At Youth Works Hub, we love sharing the real journeys of our community. Marco, 25, from Italy, spent 7 months in Slovenia on an environmental project with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). The European Solidarity Corps is the European Union programme that brings young people together to build a more inclusive society, support vulnerable people and respond to societal and humanitarian challenges. Individual Volunteering is a solidarity activity of a duration of 2 weeks to 12 months, excluding travel time. Here is his story, in his own words.
Last updated: November 2026.
Hey there! I’m Marco, a 25-year-old from Italy. I recently spent 7 months in the lush green hills of Slovenia, volunteering on an environmental project through the European Solidarity Corps. 🌍🌱
🌲 What I Did
My main task was helping to restore hiking trails and organize clean-up events in national parks. We also ran workshops for local schools, teaching kids about recycling and sustainability. Seeing their excitement about protecting nature was so motivating! ♻️🍃
⛰️ Life in Slovenia
Living in a small village surrounded by mountains was a dream. I loved the peaceful mornings, hiking after work, and trying local dishes like žganci. Slovenia’s natural beauty was the perfect backdrop for this experience. 🏞️🌟
💡 What I Gained
This journey taught me teamwork, leadership, and how small actions can lead to big environmental changes. If you’re passionate about making a difference, volunteering with ESC is the perfect way to start!
Every young person taking part in European Solidarity Corps activities is entitled to go through the Youthpass process and receive a Youthpass certificate at the end of the process. Our guides on volunteering with animals and nature in Europe and green travel in Erasmus+ and ESC cover more of the environmental side of the programmes.
Thank you, Marco, for sharing your story 💚 Have your own Erasmus+ or ESC story? Send it to Youth Works Hub and we will feature it here, so other young people can see what is possible.
More stories from our community: Zofia's marine conservation project in Greece · Anna's ESC year in Finland · Elena's ESC year in Burgos
👉 ESC projects: youthworkshub.org/?tab=esc-projects
