ESC Team RISE 2025 in Crotone | Volunteers Share Their Experience!
The ESC Team project “RISE”, financed by the European Solidarity Corps programme and run by Associazione Joint in cooperation with Cooperativa One in Italy, has come to an end!
The overall objective of the project, in accordance with the priorities set for 2021, was to promote well-being and a healthy lifestyle for the volunteers and local communities. It was an opportunity for participants to reclaim a space to socialise in a healthy and safe manner, while engaging in volunteer activities that promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups, health and wellbeing in communities.
Project activities touched on specific themes, in accordance with the host organisation and the needs of the local community:
- nature and outdoor life
- mental health
- health prevention/health promotion
- conscious nutrition
Let’s see what participants have to say about it!
Mariia’s Testimonial
After finishing my Master’s degree at the university, I found myself at a crossroads. It was a moment when choosing the next step felt especially important. Despite already having a semester abroad in Germany through Erasmus+ and traveling a lot across Europe, I still felt a strong need to learn more about the world and the people around me — especially somewhere far from home. I wanted to contribute to society, to feel useful, and to understand better who I am and where I’m heading. That’s why applying for a two-month volunteering project in Crotone turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. Even though it was my first experience of this kind and I didn’t really have clear expectations, the project exceeded anything I could imagine. It gave me a lot of professional experience in several areas. Since my field is project management, I was especially curious to see how projects are run in another country — and I definitely learned many new sides, details, and approaches. At the same time, the most valuable lessons were not professional ones, but personal. During these two months, I learned to work better in a team, to stay open toward others, and to express my feelings more confidently. I met so many incredible people who, each in their own way, left a mark on me. Their words, gestures, and attitudes are now a part of me, something I will carry forward and use in my own life. Looking back, I truly believe that at this stage of my life, this was exactly the experience I needed. It helped me grow, feel more connected to the world, and understand myself better. If I could give young people only one piece of advice, it would be this: travel, explore the world, meet people — and volunteering projects like this are a perfect way to do it.
Martina’s Testimonial
From October to December of this year I took part in a project in my hometown, Crotone, in the south of Italy, and I realized that, in reality, I had never really “lived” my city. This time, I saw it filtered through the eyes of those who were discovering it for the first time, those who were fascinated by small things that to me were ordinary or simply normal. And in the reflection of their gazes, I ended up discovering Crotone too. Two months spent with these people transformed familiar streets into new paths, revealing details I stopped noticing or stories I had never heard. I’m grateful to those who pushed me to look for new doors and to those who helped me open them wide, because on my own I probably never would have
managed. During these two months I learned a lot. Some activities that I did with the group and with the other associations taught me to appreciate the little things more and reminded me how lucky I am. I learned that being yourself is okay, even if someone doesn’t like you. Sure, it can hurt, but you should never be ashamed of who you are. In these two months I’ve cried tears of joy and from laughing, sharing precious moments I’ll hold tightly in my memory; I’ve cried from nostalgia because it will be hard to return to my old routine — I’ll miss waking up in the morning without having to speak a language that isn’t mine and I will miss my roomie talking to me i’m polish even though I don’t understand a thing, just because she forgets every time that i’m not polish. A few times, I also shed tears of envy toward those who, unlike me, feel free and at peace with themselves. For young people, this is an “adventure” to experience at least once in a lifetime, and I truly recommend it. On a human and social level, this project has shaped me; I feel profoundly different from who I was two months ago. I still don’t know what I’ll do right after the end of the project — I’ll probably take some time to think about what I really want, hoping that this initiative has also helped me understand which path to take in the future. I will always be grateful to the people I met during this experience; each of them taught me something, and there will always be a bit of them in me.
Monica’s Testimonial
Hello, my name is Mónica, I am 21 years old and I come from Valencia, Spain. I studied Social Education and started a Master’s degree in Family and Educational Guidance, which I wanted to combine with a new experience that would allow me to grow both personally and professionally. I applied for this project without any specific expectations, almost impulsively, guided only by the desire to contribute something positive to the community and to step out of my comfort zone. Throughout these two months, I have learned a great deal. I have developed more patience, learned how to integrate myself into a group of completely new people, and how to live and collaborate with volunteers who, although coming from very different backgrounds, shared similar concerns or even completely different goals than mine. This experience has helped me open my mind, listen more, and truly appreciate the richness that diversity brings.
I also created strong bonds in a very short time, something I did not expect and that has deeply marked my experience. I have gotten to know the reality of some of the people living in Crotone, a city that unfortunately does not offer many resources for young people. I took part in a wide variety of activities: from picking olives to spending time with migrants with very limited resources, offering them food, support, and companionship. I also worked with children, teaching them geography and supporting educational activities. In addition, I participated in several workshops: debates, radio programs, American football games, cultural activities, and traditional dances from different countries, including the Calabrian tarantella, which is so
characteristic of this region.
My overall opinion of the project could not be more positive. I would absolutely recommend living an experience like this at least once in your life. It allows you to discover the world, understand different realities, and above all, learn more about yourself. Honestly, I feel that I have received much more than I have given: everything I have learned, experienced, and shared has enriched me deeply. I am truly grateful to have been part of this project.
Olesias’s Testimonial
Being enthusiastic about social inclusion, education, culture, healthy lifestyle and having desire to try out as many activities in different as possible led me to not knowing what I would like to do in life, especially after graduating from university. However, I got lucky to discover the project of ESC Team in Cooperativa One, taking place in Crotone, Italy. I remember reading the description and realising how great it would be to participate in the programme that matches my interests and includes many diverse activities, such as cooking, taking care of the hostel, working on the farm.
On my last day staying in Ostello Casa di Chiara, which marks the finish of this two-month journey, I can confidently say: my expectations were nothing compared to what I have seen and done during the project. I never expected to form such a strong bond with the group of 15 other volunteers from several countries, as well as the host organisation, so fast and so well. Moreover, the city of Crotone and Calabria greeted me and other participants with warmth and open arms. These aspects allowed me to enjoy the activities, workshops, and free time to the fullest.
I would like to highlight the food distribution activities, such as Camper “On the Road” and working with the local Red Cross, thanks to which I truly felt the sense of purpose and connection to the local organizations. In addition, I really appreciated workshops that focused on Calabria’s culture and traditions: making covatelli, singing and dancing, getting to know the history and much more.
I would say that this project made me a braver, more confident and easy-going person. I also feel like I got more understanding on who I want to be from now on. This experience is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to create a real positive change within themselves and for the people around them.
ESC Teams with the European Solidarity Corps
The special feature of the ESC Teams is its short duration, ranging from 2 weeks to a maximum of 2 months. This aspect makes it accessible also to young people who work or study and cannot dedicate a whole year to travel! Despite the brevity of the projects, Group ESCs offer meaningful and intense life experiences, during which numerous professional skills can be acquired. Moreover, by sharing life and work with a group of people, similar to a community, the participants have the opportunity to create strong bonds even in a short period of time.