Hi! I'm Ilona, 19, from Finland. In December I came to Sicily to work on regeneration. First I went to a small town called Milena, in the mountains, where I helped make a fountain a meeting place for the locals. Together we cleaned, painted and planted plants in the fountain. Last week we spent in Palermo, where we worked on Monte Pellegrino. There we fixed signs, cleaned a path and created a path where water can flow into a pond. Apply for projects ESC It was one of the best decisions of the year. I'm on sabbatical and was looking for something to do and I stumbled upon this project.
It was so much fun meeting new people, whether it was other Finns, long-term volunteers or workers, everyone was so kind and helpful to us. I would 100% recommend volunteering ESC for young people. This project was one of the best things I've ever done :).
Ilona Hiltunen
Hello everyone! My name is Elina, I am 25 years old and I am from Finland. This December I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer abroad through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), spending 17 unforgettable days in Palermo and Milena, Sicily.
I chose to volunteer abroad because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, contribute to meaningful projects, and immerse myself in a new culture. The program ESC It offered me the perfect opportunity to do all of this and make a positive impact at the same time.
During my stay in Milena, I worked on an old water fountain, turning it into a small vineyard decorated with a poem about water. One of my favorite moments in Milena was when the locals, intrigued by our work, stopped by even though we didn’t share the same language. In Palermo, we worked at Monte Pellegrino, a beautiful nature reserve. It was meaningful to work on small projects there. We cleaned trails, collected trash, created a space for a small stream, and painted signs – not to mention the beautiful view!
Of course, volunteering was not without its challenges. At first, adapting to the language and pace of life in Sicily was difficult. But with patience and understanding, I quickly settled in. I believe this experience has helped me grow as a person.
For all the young people thinking about volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps: do it! It is a chance to learn new skills, meet amazing people and broaden your mindset while doing good in the area you are staying in. The experience will not only benefit others, but will also leave a lasting impact on your personal growth.
Thanks for the memories, for Sicily and for all the people involved! Goodbye!
Elina Oikari