By Simone Sgarbossa
This is the recipe for a year-long European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project with SCI Catalunya, a unique blend of learning, social action, and community building.
ESC projects are dedicated to direct involvement that makes a difference, from supporting social justice to promoting environmental awareness and intercultural exchange. In this “dish,” you’ll find a mix of teamwork, activism, training, and unforgettable experiences, all aimed at creating positive change.
Here’s the ingredient list and preparation method for a guaranteed outcome:
– A hearty base of lovely colleagues in the office, with a sprinkle of volunteers and activists
– One vaqueria as a office – rustic but ideal for creativity and collaboration
– X scoops of training sessions (for that growth factor!)
– Y handfuls of inspiring xerrades about workcamps and LTV (talks)
– An uncountable number of people met (each adding their unique flavor)
– Several shared office breakfasts (best when still warm and cozy as a sandwich and a coffee)
– A hint of storytelling among colleagues
– The unmistakable sound of the neighbor’s ringtone going unanswered, on repeat
– Over 100 welcomed beautiful people in Ca l’Elna (double-check your welcoming skills)
– A series of energizers to keep the mix energetic (keep it spicy)
– Several servings of pica-pica (for that extra Catalan touch)
Preparation Method:
1. First, place yourself in the heart of the office environment. Mix well with colleagues and volunteers, allowing bonds to form over shared projects and mutual goals.
2. Slowly add training and xerrades, stirring constantly to blend new skills and fresh perspectives. These sessions will consolidate your growth with purpose and meaning.
3. Gradually add each person met and every story shared, seasoning with empathy and openness.
Allow the project’s impact to evolve through exchanges of knowledge, new skills, and cooperative work. The results of these efforts might not be immediately visible, but they empower others and strengthen the community.
End with the secret ingredient: you. Your impact and meaningful actions can lead to real change through greeting new people, sharing ideas, and working together for lasting improvements. Even behind the scenes, these connections make the project’s mission come alive.
The best of this recipe is that it’s extraordinarily versatile – you can add, remove, extend, or concentrate as you like, so it becomes your own favorite to share with the world! And who knows? Maybe it’ll become someone else’s favorite recipe, too.
For now, I’m off in search of the next one to discover but still, I’m super grateful for all the wild, wonderful experiences I’ve had along the way!
Gaudiu-ne!
