No Borders Festival, ESC team: "Living in a borderless Calabria"
We are living a borderless lifestyle, thanks to the European Solidarity Corps. It is an initiative of the European Union that aims to connect young people that reside in Europe or other selected countries, with the objective to assist local communities on multiple matters in an interactive and inclusive way. Through this opportunity, the youth participates in a unique experience of cultural exchange, personal growth and discovery. One of these opportunities was also offered to us, 30 volunteers from more than 20 countries. The volunteers of the “Hyphen 8” project.
The main purpose of the project was our immersion in Italian culture, while promoting European values, such as equality, sustainability, and respect towards others. The program was divided into two parts. The first half of the project was spent in Sicily, and the second one in Calabria, which is our main focus in this article. During these days, we had the chance to explore the majestic Calabria and its landscapes, thanks to our supporting organization, Entropia, which held the “No Borders Festival” for four weeks. Our part as volunteers was important, as we created various activities with the two following local organizations, MOCI (Movimento per la Cooperazione Internazionale) and AUSER (Università Popolare della Libera Età). Through these activities, we interacted with the local community, both the elderly and the youth, coordinating events such as outdoor cinema, intercultural nights, open space for discussing and informing people about climate change and last but not least, fun afternoons with latin dances.
But that was not the end of it. Our days here were full of walks and hikings at the most beautiful mountains of the area, conversations with the community, sharing their knowledge about the geography of the region, being delighted by their appetizers, homemade pasta, and traditional music. Always surrounded by a dreamlike setting and the welcoming locals, we exchanged cultures and beliefs, being the living proof that with passion and positive energy, we can break down linguistic and cultural barriers. Through gestures, honest smiles and sincere hugs and looks, we were able to communicate and express feelings and impressions.
To encourage you to participate in future projects of ESC, here are the testimonies of two of the volunteers:
Nina’s experience, from Seychelles living in France:
This is my first ESC and also my first time in Calabria. I have to say that I'm incredibly grateful for this experience that allowed me to get to know wonderful people and create unforgettable memories. Those 15 days as a volunteer with Entropia were an amazing experience. Firstly because we got to interact with local people, discover the Calabrian culture and work with local organizations. However the ESC experience is more than that, it's a human experience, living together in an intercultural community with volunteers from all over the world. My group was composed of 14 people from Greece, Spain, Pakistan, Haïti…living all together allowed us to learn about each other's culture, try each other's food and sing each other's songs. It was like living in a world with no borders. I believe that what we experienced during these 15 days represents the spirit of the "No Borders " festival that we were volunteering for. I am convinced that this experience changed me for the best, making me a more flexible and open minded person.
Marco’s experience, from Spain living in Mexico:
I discovered this project just before completing my degree, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to spend the summer here, especially in Calabria. Initially, I was hesitant about spending so much time away from home, but it turned out to be the right choice. The strong connection I felt with the local community, the shared experiences with fellow volunteers, and my active participation in various activities truly made me feel like a part of Cosenza. These experiences convinced me that we were making a genuine impact on the town and its communities.
As we conclude our time with the "No Borders Festival," it's clear that this experience has been transformative. Over the course of 15 days, we have not only contributed to the community in Cosenza but have also grown as individuals and as a group. This journey has shown us the power of cultural exchange and the importance of unity in diversity. By breaking down barriers, both literal and metaphorical, we have come to see ourselves as part of a larger, interconnected world. This experience has left us all with a deeper understanding of and commitment to the ideals of openness, inclusivity, and solidarity. We leave Calabria with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to continue fostering a borderless world.
The main purpose of the project was our immersion in Italian culture, while promoting European values, such as equality, sustainability, and respect towards others. The program was divided into two parts. The first half of the project was spent in Sicily, and the second one in Calabria, which is our main focus in this article. During these days, we had the chance to explore the majestic Calabria and its landscapes, thanks to our supporting organization, Entropia, which held the “No Borders Festival” for four weeks. Our part as volunteers was important, as we created various activities with the two following local organizations, MOCI (Movimento per la Cooperazione Internazionale) and AUSER (Università Popolare della Libera Età). Through these activities, we interacted with the local community, both the elderly and the youth, coordinating events such as outdoor cinema, intercultural nights, open space for discussing and informing people about climate change and last but not least, fun afternoons with latin dances.
But that was not the end of it. Our days here were full of walks and hikings at the most beautiful mountains of the area, conversations with the community, sharing their knowledge about the geography of the region, being delighted by their appetizers, homemade pasta, and traditional music. Always surrounded by a dreamlike setting and the welcoming locals, we exchanged cultures and beliefs, being the living proof that with passion and positive energy, we can break down linguistic and cultural barriers. Through gestures, honest smiles and sincere hugs and looks, we were able to communicate and express feelings and impressions.
To encourage you to participate in future projects of ESC, here are the testimonies of two of the volunteers:
Nina’s experience, from Seychelles living in France:
This is my first ESC and also my first time in Calabria. I have to say that I'm incredibly grateful for this experience that allowed me to get to know wonderful people and create unforgettable memories. Those 15 days as a volunteer with Entropia were an amazing experience. Firstly because we got to interact with local people, discover the Calabrian culture and work with local organizations. However the ESC experience is more than that, it's a human experience, living together in an intercultural community with volunteers from all over the world. My group was composed of 14 people from Greece, Spain, Pakistan, Haïti…living all together allowed us to learn about each other's culture, try each other's food and sing each other's songs. It was like living in a world with no borders. I believe that what we experienced during these 15 days represents the spirit of the "No Borders " festival that we were volunteering for. I am convinced that this experience changed me for the best, making me a more flexible and open minded person.
Marco’s experience, from Spain living in Mexico:
I discovered this project just before completing my degree, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to spend the summer here, especially in Calabria. Initially, I was hesitant about spending so much time away from home, but it turned out to be the right choice. The strong connection I felt with the local community, the shared experiences with fellow volunteers, and my active participation in various activities truly made me feel like a part of Cosenza. These experiences convinced me that we were making a genuine impact on the town and its communities.
As we conclude our time with the "No Borders Festival," it's clear that this experience has been transformative. Over the course of 15 days, we have not only contributed to the community in Cosenza but have also grown as individuals and as a group. This journey has shown us the power of cultural exchange and the importance of unity in diversity. By breaking down barriers, both literal and metaphorical, we have come to see ourselves as part of a larger, interconnected world. This experience has left us all with a deeper understanding of and commitment to the ideals of openness, inclusivity, and solidarity. We leave Calabria with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to continue fostering a borderless world.