Lucia's primary responsibility at VCS revolved around the youth magazine VOICES and its accompanying podcast VOICES to Hear . These platforms serve as creative outlets for local and international volunteers, allowing them to share perspectives on various topics. Under the guidance of the VCS professional team, Lucia and her fellow volunteers brainstormed themes, wrote articles, proofread content, and handled the design aspect of the publication.

Lucia's contributions included articles such as "Why Can't I Breathe?" and "The Art of Critical Thinking" , where she explored social and philosophical themes. She also showcased her storytelling abilities by creating an episode for the VOICES to Hear podcast titled "Coffee Break" .

 Additionally, Lucia played an active role in the TikTok team , where she scripted, recorded, and edited engaging videos. She also took part in promoting local youth events through social media by writing posts, capturing moments through photography, and creating interactive reels.

"Being part of the TikTok team was an exciting experience for me. I got to script, record, and edit fun and engaging videos, pushing my creativity in new ways. I also helped promote local youth events on social media—writing posts, snapping photos, and creating reels to capture the energy and excitement of each event. It was amazing to see how our content could connect with people and bring the community together."

As a proud representative of Slovakia, Lucia collaborated with another Slovak volunteer to organize a Slovak Cultural Day at the VCS office. The event featured an informative presentation about Slovakia, followed by an interactive quiz. To provide a taste of her homeland, Lucia prepared traditional Slovak snacks. In the evening, she hosted a Movie Night , screening a Slovak film and leading a thought-provoking discussion with the audience.

The VCS team ensured that Lucia's volunteering journey was both enriching and well-structured. Each staff member played a dedicated role, offering guidance in different aspects such as logistics, journalism, design, and training. Lucia had the opportunity to engage in individual discussions with team members, exchanging insights and receiving mentorship in her areas of interest.

"My volunteering journey with VCS was both enriching and well-structured, thanks to the incredible support from the team. Each staff member played a dedicated role in guiding me through different aspects such as logistics, journalism, design, and training." says Lucia. "As my volunteering period came to an end, I was introduced to Youthpass , a certification framework that recognizes non-formal learning experiences. With the support of the VCS team, I reflected on the skills and competencies I had gained throughout the project."

Lucia's ESC volunteering journey with VCS exemplifies the power of youth participation in media, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Through her work with VOICES magazine and podcast , workshop facilitation, and cultural events, she left a lasting impact while acquiring valuable skills for her future endeavours. Her story is a testament to how volunteering can be a transformative experience, fostering both personal development and societal contribution.

For more information about Volunteering Center Skopje and its initiatives, visit www.vcs.org.mk or contact them via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Written by

Matilde Comparini,

Italian volunteer 2024/2025