In May, I began my volunteering placement at a youth center in Bremen, Germany, through the European Solidarity Corps. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a vibrant, energetic space where young people from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to play games, join sports activities, cook, chat, or simply seek guidance. I quickly felt at home in the center, not only because of the openness of the environment but also because of how receptive everyone was to new ideas—including mine.
From the start, the variety of activities kept me active and involved. One of our first group trips was camping in the Black Forest, a great opportunity to bond with the youth and enjoy nature. Later, we went on a rides park visit and strawberry picking, both lighthearted and fun experiences that helped build stronger connections. Regular events like movie nights, cooking evenings, and sports tournaments helped foster a sense of community and belonging, making each day at the center feel meaningful.
My colleagues played a crucial role in shaping this positive experience. They were more than just coworkers—they became friends who supported me through both personal and bureaucratic challenges. Navigating German systems can be tricky, but with their help, I managed the paperwork and day-to-day logistics much more easily.
Although I came with basic German, being surrounded by native speakers has helped me improve enormously. Daily conversations, especially with the young people and colleagues, made learning feel natural and gave me the confidence to use the language actively. I’m proud of how far I’ve come linguistically.
A big highlight was the on-arrival training organized by NaturKultur, held on a farm surrounded by animals. The peaceful environment, combined with the chance to meet fellow volunteers from across Europe, created a unique and memorable start to my ESC journey. Soon after, I participated in my first ESC seminar in Hamburg, which helped deepen my understanding of our rights, responsibilities, and the broader goals of the program. It was also a place where friendships began—many of which have lasted throughout the year.
As the months passed, my experience continued to evolve. The seasons changed, bringing new atmospheres: cozy autumn fairs, colorful leaves, and festive winter traditions like Christmas markets and glowing lights. My schedule remained packed with language learning, new projects at the youth center, and more travel for seminars.
One of the most memorable experiences was a group trip to Berlin with the youth from the center. The visit was a perfect blend of learning and fun—we explored historical landmarks, dove into cultural conversations, and enjoyed the lively spirit of the capital together.
Back in Bremen, one of the most meaningful projects I took part in was a collaboration between Freize and a local school founded in 2022 for Ukrainian refugee students.
Together, we organized a series of five tours introducing these students—and others from different backgrounds—to our youth center. As someone who speaks both Russian and Ukrainian, I was able to support with translation and communication.
Helping to create a space where they felt welcome and safe was deeply rewarding. While not all of them could become regular visitors due to scheduling, the fact that many returned—even once—was a success.
Another project close to my heart was leading weekly art workshops. Art has always been a way for me to connect with others, and in these relaxed sessions, we would paint, sketch, and talk. Through art, conversations flowed effortlessly, and I got to know our visitors on a more personal level. Their stories, daily life moments, or even favorite shows helped me better understand the individuals I was working with.
I also had the opportunity to attend my second ESC seminar in Halle, which was both a reflective experience and a fun getaway. Sharing stories with other volunteers, exchanging advice, and thinking about the path we’ve taken so far made me appreciate even more how much I’ve grown during this year.
Looking back, my volunteering year in Bremen has been everything I hoped for and more. It gave me the chance to stay active, discover new perspectives, improve my German, and grow both personally and professionally. Most of all, it allowed me to be part of a welcoming, dynamic community where I could make a real difference—while also being changed in return.
Anastasiia is hosted by Junge Stadt gGmbH on our project co-funded by the European Union.
If you want to experience something similar to what Anastasiia did, check out our open calls here.