European Solidarity Corps - Moroccans in Turkey
Who is Hiba Oukhellabou?
I’m Hiba, a 22-year-old community manager and master’s student in Educational Management and Leadership and an ambassador at Mohammed V University. My journey has always been about connecting people, creating meaningful content, and making an impact through storytelling.
Beyond social media, I believe in the power of education and communication to drive change. ..That’s why volunteering felt like a natural step-an opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow in ways I never imagined.
How did the Erasmus volunteering program change your life?
Volunteering abroad was a leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
Working on an oncology awareness project in Muş, Turkey, wasn’t just about organizing events or managing social media-it was about real people, real stories, and real change.
It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. I discovered that impact isn’t just about big actions; sometimes, it’s in the small moments the conversations, the shared experiences, the lessons you take with you long after the project ends.
What were your achievements?
During the project, I contributed to content creation and community engagement, making sure our message reached as many people as possible.
I helped produce digital campaigns, filmed and edited videos, and participated in workshops that bridged the gap between communication and awareness.
Beyond the technical skills, what I’m most proud of is the confidence I gained in working internationally, the friendships I built, and the realization that communication can be a powerful tool for social good.
What is your advice for future volunteers?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time it’s about discovering yourself in a completely new environment. You don’t need to be the best at anything; you just need to show up with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Say yes to the opportunities that scare you…Challenge yourself to speak up, to connect, to contribute in ways you never thought possible. And most importantly don’t wait to feel “ready.” Growth happens in the moments of uncertainty. The best version of you is already in the making, and this journey will only bring it closer to the surface.And I want to thank Erasmus+ Morocco for this opportunity, for pushing me beyond my limits, and for giving me the chance to be part of something bigger than myself.
Who is Soukaïna?
I’m Soukaïna, someone who loves learning, growing, and stepping into the unknown.
My background is in business intelligence and logistics, but I’ve always been drawn to social impact.
Whether through student initiatives, volunteering, or creative expression like singing and theater, I believe in the power of human connection.
I’m curious, determined, and always looking for ways to challenge myself.
How did the Erasmus volunteering program change your life?
This experience pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Living in a new country, adapting to a different culture, and working on something bigger than myself, it changed the way I see the world.
I became more confident, resilient, and open-minded. The people I met, the conversations I had, and the challenges I faced all shaped me in ways I never expected. It wasn’t just about volunteering; it was about discovering new perspectives and growing as a person.
What were your achievements?
I had the chance to contribute to Muş Oncology Days, a week of conferences and workshops on cancer awareness with experts from around the world.
My role was to help promote the event and make sure important conversations reached as many people as possible.Beyond that, what I’m most proud of is the sense of purpose I found, witnessing firsthand how education and awareness can truly make a difference.
What is your advice for future volunteers?
Go for it. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. Be open to the unknown, embrace the challenges, and allow yourself to grow. Some days will be overwhelming, but those are the ones that will teach you the most. Listen, connect, and remember that even the smallest actions matter. You’ll give a lot, but what you receive in return will be even greater.
Who are Adam Nechouani & Anass El Garne?
Adam Nechouani is a 23-year-old master’s student specializing in Logistics and Business Intelligence, passionate about filmmaking and visual arts. Anas El Garne is an Erasmus+ ambassador dedicated to education and impactful storytelling. Both of us participated in a transformative volunteering experience through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Muş, Turkey, driven by our shared commitment to raising cancer awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
What is the program we went to?
We participated in the ESC project « A Butterfly’s Lifespan Is Not Just One Day, » organized by Onkosev and funded by the European Commission. This initiative aimed to increase youth awareness about breast cancer by addressing behavioral and metabolic factors such as eating habits, physical activity, and obesity.
What were your achievements?
Throughout the two-month project (August 6 – October 3, 2024), we achieved significant milestones:
Adam successfully led the Media Team, boosting the project’s social media presence to over 150,000 views, I managed content production, editing, filming podcasts with cancer professionals, and delivered impactful workshops on social media management and video creation.
Anass contributed as part of the Content Team, led workshops on personal branding, created educational articles, and facilitated interactive games and emotional-awareness activities. He actively engaged students through school visits in fun games to highlight the importance of healthy eating.
We also participated in Oncology days, received training on volunteering, education, sustainable development, well-being and health. We both participated in the live coverage of the event.
Together, our combined efforts greatly enhanced the project’s outreach, visibility, and educational impact on youth and the local community.
What is your advice for future volunteers?
To future volunteers considering applying for this life-changing opportunity, we offer the following advice:
Be open-minded and adaptable; volunteering abroad will challenge and inspire you in ways you cannot predict. Each day offers new lessons, opportunities, and moments for personal growth.
Embrace every interaction; the real impact often comes from meaningful personal connections formed during your journey. Building genuine relationships enriches both your experience and the lives of those you meet.
Use your creativity and initiative to contribute proactively. Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned—seek opportunities actively to make a meaningful difference and explore your own potential.
Lastly, be persistent, committed, and passionate. Remember, volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about personal growth, discovering your strengths, and making lifelong memories.
