Silvia's experience in France

8 November 2022 is a date I will remember as my first time in a television studio. Not a real TV studio, but very close to it, complete with sound technicians, lights, cameras, and everything else. The occasion was the fourth edition of the Civic Room, organized by the Agence Nationale du Service Civique, the body responsible for managing the Civic Service and the European Solidarity Corps in France.

A few words to introduce myself: my name is Silvia, I am 27 years old and Italian. I work as a European project designer for young people and I have been in Paris for about three weeks for an 11-month ESC project focused on sustainable development at the Centre Socioculturel Madeleine Rebérioux in Créteil. It was precisely in relation to the topic of climate engagement and sustainable development that I was invited to take part in the Civic Room, together with other volunteers and former Civic Service volunteers.

The goal was to discuss the motivations that led us to undertake national or international projects and to invest our time in awareness-raising, educational, and protection activities related to climate and environmental issues, as well as our objectives and how an experience such as Civic Service or the ESC can influence our future.

The first part of the event was dedicated to the presentation by Marius Hamelot and his entrepreneurial idea of transforming plastic waste into a new construction material called Le Pavé. It was an excellent way to start, offering young people inspiration through concrete examples of initiatives, projects, and personal journeys.

Participants then listened to the stories of the four of us—volunteers and former volunteers engaged in climate action: Jules, a former volunteer now working at the Académie du Climat; Antoine, who has been working for several months at Faune Alfort, rescuing and caring for injured wild animals; Soliane, involved in La Fresque du Climat; and myself.

During the broadcast, I presented the main aspects of my project related to climate and sustainable development, which are particularly linked to the shared garden of the Centre and to events connected to themes revolving around it, such as biodiversity and permaculture. I also talked about a small project currently under development: a series of educational support sessions starting in January, focused on different aspects of sustainable development.

My decision to undertake a climate-focused project in France is based on a mix of personal and professional motivations. But first, a step back is necessary: my path towards the European Solidarity Corps is not a typical one. For about three years, I worked in an Italian organization as a coordinator responsible for sending Italian volunteers abroad, particularly for long-term ESC projects. Through this role, I was able to see firsthand the impact these projects have on young people’s lives, especially on a personal and cultural level. I followed their journeys, listened to their stories and reflections during their time abroad, and became deeply convinced of the all-round impact that an international experience can have.

I always like to emphasize how a volunteering project within the European Solidarity Corps differs from an internship or a job abroad: professional growth is undeniable, but this type of volunteering also allows for personal, cultural, and social growth that is difficult to put into words.

This is where my motivations come from: a mix of curiosity, a desire for growth, and the wish to dedicate my time—and my modest prior experience on climate issues, which I feel deeply connected to—to an organization whose values I share: popular education, solidarity, and cultural exchange.

During the Civic Room, each volunteer had the opportunity to present their motivations, objectives, and reflections. I hope these contributions offered viewers at home some food for thought—whether to ask themselves new questions, to better understand the engagement opportunities available to young people, or simply to listen to the stories of young people with different paths.

A big thank you to the National Agency for organizing moments of information and dialogue, and for giving me the opportunity to share my journey and step out of my comfort zone for my very first interview in French!