🚲 European Mobility Week 2023: 10 volunteers, 1 city, and a journey toward greener futures
In September 2023, ten ESC volunteers from across Europe landed in the charming city of Trnava, Slovakia, for one reason: to support Youth for Equality in making European Mobility Week not only memorable, but meaningful. We came from several countries— each with different stories, languages, and experiences. But we quickly became one team with one mission: to promote sustainable mobility and healthier cities.
🌍 From strangers to a strong team
Our adventure started with classic icebreakers and team-building games, but it wasn’t long before the bonds grew real. Supported by experienced coordinators from Slovakia and beyond, we were introduced to the world of project planning, campaign design, and urban sustainability. While we didn’t arrive as professionals, we quickly became passionate contributors.
🚲 Week 1: Setting the wheels in motion
The first few days were about preparation. We created relax zones, kids’ corners, props, and materials for the week ahead. We collaborated with the city and local NGOs, learned how to facilitate activities, and co-designed workshops on topics like mobility and health. We supported the popular Lunch Walking event and designed interactive exhibitions promoting eco-friendly commuting.
And yes — there was yoga, Slovak lessons, cultural nights, and even a city-wide historical game to help us feel at home in Trnava.
🌱 Week 2: Streets turn into learning spaces
The second week was where the real action happened. We worked alongside the city to support the Rikša project, where young volunteers met seniors in the community, and we helped run electric bike test rides, public workshops, and even organized street exhibitions to engage citizens in conversations about mobility and the environment.
We also conducted a Sustainability survey, sparking conversations on how young people can play a role in shaping sustainable cities. We supported our youth workers with mobility workshops -themed sessions — from creative challenges to eco-debates.
Every afternoon, we gathered feedback, updated social media, and adjusted our next moves. It was exhausting. It was inspiring. And it was completely worth it.
🧠 Week 3: Reflect, create, disseminate
By the final week, we shifted gears from doing to sharing. We co-organized school visits, presented our activities, and worked on digital storytelling — writing blogs, creating videos, and preparing follow-up activities for our home countries. We joined sessions with youth workers and mentors and helped prepare press materials and final reports.
And then came the farewell events: social games, cultural dinners, and long conversations that reminded us that this experience was more than just a project. It was a space for growth, exchange, and purpose.
💬 What we’ll take with us
We came to Trnava to help promote sustainable urban mobility, but we left with so much more:
New skills in teamwork, project planning, and communication
Friendships that crossed borders and time zones
Confidence to take initiative, lead, and listen
A deeper understanding of how cities can be healthier, greener, and more connected
We may be ten individuals from different countries, but during those three weeks, we were one team helping shape a more mobile Europe — one bike ride, one smile, and one workshop at a time.
Thank you, Trnava. Thank you, Youth for Equality. And thank you, ESC. This was the ride of a lifetime.
