"An experience to add to the luggage of life"

An experience to add to the luggage of life: my journey of service and solidarity with the Bülbülzade Vakfi Foundation within the ESC project “Together We’re Better” 

Hello, I'm Federica,

In August 2024, I joined the “Together We’re Better” project in Gaziantep, Türkiye, through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)—a program by the European Commission that empowers youth to contribute to solidarity and mutual understanding across Europe. Hosted by the Bülbülzade Vakfi Foundation, I found myself part of a warm, resilient community where service, learning, and cultural exchange went hand in hand. 

During my three-month stay, I took part in a range of humanitarian and social activities—from assisting in earthquake-affected areas with aid distribution and shelter support, to engaging directly with orphaned children and young Syrian refugees, offering academic support and mentorship to help foster stability and inclusion. 

I also contributed to vocational training courses for disadvantaged women, where I saw firsthand the transformative power of education in restoring confidence and autonomy. These efforts, though modest, became bridges—connecting people, empowering lives, and reinforcing community resilience. 

What truly enriched the experience was the deep cultural exchange—shared meals, honest conversations, and the bonds formed with fellow volunteers and locals. I learned as much as I gave, gaining a deeper understanding of Turkish hospitality, Syrian strength, and the universal value of human dignity. 

Thanks to the ESC, this journey allowed me not only to serve, but to grow. It strengthened my commitment to humanitarian work and reminded me that solidarity is built not just on action, but on empathy. When I reflect on my time in Gaziantep, I carry with me the voices, the faces, and the stories—and the enduring belief that, indeed, together we’re better.

- Federica Pizzo