Χαρμολύπη: a mixed, rare feeling that combines both positive and negative emotions, either in equal or unequal portions. Χαρμολύπη consists of the Greek words “χαρά=joy” and “λύπη=sadness” and it actually describes the unusual coexistence of those two emotions at the same time. Sometimes, χαρμολύπη is expressed by κλαυσίγελος: crying and laughing at the same time. […]
Category: Erasmus +
Erasmus+ and volunteering
Slovenian girl POV Hi! I’m Saša, and I’m 23 years old. In February 2022 I decided to spend more time on myself to explore what I like to do. Besides my full-time studies at the Faculty of Administration and my student work, I wanted to invest my remaining time in something that would take my […]
“We can and we will”
Last March, me and 5 other people from Greece travelled to Rakičan in Slovenia for a Youth Exchange Erasmus+ Project. The name of the project was “We can and we will” and its topic was about Entrepreneurship. We were a big group. People from 6 different countries gathered together and spent 9 days in a […]
Words of Wisdom that Will Keep You Inspired – Volunteers Edition
Today we meet some of our volunteers from GYM (Green Your Mind). We ask them to tell us their favourite life quotes. Here’s what they said.
Mental Health and Sport: Football Session in Stravoupoli
On the 5th of July, our volunteers with some patients of the Open Therapeutical Community organized a football match in the Psychiatrical Hospital of Stavroupoli. Through a sports activity, they connected and enriched each other.This is the video that summarizes the afternoon together!
G.Y.M. Project Kick-Off!
The 16 volunteers of the Green Your Mind project finally started the activities in collaboration with ARGO Social Enterprise and Green Unit! Keep an eye out on our blog and social media to follow their journey. Video credits: Vasiliki Arkoumani
Solidarity Stories | Ep 0 | To Leave Or Not To Leave?

I will share a little secret with you: you can volunteer abroad, get out of your comfort zone, learn a new language and live a unique experience…without any cost!How? With the European Solidarity Corps! Join Roberto Gentile’s journey and you will discover what makes this volunteer opportunity different through the fears and joys that arise […]
Volunteering as a way of life
The first outdoor event I participated in here in Thessaloniki took place in mid-May. I was responsible for running the opening ice-breaking game. It was a simple yes / no game. People who agreed with the sentence I was saying were supposed to go to the right and those who did not go to the left. […]
The rollercoaster of joining the European Solidarity Corps
Europe Day held on 9 May every year, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical ‘Schuman declaration’. The ESC program creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects around Europe. We invite you to come on a journey through the experience of Ioanna Pardalaki in Barcelona […]
New beginnings: What about the new volunteers?

A few new volunteers are now working in Balkan Hotspot. We would like to present them and tell you a short story about the first impressions of working here, living in a new place with previously unknown people and the city. Enjoy it!