The European Solidarity Corps Participation Awards 2023 have come to an end, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners! Over 100 inspiring videos were submitted by young volunteers across Europe and neighbouring countries, sharing their unique experiences and how volunteering has impacted their lives. 

It’s been an incredible journey seeing the diversity of stories and the passion these young people have for making a difference. 

This year, we received a mix of creative and heartfelt stories that really embody the spirit of the European Solidarity Corps. From environmental projects to supporting refugees, each video was a window into the life-changing experiences of these volunteers. As one participant put it: 

"Participating in this competition has been an incredible experience for me. It's not just about winning prizes but also about sharing my volunteering journey and inspiring others to embark on similar adventures with the European Solidarity Corps."

And the winners are... 

Let’s meet some of the winners and hear about their stories:

1. Dan Alexandru volunteer in Finland. 
Dan’s video takes us on a journey through his volunteering experience in Finland. With breathtaking scenery and heartfelt moments, he shares how the experience has shaped his life: 
Dan's Video
2. Ahmed Elkhateb volunteer in Bulgaria. Ahmed captures the essence of community work in Bulgaria, highlighting the friendships and skills he gained during his time as a volunteer: Ahmed's Video
3. Ouijdane Masrar volunteer in Poland. Ouijdane showcases the cultural immersion she experienced, working with locals and other volunteers from different backgrounds: Ouijdane's Video
4. Luka Bibineishvili volunteer in Finland. 
Luka’s video is a creative blend of storytelling and impactful moments that reflect his time volunteering in Finland, helping local communities and making lasting memories: 
Luka's Video
5. Saadat Gafarzada volunteer in Romania. Saadat uses a blend of personal reflection and community snapshots to show how volunteering in Romania transformed her perspective on life: 
Saadat's Video
6. Izabela Kujawiak volunteer in France. 
Izabela’s vibrant video captures her time volunteering in France, filled with energetic moments, laughter, and the joy of making a difference: 
Izabela's Video
7. Jakob Ahlgrimm volunteer in Aruba. Jakob’s unique volunteering experience in Aruba comes to life through his engaging video, where he shares the adventures of his service abroad: 
Jakob's Video
8. Alicia Sasyuk Stanislav volunteer in Croatia. 
Alicia’s video is a heartfelt exploration of how volunteering in Croatia allowed her to grow as an individual and contribute to local communities: 
Alicia's Video
9. Giulia Zaffino volunteer in Spain. 
Giulia shares her volunteering story in Spain, focusing on how her work helped promote cultural exchange and understanding between different groups: 
Giulia's Video
10. Julien Nass volunteer in Spain. Julien´s experience as a volunteer in Spain shines through in his video, where he highlights the meaningful connections he made along the way: Julien Nass´ Video

These are just a few of the inspiring young people who took part in the competition. Each one has left a lasting impact on their community and continues to spread the message of solidarity. 

What’s next for our winners?

In addition to winning Interrail passes and €400, these volunteers will be using their prizes to further explore Europe. Whether travelling through the Alps or visiting the sunny Mediterranean, their adventures are only just beginning! EYCA plans to follow up with the winners to see how their journeys unfold and to share more stories with all of you.

For all the winning videos, check out our official winners' page. And if you didn’t get a chance to participate this year, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities to come. Stay tuned! We are grateful for each one of the participants who took part in our awards and can’t wait to share more exciting opportunities with you.