Alicja (Poland)
** Alicja’s ESC journey at GO Alive:
From 9 January to 12 May 2026 Alicja Kwiatkowska from Poland as an ESC volunteer in Kozani, Greece, through her supporting organisation Bona Fides.
- Alicja joined us with a clear interest in communication, social media and marketing, as well as previous experience in these fields. Very quickly, however, it became clear that her volunteering experience would become much broader than the role she initially expected.
- During her time at GO Alive, Alicja was actively involved in our everyday work and in several activities and events. She contributed to our communication and social media, supported the organisation of activities and events, participated in international meetings and had the opportunity to develop and test new ideas. She also delivered workshops in English and took an active role in the organisation of the K Youth Fest.
- One of the things we appreciated most was her willingness to take initiative. Alicja did not simply wait for instructions. When she saw something that could be improved, she often asked questions, explored possibilities and proposed solutions. This approach led her to discover new skills, including working with AI tools and finding ways to simplify and improve some of our internal processes.
- At the same time, volunteering is never only about what a volunteer does for an organisation. It is also about the relationship that develops between the volunteer, the team, the local community and the people they meet along the way.
- During her four months in Kozani, Alicja became part of our team and our wider youth work community. She met other volunteers, young people, local residents and partners, travelled around Greece and experienced everyday life in a place very different from Poland.
- For us, one of the most rewarding parts of hosting volunteers is seeing this transformation happen. A young person arrives with certain expectations and skills, but leaves with new experiences, new competences, new relationships and often a clearer idea of what they want to do next.
- Alicja’s experience is a good example of this.
- And, as Alicja herself writes in her reflection on the experience, volunteering works best when you are willing to take initiative and make the most of the opportunities around you.
- We are very happy that GO Alive could be part of that journey.
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Theodoros (Cyprus)
** Theodoros’ ESC journey at GO Alive:
From 14 April to 3 June 2026, GO Alive welcomed Theodoros Stavrinos from Cyprus for an Individual Volunteering experience in Kozani, Greece, under the European Solidarity Corps, supported by the Cypriot organisation “Make it happen”.
- Although his time with us lasted only a few weeks, Theodoros quickly became an active part of our team and took part in a wide range of activities.
- One of the most practical parts of his volunteering was our work to improve accessibility in local schools under our project “Ramps of Solidarity”. Together with other volunteers and interns, Theodoros helped distribute wheelchair ramps to schools in Kozani and neighbouring villages, contributing to a simple but meaningful action that can make everyday access easier for students and members of the school community.
- Theodoros was also involved in one of the most important events in GO Alive’s calendar, the K Youth Fest 2026 in Kozani. From 7 to 9 May, he supported the preparation and implementation of the festival, working alongside the GO Alive team and other volunteers. Being part of an event of this scale gave him the opportunity to experience the different sides of youth event organisation, from preparation and coordination to working with participants and supporting activities on the ground.
- Another important part of his volunteering was his involvement in the management of GO Alive’s international Youth Exchanges and Training programmes. Theodoros supported the management of activities and communication with participants and organisers, gaining practical experience in an international youth work environment.
- For us, one of the most valuable aspects of hosting volunteers is giving young people the opportunity to become involved in real activities and take responsibility within the organisation. Theodoros embraced this opportunity and gradually developed greater confidence in communicating with different people and managing tasks in a professional environment.
- Looking back at his experience, Theodoros identified project management and communication as two areas in which he developed significantly. These are competences that go beyond the volunteering period and can support him in his future studies, professional life and involvement in youth and community activities.
- But an ESC experience is not only about the tasks completed. It is also about the people you meet, the communities you become part of and the experiences you take home with you.
- We are grateful to Theodoros for the energy, cooperation and positive attitude he brought to GO Alive during his time in Kozani.
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