On Monday 19 May, RRCGN team member Penelope travelled to Weimar to take part in the first ESC seminar run by the European Solidarity Corps, the organisation behind the European Voluntary Service programme, together with other young people currently volunteering across Germany. Penelope, who joined the RRCGN team in March 2025, is the first person to spend a year with us as part of the programme. We are delighted to welcome the talented videographer from Greece!

During the seminar, the 21 volunteers active throughout Germany met and got to know members of the German National Agency’s support team. Together, they reflected on their experiences so far and received information on their rights as volunteers and suggestions for empathising with the German language and culture.

Over the course of the week, the participants also had the opportunity to visit museums in Weimar, discuss future prospects, develop personal project ideas for the rest of their volunteer time and deepen their contacts with each other – with the aim of building a strong network among this year’s volunteers.

The next ESC seminar for Penelope will take place in October, until then we look forward to continuing to accompany her on her exciting journey, implementing her creative ideas as a team and realising new projects together.