Ola’s experience as an ESC volunteer at QR52 CAG in Milan

My ESC volunteering project at a QR52 youth center in Milan has been the best and most meaningful experience of my life. For over six months, I worked with teenagers in both Italian and English, supporting them with their homework, taking part in sports, educational and creative activities, joining trips, and, recently, spending three unforgettable days together during a summer vacation in Premeno.

In addition, I was responsible for managing the organisation’s social media channels. As digital marketing is my professional field, I was able to use my skills and fully reach my potential.

One of the most valuable aspects of this project was the opportunity to meet young people from many different cultural backgrounds. I learned not only about Italian and Milanese culture but also about the traditions and perspectives of families from Latin America and North Africa. This experience broadened my horizons and taught me the importance of openness, empathy, and intercultural understanding. It also gave me the confidence to improve and actively use my Italian communication skills every day.

From the very beginning, the educators and the teenagers made me feel welcome and accepted as part of the team. I was also lucky to work alongside another ESC volunteer from France, who was also my flatmate. We complemented each other very well and supported one another throughout the project.

Before arriving in Italy, I had little experience working with teenagers, especially in such an international environment. However, I quickly discovered that I truly enjoyed this role and that my active listening, empathy, sensitivity, and maturity helped me build strong relationships with youngsters.

The greatest reward at the end of this project is not only everything I have learned but, above all, the sincere relationships I have built with the teenagers and the opportunity to watch them grow and celebrate their successes. I believe we all learned a great deal from one another about ourselves and about what truly matters in life: the most important thing is being there for one another, regardless of our age, nationality, or background. I am leaving this project with unforgettable memories, new friendships, greater self-confidence, and a deep sense of belonging to an international community that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.