Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps gives young people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, develop new skills, and find their place in society. Today, we introduce you to Tülay Rejeb – a young, ambitious, and inspiring participant in a European Solidarity Corps project, implemented with the support of Association FOR YOU.

Who is Tülay Rejeb?

“My name is Tülay Rejeb, I am 21 years old. I was born in Shumen, and I currently live and study in Varna – third-year student in Informatics and Computer Science. I love photography, books, and travel – for me, these are three ways to discover new worlds.”

Tülay is an example of a young person combining technology with creativity and social engagement. As a computer science student, she constantly seeks new challenges outside the academic environment.

First steps in volunteering

“No. This was my first volunteer project and my first longer, structured experience with the European Solidarity Corps through Association FOR YOU. Honestly, before I started, I thought, ‘What if I don’t succeed?’ Later, I realized that’s exactly the point – to start, learn along the way, and become more confident.”

Many young people hesitate, wondering if they are “ready” to volunteer. Tülay’s story shows that action itself builds confidence.

What motivated her to apply?

“What mainly motivated me was stepping out of my comfort zone and the desire to meet new people. I wanted to experience something different from my university routine, to challenge myself, and to grow in an environment where you meet people with different experiences and perspectives.”

Volunteering in international programs is not just an activity – it is a space for personal development, new connections, and intercultural exchange.

Volunteer experience: Digitization, events, and working with people

“My experience was diverse and very valuable. The strongest part for me was working at the digitization center – this is something I had done before at the same place, so I started with basic experience, but this time I managed to build on it significantly.

I photographed books with specialized equipment, processed and carefully checked page by page for errors, and organized the content logically.”

This work helped her develop valuable digital skills, attention to detail, and systematic thinking – all crucial qualities in the IT field.

Additionally, she actively participated in administrative tasks:

“I supported student admissions processes – reviewing documents and assisting with forms. There, I further developed the ability to explain things clearly and calmly, especially when people were anxious or in a hurry.”

Volunteering and inclusion

Events focused on inclusion were particularly meaningful for Tülay:

• “Щък Тук-Там! Adapt Yourself!” – an initiative promoting adaptive sports and the inclusion of people with diverse needs.

• “Taste & Share Vol. 2” – an event that brings people together through food, culture, and shared stories.

• International exchange “Once Upon a Europe”, which gave her confidence in communicating in a multicultural environment.

“Overall, the project made me more organized, patient, and confident. I developed digital skills, time and task management, teamwork, and greater sensitivity to inclusion and respect for differences.”

Challenges along the way

“One of the main challenges was technical issues during digitization – when a machine ‘freezes’ or something doesn’t go as planned, you have to stay calm and act methodically.”

She also mentioned the difficulty of maintaining constant focus:

“Another challenge was keeping consistent attention to detail: checking page by page, avoiding errors, and maintaining quality even when tasks were many and monotonous. Over time, I learned to work step by step, maintain concentration, and seek solutions.”

Favorite moment

“If I have to choose, I would say Taste & Share Vol. 2, because it was a very warm and genuine experience. The moments from the adaptive sports event ‘Щък Тук-Там! Adapt Yourself!’ were also very powerful because that’s where the true meaning of volunteering is felt – making the environment more accessible and friendly for everyone.”

Message to young people

“Don’t wait to feel ‘ready.’ Start, and you’ll see how quickly you’ll learn new things, meet people who inspire you, and find meaning in small actions. Volunteering gives you skills and confidence, but most importantly, it shows you that you have a place and a contribution to make.”

This message is a strong motivator for anyone considering participation in a volunteer project in Bulgaria or abroad.

What’s next?

“After the project, I will continue my studies and want to build further in technology and the practical application of digital skills. I plan to stay active in volunteering – especially in initiatives related to inclusion, education, and intercultural activities – and to pursue more international development opportunities.”

Why choose volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps?

Tülay’s story shows that volunteering is not just a pastime. It is:

• An opportunity to develop digital and social skills

• Real practical experience

• A space for international exchange

• A chance to build confidence and leadership qualities

• A way to contribute to a more inclusive society

If you want to step out of your comfort zone, develop new skills, and meet inspiring people, volunteering programs through the European Solidarity Corps can be your next big beginning.

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The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the content, which reflects the views of the authors alone, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.