About sheep in wolf's clothing, smiling gardens and bridge builders

Yes, the idea of talking about personal thoughts and feelings in front of a crowd of strangers is really a bit scary. That's what we thought too when we were asked to speak at a public event about our voluntary service with the ESC. We had no idea what to expect and therefore prepared ourselves well: Summarised our motivations, experiences and future plans on notepads, drew little posters and practised the introduction in Italian.

But in the end it was quite relaxed. We sat together with the organisers in front of about 20 people and Carolina - our tutor from Vicolocorto - spontaneously translated our talk into Italian. Afterwards, we had a snack and drank together. Sometimes the imagination is worse than the actual happening - you can also say that about the ESC 😉

To draw attention to projects, share experiences and perhaps inspire others. This was the purpose of this public event on 12 May in Jesi by Vicolocorto, to wich we were invited to talk.

The core of the event was the project "Orto del Sorriso" (Garden of Smiles). This is a social agricultural enterprise in which the Fondazione Centro Servizi Caritas 'Padre Oscar' Onlus is also involved. In a nutshell: the place offers participation and employment in agriculture to disadvantaged people. Natural products are grown with passion in the garden, sold in an own small shop and even supplied to some regional supermarkets and restaurants. A great project!

Vicolocorto is a cultural youth NGO, non-profit, non-party and apolitical. It works in the Marche region in cooperation with public and private institutions and is also involved in the European Solidarity Corps. As the coordinating organisation, it is thus the link between us - the ESC volunteers - and the host organisation, such as Caritas Jesi. For us, Vicolocorto is responsible for all organisational matters concerning our ESC volunteer service, supervision and language course. At this point, thank you very much for your support 💙

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