Building together in Rome: Malte Fischer’s ESC experience at Utopic Garden II

Malte Fischer, 27, from Berlin, Germany, recently completed his studies and decided to participate in a European Solidarity Corps project to gain field experience, develop practical skills, and interact with a diverse community. Interested in sustainability, manual labor, and cultural exchange, he chose to participate in Utopic Garden II at the City of Utopia in Rome, a self-organized community space that relies largely on volunteer support.

Why I chose an ESC project

I had several reasons for participating in an ESC project. First, I wanted to do manual labor. My studies were very theoretical, and I felt the need to test myself in a practical way, improve my skills, and devote myself to something concrete. Secondly, I was curious to start a project with people I didn’t know, to find out what it feels like to collaborate with strangers and build something together. Finally, I wanted to support a place that was in line with my values. The City of Utopia in Rome seemed perfect for this, with many opportunities where my commitment could really make a difference.

I joined the Utopic Garden II project, hosted in the City of Utopia, a self-organized community space in Rome. The house has a large garden and several structures that require ongoing care and improvement. As the project has limited financial resources, volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining and developing the space.

Our daily work included:

• Cleaning the paths in the garden
• Building wooden boxes and raised beds for vegetables
• Creating DIY wooden furniture for visitors

In addition to the practical work, community life was essential. We sewed, cleaned, and spent time together discussing sustainability and ways to live more consciously. Almost all of the materials we used were found on site or reused, which made each project a lesson in sustainable living.

Challenges and how I dealt with them

I didn’t encounter any major difficulties in the work itself. I have experience of living and working in a group, and the tasks were manageable. The main challenge was the constant social interaction. Being with other people all the time, working, eating, and spending your free time together can be mentally exhausting.

To cope with this, I learned to take personal breaks: going for walks, listening to music, or simply having some time to myself. The group and the organizers were very supportive; it was perfectly acceptable to take a step back when necessary and rejoin later, which helped me maintain my balance.

Life in a multicultural environment

Our group was well balanced in terms of age. I appreciated that most people were in similar life situations and that everyone came from different countries. This diversity prevented cliques from forming and encouraged inclusive interaction. Open communication helped us understand each other and strengthened the group as a whole.

What I learned

I learned a lot about sustainability and practical resourcefulness. One memorable activity was exploring the garden and identifying all the plants. I discovered that almost every plant has a use, from the leaves to the fruits to the branches, which inspired me to pay more attention to my own garden at home.

Working with recycled materials was another valuable lesson. At first, I thought new materials would make construction easier, but creating beautiful and functional structures from reused objects showed me the potential of sustainable practices.

Personally, I learned that I can form strong bonds even with people I have never met before. Entering a completely new environment and building relationships with many strangers at once was a valuable experience for my self-esteem and social adaptation.

Future volunteering plans

After this positive experience, I am already planning my next volunteer project, which will take place in two weeks in a small village near Montauban, France. Volunteering offers me a meaningful way to spend my time, combining travel with practical work and learning experiences. Although I may not have much time to devote to this activity in the future, I hope to continue participating in projects that allow me to contribute, learn, and connect with people from all over the world.