The sun shines in Stuttgart! Climate change or the microclimate of the Kessel (so it’s called the valley basin where the capital of Swabia is), this weather is a delightful surprise for an Italian. When my grandma asks me on the phone—a question she’s been asking since September— “Sweetheart, are you dressed warmly enough?”, my answer is: “So far, yes, all good.” Of course, the real winter hasn’t started yet—let’s see how it goes…
My name is Michele (pronounced Mikehleh, though I’m okay with “Mikkel” too), and I’m from Rome. I completed my master’s degree in political science in March and I am now the new volunteer – well, “new”: time flies, and it’s already been nearly three months! – at Stadtjugendring Stuttgart as part of the European Solidarity Corps.
I’ve already had to explain to my friends: the European Solidarity Corps is neither a military program nor a new cult, but an EU initiative that encourages young people to participate in international mobility projects. Its aim is to promote cross-border volunteering as a response to current challenges such as social inclusion, democratic participation, transnational solidarity, and environmental and climate protection.
Sustainability was, in fact, the focus of one of the most energy-intensive projects I’ve participated in since my arrival: the international youth exchange between the “Kultur- und Sozialinitiative für Jugendliche und Kinder e.V. (KSI)” and the “Centre socioculturel de la Montagne Verte” from Strasbourg. Between creating Calabash lamps and sewing workshops, we explored the topic of sustainable development. The blend of cultures and backgrounds was a complete success—thanks to a fantastic team and the dedication of all the young people involved. I also had the chance to apply what I learned during the JULEICA training for the first time in practice.
The first few months here have been very intense. I’ve had many new experiences and immersed myself in the world of youth participation and inclusion. Fortunately, I have wonderful mentors who help me so that I never feel lost (well, maybe just a little when I try to understand Swabian dialect, but I’m learning, gell?). So far: everything is fine here in Stuttgart!
Ciaoooo!
