After four years, the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) chapter at GEYC has reached its conclusion, marking the end of an inspiring journey that turned international volunteering into a powerful driver for community change.
Through ESC, GEYC has connected young Europeans in meaningful projects promoting intercultural learning, civic participation, sustainability, and digital education.
The newly published “ESC Lead 2021–2025 Impact Report” showcases how volunteering has shaped both the organization’s mission and the personal and professional growth of over 120 young volunteers.
Key Highlights from the Impact Report
Between 2021 and 2025, GEYC coordinated multiple ESC missions that created measurable and lasting impact:
- 7,500+ beneficiaries from 12 communities took part in 200+ volunteering events.
- 122 young volunteers contributed to projects covering sustainability, youth participation, and digital literacy.
- Around 3,000 people were reached through sustainability education (600+ Eco Echo workshops), and 1,500 youth through digital citizenship sessions.
- 95% of volunteers reported gaining skills valuable for their future careers.
- 85% said the experience increased their job opportunities.
- 9 out of 10 participants plan to stay engaged in solidarity and community work after their mission.
Community Impact
GEYC’s ESC projects have fostered tangible change at both local and international levels.
In Câmpina, over 3,000 people joined educational and civic initiatives, including three editions of the YOUth Art Festival and outreach in 100 classrooms.
Across Romania, Italy, and Morocco, the Activism Collectors series highlighted the stories of 150+ local activists promoting democratic participation, sustainability, and women in STEAM.
Insights and Policy Recommendations
GEYC’s experience confirms that international volunteering contributes significantly to personal development and community wellbeing — but sustainability and inclusivity remain key.
The report proposes several actionable recommendations:
- Introduce flexible funding mechanisms for short-term volunteering, especially for youth with fewer opportunities.
- Encourage long-term mobility by improving benefits and skills validation for volunteers.
- Strengthen NGO sustainability by indexing budgets to inflation, funding mental-health and inclusion support, and promoting peer-mentoring grants for host organizations.