schools and in Step Up, which were both really rewarding. I definitely know that I’ll be back one day to see everybody again.
This experience brought me growth and it changed a lot of things. I finally decided to do a Masters degree in Development Psychology to work with children in the future. I have found what makes me feel useful and happy.
Léonie
Hi I am Léonie. I am from France and I am 21. I've been a volunteer for Solas Project for the club Junior After School. It has been an amazing experience. My relationship with the children improved over the months. My best memories are when I saw them happy. Indeed, at these moments I felt super useful. At the end of the volunteering, I could notice a progression: they were more self-confident. This motivates me to keep working with children. After all of this, I definitely want to be a teacher in a primary school. I am grateful to have had this experience. I learnt a lot by working with a little group of children with a difficult background and by being in another culture.
Solas Project is a great charity. The team were all very welcoming, supportive, and generous. Moreover, Irish culture is lovely. Choosing Ireland to volunteer is definitely a good choice!
Thank you Emily for your kindness and your support.
Thank you Stephen for your fun and your constant good mood.
Thank you Michelle for all your little attentions with us.
Thank you to all the Solas Project team for your joy and warmth and for making us feel at home.
We are thankful to have been a part of your team during these seven months. It was too short, but an incredible experience!
Hope to see you soon,
Sophie and Léonie
Mickaël
a letter to SAS (Senior After Schools)
Hi all! Just a little hello to tell you that I am well back in my country, the kingdom of frogs !!! 🐸 🇫🇷 I hope that you all are ok! I am very happy to have spent this almost year with you, the Senior Club. You were very fun nuggets. Believe in yourself, because you are all great ! Everyone I met in this club is unique, full of assets, and has a future full of promise!
And don’t forget to be nice to each other, without forgetting Ann, with whom it was a real pleasure for me to work, who takes great care of you, and who has the funniest laugh that I have heard in my all life! Take care you little sheep and be happy—that’s all I wish for you my Irish friends ! Au revoir de France 👋
- Mickaël
