“Connected to LEAD Quality Label” is a six-month ESC volunteering program in Matera, Italy. It is designed to engage volunteers in various activities supporting international programs and local community development.Our Volunteer will embark on this journey, working alongside other participants and local stakeholders to bring impactful changes to the Matera community. The activities foster inclusivity, cultural exchange, and skill development, and future volunteers can also engage in these impactful projects.

The Volunteer’s responsibilities will include hosting international groups such as Youth Exchanges, ESC Team Volunteering, Gap Year students, and training courses. They are actively involved in organising non-formal education workshops and facilitating day-to-day activities for guests based on the topics of specific projects.

The program emphasises community engagement. Our Volunteer will support English Tandem Evenings and help youth searching for international opportunities by offering guidance in CV writing and orientation. She will also create inclusion actions for young people with fewer opportunities, empowering them through skill-building workshops.

Another highlight is the creative initiatives like podcast production, where the Volunteer will support local youth in achieving their creative goals. Social media management and content creation, including photos, videos, and press releases, are integral parts of the program to document and share its impact.

Cultural collaborations are critical to this project. The Volunteer will help organise events such as theatre, poetry, cinema, and photography workshops in partnership with cultural organisations and informal groups. Awareness campaigns about mobility programs in schools and online further inspire local youth to explore international opportunities.

Additionally, the program encourages sustainability and creativity. Volunteers will maintain an urban garden, which serves as the community’s gathering and learning space. They will also promote reading and creative writing through workshops for children and youth, creating stories and dramatisations using recycled materials.

The project incorporates intercultural activities that align with the principles of the European Solidarity Corps. Guided by experienced youth workers and long-term volunteers, the program ensures a supportive personal and professional growth environment.