Sarah:

What are your first impressions of Ireland?

Firstly, the weather is not as bad as people say!

Dublin is not a big city but there are so many things to see that it feels huge: museums, parks, theatre, and those little streets full of hidden buildings and art.

I’m still looking forward to going to the countryside of Ireland and to discover the ‘green side’ and sheep that every postcard depicts.

So far, I’ve been to Howth by the sea where the landscape looks like Brittany where I’m from! The seagulls gave me a feeling of familiarity until they decided to steel some of my local fish and chips…

The « beep » sound of Dublin’s crosswalks gives rhythm to our journey to work. To see the people gathering around street musicians is such a relief after all this time stuck in our houses.

Why did you choose to take this year for ESC ?

I always wanted to go abroad. A friend of mine went to Germany on an an ESC project so I decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to leave France after the quarantine and also take a year and think about « what’s next ? ».

Being a volunteer with children is also a way to ask myself if I could choose this as a career path. It’s a need to breathe and to take a step back.

What has your experience in Solas Project been like so far?

I’m helping the Junior After School. At first I was kind of nervous that the children would not appreciate me or just ignore me, but it’s about taking the initiative to show that you want to spend time with them and embrace their energy (which they have in abundance).

The kids are so sweet and have so much to share, being here for them is a pleasure.

Ruth:

This summer I graduated from secondary school in Germany. I decided to do an ESC year because I always wanted to live abroad. I also wanted to do something practical before starting an apprenticeship or a degree.

I can imagine working with children later in my professional life. That’s why I was so excited when I was offered the opportunity at Solas Project.

My first weeks were really great. The team is so nice and friendly. Their support made it easier to settle in the new work environment.

The kids in Senior After Schools are great and it is so much fun to work and to play with them.

Dublin is a very quaint city. It’s charm is due to the many pretty corners, the street art, it’s green spaces and of course the many pubs, which make the city very lively.

I am already looking forward to the coming year volunteering in Solas Project with the children and getting to know Ireland better.

Jana:

My expectations have been exceeded and falling in love with Dublin‘s atmosphere was easy, especially due to it’s small size. Still, there’s so much to discover. Whenever I feel like I am starting to get to know the area, I encounter new corners with unusual shops and galleries. I really am looking forward to travel other parts of the country in the coming year.

Since I finished German high school in 2021, I wanted to take a gap year but be as productive as possible.

Volunteering with Solas Project seemed like a perfect way to challenge and prepare myself for my future, especially because I want to become a teacher.

Working with children is challenging. But that doesn’t take away plenty of beautiful moments.

I really enjoy spending time with the Bridge. But also outside the After Schools Club, the welcoming atmosphere of Solas Project makes me really enjoy my entire work day.

Even peeling 6kg of potatoes is bearable with such nice team mates!