🇲🇹➡️🇫🇷 From Malta to France: My ESC Journey in Social Inclusion 💙🤝

👋 Bonjour! I’m Luca, and my ESC journey took me from Malta to France for an experience that changed the way I see the world. 🌍✨ My project focused on social inclusion and supporting refugees, and what I learned in those few months will stay with me forever.

✈️ Taking the Leap

When I applied for the European Solidarity Corps, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had volunteered before in Malta, but moving to a new country, new culture, new language? That was a whole different level. When I got accepted for a project in Lyon, France, working at a community center for migrant and refugee integration, I knew I had to say yes.

🏡 New Home, New Perspectives

From day one, I realized this wasn’t just about me helping others—it was about learning, listening, and growing together. Our center provided French language lessons, job training, and cultural exchange activities for refugees starting a new life in France.

One of my biggest challenges? Learning French fast enough to help with the classes! 😅 But the refugees I worked with taught me more than I ever expected. Their resilience, kindness, and hope inspired me every single day.

💡 Lessons That Changed Me

✅ Inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s about action, empathy, and breaking barriers.
✅ Language is powerful—even when we didn’t share the same words, we always found ways to communicate.
✅ Being a volunteer isn’t about “giving”—it’s about sharing experiences and growing together.

🎭 Moments That Touched My Heart

One night, we organized a cultural storytelling event where everyone—volunteers and refugees—shared stories from their home countries. 🌍✨ It was emotional, powerful, and reminded me that, no matter where we come from, we all have dreams, struggles, and stories that connect us.

🔥 Would I Do It Again? YES, 100%

ESC gave me more than just an experience—it gave me a new family, new skills, and a new way of seeing the world. I left France knowing that I wanted to continue working in human rights and social work.

🚀 Thinking about volunteering? DO IT! It will challenge you, inspire you, and change your life in ways you never expected. 💙