3 Aug 2026
Volunteering abroad gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Every day brings something new, whether it's collaborating with local organizations, meeting people from other countries, or simply learning to look at things from a different perspective. — Matt
In the months of June and July, Gramigna APS has welcomed two international volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps programme: Matt from Belgium and Daniil from Russia. During their stay in Torrecuso, they have become part of the association’s daily life, contributing to local activities while discovering the culture, traditions and strong sense of community that characterise this part of Southern Italy.
Coming from different backgrounds and experiences, Matt and Daniil quickly adapted to life in a small rural village. Living together with other international volunteers, meeting local residents and participating in community initiatives gave them the opportunity to experience everyday life beyond the perspective of a visitor.
Throughout the project, they have supported a variety of activities organised by Gramigna APS. They have contributed to communication and digital content, taken part in local events and assisted with the summer camp for children. They also participated in the Erasmus+ training course CHAIR – Co-Projecting Healthy and Inclusive Rural Spaces, working alongside youth workers and participants from several European countries to explore community participation, sustainability and non-formal education.
Beyond the organised activities, the experience has been shaped by simple everyday moments: sharing meals, discovering the local area, exchanging ideas with people from different cultures and building friendships that cross national borders. These experiences are an essential part of the European Solidarity Corps, demonstrating how volunteering is not only about supporting a local organisation, but also about mutual learning and cultural exchange.
“Living in Torrecuso has shown me a completely different way of life. What I’ll remember most isn’t just the projects we worked on, but the people we met and the conversations we shared every day. Those moments made this experience truly meaningful.” — Daniil
“Volunteering abroad gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. Every day brings something new, whether it’s working with local organisations, meeting people from different countries or simply learning to see things from another perspective.” — Matt
As their volunteering experience comes to an end, Matt and Daniil leave Torrecuso with new skills, lasting friendships and memories that they will carry with them long after returning home. At the same time, their contribution has become part of Gramigna’s ongoing commitment to promoting solidarity, intercultural dialogue and active European citizenship through the European Solidarity Corps.