Meet Nicolas Lelorrain, KDYS’ European Solidarity Corps volunteer from Metz, France who, due to the ongoing COVID19 crisis, is unable to return home until travel restrictions are lifted.
The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people from across Europe to build a more inclusive society and respond to societal changes. By participating in volunteer placements, young people are offered an inspiring and empowering experience and can help them develop both as a person and future youth work professional.
As part of his year-long placement with eurÓg European Youth Centre in Killarney, Nicolas had been helping to run KDYS youth cafés, delivering a Human Rights Education programme, and assisting youth workers to run training programmes for young people in the community.
When the COVID19 crisis deepened and KDYS closed its youth centres to the public in adherence with public health guidelines, coupled with France taking the decision to close its borders, Nicolas was left stranded in Killarney without being able to contribute to his placement in the normal fashion. However, in spite of this, Nicolas has responded to his situation by producing 2 videos with the support of KDYS staff.
The first piece describes Nicolas’ experience of signing up to participate in the European Solidarity Corps and his time in Killarney. He hopes his advice will be useful for any would-be volunteers in the future, particularly if they are interested in volunteering in Kerry or elsewhere in Ireland.
The second details how COVID19 has impacted on Nicolas’ placement, his hopes for the future, and how this experience has deepened his understanding of the concept of solidarity. Through this video, Nicolas hopes to re-connect with other ESC volunteers he met through training events organised by Léargas, the national agency with responsibility for European Erasmus+ exchanges.
The videos present a unique take on a young, European volunteer’s perspective of life in Ireland in the middle of this worldwide pandemic. They will be launched through KDYS Social Media Platforms throughout the week.
Furthermore, Nicolas has undertaken to paint a new mural on the grounds of eurÓg Eurpoean Youth Centre, which marks his participation with the Solidarity Corps in Killarney during these trying times. Weather permitting, this art work is due to be finished this week.
While KDYS centres are closed to the public, all youth work programmes are operational remotely, with additional community support services in place, such as community food parcel distribution. For contact details, please search KDYS on all social media platforms or see www.kcys.ie