Elina ja Ilona Italian Sisiliassa

Ilona's experience:

Ciao! I'm Ilona, 19, from Finland. In December me and six other Finns came to Sicily to work on regeneration. First we went to a small town called Milena, in the mountains, where we helped to make a fountain a place where locals can hang out. We cleaned, painted and planted on the fountain. The other week we spent in Palermo, where we worked in Monte Pellegrino. There we marked the signs, cleaned a path and made a small river where water can flow into a pond. Applying to ESC projects was one of the best decisions of the year. I'm on a gap year and was looking for something to do and came across this project. It was so fun to meet new people whether it was the other Finns, long term volunteers or the workers, everyone was so nice and accommodating for us so it was so nice. I would 100% recommend ESC volunteering for young people. This project has been one of the best things I've ever done :)

Elina's experience:

Hello! My name is Elina, a 25-year-old from Finland. This December, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer abroad through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), spending an unforgettable 17 days in Palermo and Milena, Sicily.  
I chose to volunteer abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, contribute to meaningful projects, and immerse myself in a new culture. The ESC program offered the perfect chance to do all this while making a positive impact.
During my time in Milena, I worked on an old water fountain, transforming it into a small vineyard decorated with a poem about water. One of my favorite moments in Milena was when locals, curious about our work, stopped by despite us not sharing the same language. In Palermo, we worked in Monte Pellegrino, a beautiful nature reserve. It felt meaningful to work on small projects there. We cleared pathways, picked up trash, created a space for a small stream, and painted signs—not to mention enjoying the amazing views while doing so!
Of course, volunteering wasn’t without its challenges. At first, adapting to the language and pace of life in Sicily was tricky. But with patience and understanding, I quickly grew comfortable. I believe I was able to grow as a person through this experience.
It was easy to volunteer with InformaGiovani, and they always did their best to answer my questions and accommodate the group’s requests.
For any young person considering ESC volunteering: go for it! It’s a chance to gain new skills, meet amazing people, and broaden your mindset while doing good for the area you're staying in. The experience will not only benefit others but will also leave a lasting impact on your personal growth.
Thank you for the memories, Sicily, and all the people involved! Arrivederci!