On January 22nd, we reached the halfway point of our volunteering experience within the European Solidarity Corps programme at IB Polska. Our group of ten volunteers arrived at the beginning of September full of excitement, and in the blink of an eye, half of the experience has already passed. We can’t believe how little time we have left!

During one of our Tuesday meetings, we talked about the moments that have left the strongest memories over these months. We shared many special experiences, such as Hacer that remember the Christmas dinner, when we were all together trying food from different cultures and celebrating diversity as a group.

María Palací fondly remembers the first snowfall, as it was the first time in her life she had ever seen snow. Being able to enjoy it and share such a unique moment made it especially meaningful for her. Abril, on the other hand, recalls some of the trips she has taken during her stay, especially her visit to Zakopane at the beginning of the volunteering experience, which left a lasting impression.

The office team, María and Paula, remember the first days of the volunteering experience with great affection, when we all met for the first time and started discovering the city that would become our home for the months ahead.

Yara remembers a very fun moment at the school where she volunteers: a “disco” with the children, where everyone danced together and enjoyed the music. From the same school, Mario recalls a swimming competition in which one of the children he works with won, making it a very proud and emotional moment.

Svenja shared her memories of celebrating Christmas at the nursery where she volunteers. They celebrated Wigilia together, and she truly felt like part of the community. She was especially touched by how grateful the children were. Sara also remembered Christmas at the kindergarten, particularly the Christmas show she prepared with her class, as well as the kindness and gratitude of the parents who came to thank her for her work, along with the teachers she helps every day. She also recalled the first night out when we all went partying together and suddenly it started raining, leaving us completely soaked, a moment that now feels funny and unforgettable.

From Aneta’s perspective, she remembers the early days when she first met all of us and how, day by day, she sees how much we grow, learn, and develop both personally and professionally throughout our volunteering journey.

After sharing these moments, we ate a cake as a kind of “birthday” to celebrate this halfway point of our journey and the moments that are still to come.

This experience has been truly beautiful, and many of our most cherished memories are shared as a group. We are sure that this volunteering experience will remain part of our lives and shape our personalities forever. We look forward to living the second half of the volunteering experience with the same intensity,or even more, than the first.

Article by  Maria E,

European Solidarity Corps volunteer

Point of view of European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 22/01/2026