European Solidarity Corps

During her ESC experience with Sharing Lives, Carlotta Cottino from Italy developed a project entitled ‘Il-Komunità tal-Pikniks’ a grassroots initiative focused on celebrating womanhood and strengthening connections among women in the community. The project brought women together through regular outdoor picnic gatherings held in different natural locations around Malta. Each session included a short group walk followed by a shared picnic where participants brought simple food and drinks to enjoy together, creating a welcoming space for conversation, cultural exchange and mutual support. The initiative also encouraged collaboration with local NGOs and participation in community events, further strengthening networks and promoting inclusion. Through this project, Carlotta created a relaxed and supportive environment that fostered wellbeing, connection and solidarity among women.

During her ESC experience with Sharing Lives, Alma created a community art project entitled ‘The Hero in Us’ with Sharing Lives members. The project, which spanned several months, explored Maltese heroes, myths, and legends through site visits, art workshops, and storytelling sessions. It culminated in a public exhibition ‘The Gallery of Heroes’ hosted by Heritage Malta, featuring drawings, paintings, pottery and photography. The aim of this project was to celebrate inclusion and identity by highlighting participants’ creativity and personal interpretations of heroism.

During her ESC experience with Sharing Lives, Ilaria Stocco from Italy created a project entitled ‘Sharing Dancing’, introducing members to the lively rhythms of bachata. Over several weeks, Ilaria organised dance sessions where Sharing Lives members learned the basic steps of bachata and gradually worked together to develop a short choreography. The sessions focused on teamwork, coordination and confidence, allowing participants to express themselves through movement while enjoying music and social interaction. The project culminated in the filming of a final dance video showcasing the choreography they had learned together.

Weronika Gruszecka from Poland developed a project called ‘Move to Groove’, aimed at promoting personal, physical and mental wellbeing among Sharing Lives members through sport and outdoor activities. The project introduced participants to different types of physical activities tailored to various abilities, helping them stay active while building confidence and social connections. Activities included frisbee sessions that encouraged teamwork and coordination, as well as indoor climbing experiences where members could challenge themselves in a supportive environment. The project concluded with a final outdoor climbing event, giving participants the opportunity to apply the skills they had developed.

During her ESC experience with Sharing Lives, Inès Guillaume from France, created a short video production entitled ‘WE CAN’ with Sharing Lives members. The project, which spanned over 7 months, involved drama lessons, the creation of an original song and filming the video at various locations around Malta. The aim of this project was to introduce film-making with persons with disability and give their abilities more visibility. Through this project both Inès and Sharing Lives members obtained valuable skills in drama, networking in the community, writing music and lyrics for a song, filming and video editing.

Lucia Ortiz De Urbina Garcia, a volunteer from Spain utilised her creative talents by developing and leading an art programme for Sharing Lives members. This project resulted in the creation of a beautiful and colourful mural at one of Aġenzija Sapport’s premises.

Members of Sharing Lives practiced painting on various mediums, including canvas and rock art, until they collectively chose the main theme of the mural. Now, both staff and service users of Aġenzija Sapport can enjoy this artwork

Cooking Circle was the project of Emilie Melcher from Germany. Her project taught members how to prepare and cook healthy and delicious meals. The sessions also acted as a social space where the members socialised and enjoyed their meals together. This project inspired local volunteers who continue to run the project on a bi-monthly basis and continues to develop as new ideas and activities are implemented.

Furthermore, Emilie with another ESC volunteer Diana Astola, from Spain, created an outdoor activity consisting of the creation of dreamcatchers together with some members. The dreamcatcher symbol has since become a symbol for Sharing Lives that even inspired other projects by the volunteers that followed.