Meet Shana, Tibor, Sára, and David: new long-term volunteers in Rome

Meet Shana, Tibor, Sára and David: four new long-term volunteers who have joined the community of La Città dell’Utopia and SCI Italy in Rome, bringing with them different backgrounds, motivations and skills. Each of them comes from a different country and rich experiences, but they all share the desire to grow, learn and contribute to an international project based on solidarity, creativity and participation.

Shana, 23, holds a Master’s degree in Media Management

“My name is Shana, I’m 23 years old and I’m from Paris.” After high school, she studied in a business school, obtained a Bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s degree in Media Management, completing three years of apprenticeship in French news outlets and a study exchange in Denmark.

She discovered this opportunity on the website of the French Service Civique. “I loved the project as soon as I saw it, and I love the city of Rome: all the elements were there for a wonderful experience.” When she arrived, she hoped to find a place that could bring people together and offer fun activities. “I immediately liked this place, what it represents and the festivals it organises.” She was afraid of Italian, “but I managed just fine and I am learning the language slowly.”

Her role at La Città dell’Utopia is very hands-on: she manages the solidarity hostel, welcomes guests, prepares the rooms and explains how the space works. She also works

on communication, a task she enjoys thanks to the clarity of the graphic guidelines, and she helps organise events, from cooking to logistics.

On a personal level, she says she is learning to live with different cultures, from Italians to hostel guests to her flatmates, with whom she gets along “really well.” Professionally, she is learning to organise herself and not feel overwhelmed. “This experience is incredibly rich, every day I discover something new.” She is now rethinking her future plans: “I would like to work on similar projects that allow you to create beautiful things.” Her advice is simple: “Jump in with your eyes closed, it’s a truly valuable experience.”

Tibor, 28, a geographer from Belgium

“My name is Tibor, I’m 28 years old and I’m from Belgium.” He graduated in geography, specialising in mobility, and has been active for years in the non-profit world. He was looking for a project in Italy and discovered La Città dell’Utopia through the European Solidarity Corps website. “The history of this place and the fact that it is supported by the community immediately struck me.”

He expected a dynamic place where people could express themselves freely and contribute to the improvement of the space. “Time has shown that this is really the case.” The first weeks were “intense but extremely interesting.”

His main role involves La Scuola Popolare within “La Città dell’Utopia,” the low-cost community school that offers accessible courses to the neighbourhood. From this experience he is learning to switch quickly from one task to another and to be creative with limited resources. “Many things happen at the same time here: flexibility is essential.”

What he appreciates most is the genuine interest everyone shows in each other’s stories and the strong international community. This experience is pushing him to seriously consider a career in the non-profit sector. His advice: “Take the leap and try something that intrigues you—you will learn so much about yourself.”

Sára, 23, a literature graduate from Transylvania

“My name is Sára Biró, I’m 23 years old, I was born in Transylvania and I studied literature in Budapest.” She has a background in the arts and experience in theatre. She loves creativity, languages and intercultural exchange, and seeks projects that bring different communities together.

She discovered the opportunity thanks to a friend. “I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment, contribute to a meaningful project and learn by doing.” Within the SCI Italy office, she supports the organisation of international workcamps, communicating with volunteers and local partners and helping with promotion. She also takes part in the daily life of the space: events, workshops, community activities.

On a personal level, she is learning to be more open, flexible and confident. “I’m getting used to navigating new situations with more trust.” Professionally, she is improving her communication, teamwork and international project management skills. What she appreciates most is “the sense of solidarity and the genuine care people show.” This

experience is guiding her toward a career that combines creativity, cultural exchange and social commitment. Her message to future volunteers: “Go, be curious, ready to learn and let yourself be surprised.”

David, 26, a communicator from France

“My name is David, I’m 26 years old and I’m from France.” He holds a Master’s degree in management, marketing and communication, and has worked as a press officer and communication manager. He discovered the project thanks to people from his town who had already taken part. “Their experiences truly inspired me.”

He was looking for a meaningful project, a new work environment and an opportunity to contribute to an international organisation while improving his own skills. Before starting, he expected to grow professionally, meet inspiring people and step out of his comfort zone. “In the first days I was excited but a bit nervous; the welcome was so warm that I immediately felt integrated.”

David is responsible for SCI Italy’s communication: he manages the website, creates content, promotes activities and supports the organisation in various aspects of communication and events. “I am learning a lot about ethical communication, project management and how SCI works at local and international levels.”

What he appreciates most is “the sense of solidarity and openness: everyone works with the same goal and there is a real atmosphere of trust and collaboration.” This experience has strengthened his desire to work in an international and socially responsible environment. His advice is clear: “Jump in and stay open: volunteering is one of the best ways to grow and make a difference.”