Meet our 2026/27 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 excited to welcome Petra, Diana, and Celine as they contribute in different areas, with a focus on early intervention work through Solas@School and our After School Clubs. Having started in late August, 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 Diana: From Porto, PortugaL
Q: What does volunteering mean to you?
A: For me, volunteering means showing up for others, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference, even in the smallest ways.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Ireland so far?
A: Definitely the people and their warmth! I also love the culture and how Ireland is slowly starting to feel like home.
Q: What encouragement would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: Just go for it! You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what to expect. Be open, be curious, and remember that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.
Meet Petra: Hungarian & has lived in several different countries
Q: What do you hope to learn this year?
A: This year I hope to learn how to be more patient, and how to prioritise the important things.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with Solas Project?
A: I chose Solas Project for my volunteer year because their mission aligns with my values, and they support a cause that is extremely important to me.
Q: What encouragement would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: I think everybody should volunteer at some point in their life, it really gives you great experiences and a perspective you are only able to take when doing volunteer work.
Meet Celine: From Antwerp, Belgium
Q: What do you hope to learn this year?
A: I want to gain a deeper understanding of the community. I want to learn more about youth work all around and have more confidence in my own skills.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Ireland so far?
A: How green the grass is and how kind the people are.
Q: What encouragement would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?
A: Go for it! Volunteering is an enrichment and a very rewarding experience! It’s an opportunity to get to know many different people and widen your own perspective in life!
Lola, our Student Placement Volunteer
In addition to our three ESC volunteers, we are grateful to also have Lola with us on student placement for Social Work from the Netherlands. She will be supporting in our After Schools up until Christmas.
We want to say a special thank you to each and every volunteer who gives of their time, skills, and energy to help support the lives of young people. And to our ESC volunteers, we appreciate your insights and look forward to hearing more updates from you in the New Year!
