From 4th to 23rd May 2025, young volunteers from across Europe gathered in Kryoneri Korinthias, Greece, for the Act Green 1 team volunteering project, coordinated by FILOXENIA, Intercultural-Environmental Organization and supported by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
Over 20 days, participants from diverse countries and backgrounds worked together to restore and maintain forest trails, learning how to collaborate, respect each other, and live as a team. The project combined environmental action with cultural exchange: volunteers organized workshops and events for the local community, shared their traditions, cooked traditional dishes, and presented their countries through music, dance, and storytelling.
The program began with an “on arrival” seminar, helping participants get to know each other, followed by excursions around the area and free time for exploring. This mix of work, learning, and leisure fostered friendship, teamwork, and intercultural understanding.
Partner organizations from Italy (ANFFAS, Comune di Torino), Slovakia (Connectus), Czech Republic (EYCB), Georgia (Georgian Youth for Europe), and Spain (AYUNTAMIENTO DE MURCIA) joined forces to make the project a success, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural collaboration.
Supported by the European Solidarity Corps through the Greek National Agency INEDIVIM, Act Green 1 offered volunteers a unique opportunity to contribute to the environment while celebrating diversity and community engagement.
Here's the youtube video made by one of our volunteers, David Grass, for this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--_pZW9ypRA
Article written by the Georgian participants
"Volunteering in Kryoneri, Greece – A Georgian Team Experience"
"We are a group of volunteers from Georgia who have been in Kryoneri, Greece, as part of the European Solidarity Corps. For the past two weeks we have been involved in an environmental and cultural project focused on restoring and maintaining footpaths around the village. The work has been physical and challenging, but we have truly enjoyed it. It felt meaningful to contribute to something so tangible and valuable.
We have been living and working alongside volunteers from Germany, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Sharing our days with such a diverse group of people has made the experience even more enriching. We have learned from each other, supported each other, and created memories that we will never forget.
Our Georgian team has also made an effort to connect with the local culture. We had Greek lessons, which helped us understand the language and communicate with locals. Now we know how to say simple things like thank you and good morning, and that has made a big difference in how we feel here.
Kryoneri is a peaceful and well-organized village with a strong cultural background. You can feel the history and the care in every corner of this place. It has been a calm and inspiring environment to work in. We needed this to get out of the busy lifestyle from the city and it has helped us a lot.
We had the chance to explore more of Greece as well. On one weekend we visited Athens and Patras where we fully immersed ourselves in Greek culture. We explored historical sites, walked through vibrant neighborhoods, and tried traditional food. We also did a lot of hitchhiking to reach a nearby seaside city, which turned into a real adventure. For many of us it was the first time hitchhiking and it was an exciting way to experience the kindness of strangers and see the country from a different perspective.
Today is our last day in Kryoneri and we are taking this moment to reflect and evaluate the entire project. It has been an amazing experience full of learning, hard work, new friendships and cultural exchange. If you are thinking about joining a project like this through the European Solidarity Corps, we as a Georgian team highly recommend it. This journey has opened our eyes, broadened our horizons, and left us with unforgettable memories."
Article written by the Italian participants
"I’m an Italian volunteer who spent three unforgettable weeks in Kryoneri, Greece, participating in a European Solidarity Corps project. The initiative focused on restoring and maintaining walking paths around the village to preserve both the natural environment and the local cultural heritage. The work was often physically demanding, but contributing to something so meaningful for the community was incredibly rewarding.
Throughout the project, we lived and worked alongside volunteers from all over Europe—Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and more. Sharing daily life with such a diverse group made the experience even richer. We supported each other, faced challenges together, and built friendships that will last well beyond our time in Greece.
We also took part in Greek language classes, which helped us feel more welcomed and connected to the local people. Even learning a few simple words like “good morning” or “thank you” made a real difference.
Kryoneri is a small, well-kept village, full of history and tradition. Its peaceful, authentic atmosphere was the perfect setting for both our work and personal growth.
We also had the chance to explore Greece, visiting Athens and Patras, and even went on an unforgettable hitchhiking adventure to a seaside town—an exciting and spontaneous experience that brought us closer to the local culture and people.
As our time in Kryoneri comes to an end, we are filled with gratitude. This has been a journey of learning, teamwork, and cultural exchange. If you’re thinking about joining a European Solidarity Corps project, we, as an Italian team, can truly recommend it. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever."
Article written by a Czech participant (Ester)
"!The sea. Freckles on my nose. Feta for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dirt in my hair. The reddest poppies. Lips sticky from ice cream. Kaliméra – Kalispéra. A pickaxe. Walks through vineyards. Poking jellyfish with a finger. Salty curls. Cappuccino with cinnamon. The satisfying tiredness after work. Sleepy mornings and lively evenings. And a constant feeling of peace.”
ALL of this – and so much more – comes to mind when I think back to my time in the small Greek village of Kryoneri.
My name is Ester, and just two days ago I returned from the team volunteering project “Act Green,” which took place in this village on the Peloponnese peninsula from May 4th to May 23rd. I spent three weeks there as a volunteer. Together with 17 participants from Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Georgia, and Germany, we helped the local community prepare for the summer – restoring trails around the village, mowing the grass, removing weeds near our accommodation, and assisting in the organization of the Stymphalia Lake Run, a charity race.
My three-week adventure outside my comfort zone began with a solo trip to Greece. All participants were supposed to meet in Kiato (by the way – they sell a doughnut the size of my head there for just €1.20 – highly recommended!). That’s where I had my first encounter with fellow volunteers, and then we squeezed into a minibus together, Greek music playing loud, pressed up against each other – but happy.
The program began with ice-breaking games and walks through the surrounding landscape. We also learned about the village’s history – during World War II, the locals hid a Jewish family in a nearby cave, saving them from persecution. The humanity and courage they showed back then still lingers in the atmosphere of Kryoneri today.
A typical day started with breakfast at 9:00 AM, followed by work from 10:00 to 2:00, then siesta and free time – or lessons in Greek and traditional Greek dance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much free time we had – and how beautifully we spent it together. As a group, we visited Athens, explored all the historical landmarks, tasted Greek food, and bought souvenirs. Another trip took us to Patras, a city that impressed me even more – probably because it’s a student city without tourists, surrounded by mountains and sea.
One of the most powerful moments for me was the Stymphalia Lake Run, where we helped with organizing, handed out refreshments and medals, and supported the runners. When I was offered the chance to take part in the race myself, I didn’t hesitate. Running through Greek nature, surrounded by 200 smiling, encouraging people – that’s an experience I’ll never forget.
But what meant the most to me were the people. Those I lived with for three weeks straight. I loved watching arguments about how to cook spaghetti properly. I tried to pronounce the Georgian word for “fig”: ქლიავი. I listened to Rosalía with the Spanish girls, shared sunscreen with the Germans, and laughed with the Slovaks about how similar we are. Sharing myself with people from different cultures and life paths was the most valuable thing I took away from this journey.
Thank you for this opportunity."
Article written by the Spanish participants (Sonia & Merieme)
"Spending time in Kryoneri as volunteers was an unforgettable and enriching experience for both of us. The mornings were filled with meaningful work that was enjoyable and never too demanding, giving us the chance to learn new things and truly connect with nature.
One of the highlights of our time there was definitely the evening gatherings with the other participants. After dinner, we would sit together, share stories, laugh, and bond — those moments created lasting friendships and memories. We also really appreciated the fun and creative activities organized by three pf the longterm volunteers of FILOXENIA, Anaïs, Renée, and Andrea. They always brought great energy and made sure everyone felt included and engaged.
Overall, this experience was not only fun and inspiring, but it also allowed us to grow, learn, and be part of something meaningful. We’re grateful for the opportunity and would love to do it again!"
This project was supported by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union through the National Agency “INEDIVIM”
