Meet our 2024/25 ESC Volunteers!
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It is a real joy for us that every year we have three new volunteers join us through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for a full year of service. ESC is an EU initiative that provides young people aged 18 to 30 with the chance to engage in voluntary activities that promote solidarity, foster social integration, and contribute to positive social change.
This year, we are glad to welcome Klara and Ray from Germany and Ilaria from Italy to our team. They are each contributing in different areas, with a focus on early intervention work through Solas@School and our After School Clubs. Having started in September, we recently asked them a few "getting to know you" questions to see how they’re settling in and to gather any advice they might have for others interested in volunteering.
Meet KLARA!
Q: What does volunteering mean to you?
A: To me, volunteering means doing important work that anyone can contribute to—whether in a leading role or behind the scenes—and offering support to others in any way possible. I love to do it because the reward isn’t materialistic; it’s the love and joy you receive from the young people in return.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Ireland so far?
A: The hospitality and warmth of the people and the fact that they are always up for a chat. On top of that, I love that there are so many cute little cafés and nice parks and that you can quickly get out of the city and into nature.
Q: What words of encouragement would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: Through volunteering you grow as a person and learn to appreciate the little moments of happiness in life. There might be good days and bad days, but you will always have to celebrate the small moments that make you smile, that you will remember. That is what volunteering gives you back - and it means a lot more than you expect.
Meet Ray!
Q: What do you hope to learn this year?
A: I’d love to learn to overcome difficulties in nuanced and creative ways that work best for the situation and me. Self growth is something I’m looking forward to.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with Solas Project?
A: Before I volunteered with Solas Project I volunteered for the Caritas, where I worked with kids who were struggling academically due to their social environment. I saw similarities between the situation those kids faced and what the young people at Solas Project might be facing and decided that I would like to engage and support young people outside of my own community as well.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: Once you get to know these young people you will see that positive interactions and moments are worth their weight in gold. We have our ups and downs but seeing the positive impact we can have on others makes all the tough moments worth it.
Meet ilaria!
Q: Is there anything new you hope to try this year?
A: I would like to try some new sports and maybe learn a bit of Irish. I also hope to learn more about how to manage conflict, handle difficult situations, create activities for kids, and know more about how an organisation like Solas Project works.
Q: What does volunteering mean to you?
A: For me, volunteering means helping the community while having the possibility to learn something new about yourself. It's something that enriches both sides and create new opportunities.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: l would suggest to them to not be scared to try, whatever experience they get will enrich them and there will always be a lot of people to meet and become friends with along the way.
We are incredibly grateful for each and every volunteer who gives of their time, skills, and energy to help support the lives of young people. A special thank you to Klara, Ray, and Ilaria for your courage and willingness to step out of your comfort zones to come and volunteer with us. We appreciate your insights and look forward to hearing more updates from you in the New Year!
our After Schools Club leaders along with our current ESC and Student volunteers
Ray, Klara, and Ilaria at their Leargas ESC On Arrival training
