Some Inspiring Stories
Markus
23 yo from Germany
A member in the organization
The story of our "earth medicine" projects in Hatay began on February 6, 2023. Members of Grüner Grashalm and participants from different countries were taking part in a winter project in Europe. The news of the earthquake that hit parts of Turkey and Syria was a big shock for the group, especially since some members were Turkish citizens who were deeply worried about their relatives at home. Shortly after, during the next Turkey project near Antalya, the urge to help was immense. The decision was made to send a scouting team to one of the most affected areas: Hatay. During their time in the earthquake zone, the team connected with the Sufis and the Servas Peace School Ekinci – two partners we are proud to work with to this day.
My personal story in the Earth Medicine Projects in Hatay began in September 2023. I had just overcome a difficult period in my life and was ready for an adventure. I was considering traveling to Southeast Asia or South America to get lost. But my brother told me about this project in Hatay and convinced me to participate. I thought, "I can still get lost wherever I want afterwards anyway." I had heard about the earthquake from the news and from my Turkish neighbors in Germany, but I had no idea what to expect from a project in this region. How will it feel to walk the streets along all the destroyed houses? How are the people in this region? What can we actually do to give meaningfull support?
Looking back, I must say I stopped seeing the ruins after a few days. It must be some kind of coping mechanism – they just became part of the natural environment very quickly. We had a very special construction project where we built a path using tiles from destroyed houses. It felt a bit like a small treasure hunt, and my friends and I would proudly show each other the beautiful tiles we discovered in the ruins. It was a very surreal feeling when I suddenly realized, while collecting tiles, that I was standing in someone else's kitchen.
We worked on the path daily for a few weeks, and at some point during the day – usually after school – the children from the village would join us. Together, we arranged the tiles from the destroyed houses into something new and beautiful. This was an amazing feeling. It also happened regularly that the owners of the destroyed houses or their relatives – whom we always asked for permission before collecting tiles – saw us working. They would invite us for chai and share their stories about the earthquake.
Sometimes, especially when I’m back in Germany and see all these big buildings in the cities, I
think about the ruins in Hatay.
Like many other participants, I was overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. Despite everything they’ve been through, there’s always a smile on their faces, a joke to be made, and a glass of chai or raki waiting. We often heard stories about the earthquake – about destroyed houses, lost family members, and the emotional and economic struggles that come with such a disaster. We heard these stories from friends during long nights, but also from strangers we met in the streets or while hitchhiking. It still happens a lot and serves as a powerful reminder of why we’re doing these projects in Hatay.
Since the first time I set foot on Hatay soil, over a year has passed. I didnt get lost in Southeast Asia or South America like i planned initially. Instead I’ve spent seven months in Hatay, both inside and outside the projects, and I can truly say that it has become a part of my home. I know this for sure because as soon as I leave, I already miss Hatay – especially the people, our good friends and family, and all the children who make us so happy when we play volleyball with them.
Markus Miedaner
Daniel
27 yo from Germany
A participant in Georgia 2025 project
Hello it’s Daniel from in Munich in Germany, I am 27 years old and currently travelling and seeing the world. Beside that I have my base in Munich.About the project:I have decided to join the project because of mainly three reasons. First I was just doing a ESC project in Spain, that I really liked and where I have discovered the wide opportunities of European projects. Second the timing of the project, I had nothing else to do. Third but most important, the idea and the place of the project. I have been to Georgia last year and I knew I wanted to return. And the idea of the project, to be in the Mountains, going hiking outside in winter was something I didn’t have to think long about.Lastly it was a good decision. I have experienced a big variety of new things, about hiking, about Georgia and Svaneti, about myself. I got to know to amazing new people, places and food. Just the feeling of falling asleep and waking up surrounded by high mountains is enough to say that for me personally the project was a full success.I learned how to survive in the mountains in winter, how to plan a hike, what equipment you need, what food and many new important practical information.Also my soft skills have developed as we were facing and solving some problems as a group, where everybody has different needs and skills. Therefor it is important to step back and try to always think about the others perspective.For my future I have many ideas, but in the close future I will be a host in our family house in the Bavarian Forest, where I want to host creative people or people who want to relax some days in nature. Therefor I think the project has been useful, because I received plenty ideas during the project, that came into my mind. They are not directly linked with the project, but I had a lot of time to think about my ideas and of course the surrounding influenced my vision.In conclusion, I spent an amazing time with ESC in Georgia and profited a lot due to many reasons. It’s hard to put in words, but I would suggest anybody who is capable to spent some days in the mountains, it will make you stronger and clears your vision and mind.
Anna
20 yo from Germany
A participant in Georgia 2025 project
Hi, I’m Anna, a 20-year-old from Germany. I graduated from high school last summer and, like many people my age, I’m still unsure about what to do next. I’d like to go to university in the future, but for now, I’m exploring different experiences to figure out what I truly want.
I decided to join the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) because a friend told me about it and was so enthusiastic about her experience. I loved the idea of getting to know other EU countries on a deeper level and experiencing something completely new.
When I heard about the project in the Caucasus, I was immediately drawn to it. Spending time outdoors, exploring the mountains, and surviving in tough conditions sounded like an adventure I couldn’t miss. I’d heard about the beauty of the region, and I knew it was a place I wanted to see for myself. I was especially excited about the physical challenges, like snowshoe hiking, which I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
The project was full of incredible experiences. I learned how to use snowshoes, hiked and camped in snowy mountains, and even tried ice bathing—something I never thought I’d do! The views were breathtaking, from beautiful sunrises and sunsets to endless mountain landscapes. What made it even more special were the Georgian locals, who were so warm and open-minded. They welcomed us with such generosity, which left a lasting impression on me.
I also formed strong bonds with the other participants. Even though we started as strangers, we supported each other through everything and became great friends. Together, we managed challenging situations, and I realized that I’m capable of much more than I usually think.
Through this experience, I also learned some important lessons. I became better at connecting with new people, improved my English, and even picked up a bit of Georgian. I discovered that it’s okay to acknowledge my own limits and step back when things get overwhelming. At the same time, I learned to overcome my fears and trust in my abilities.
This project helped me grow personally and gave me a clearer sense of what makes me happy. I’ve always been interested in hiking and adventurous trips, but this experience confirmed how much joy these activities bring me.
Looking ahead, I want to travel more—to Morocco, Latin America, and also walk the Camino de Santiago. After my gap year, I plan to go to university to study biology or sustainable engineering. I’m also considering training with the German Alpine Association (DAV) so I can spend as much time outdoors as possible.
This project was truly life-changing. It opened my eyes to new perspectives, gave me the confidence to push my boundaries, and inspired me to chase the things I’m passionate about.
Elizar
26 yo from Russia
A participant in more than three projects
My name is Elizar. I am from Russia, I am 26 years old. My hobby is travel. Sometimes I connect travel with work. I worked in different places in Russia and abroad in ESC- volunteer projects.
I applied to the project to see new places and meet new interesting people.
I was able to visit new countries: Italy met with a friend from Germany’s last summer project and I visited France on the way, there was a transfer at 9 hours . Get a taste of people and atmosphere in Paris. In the project, I learned to solve problems when they occur, not to be afraid of them if any problems arise. And accept them with a cool head and calmly look for ways to solve these problems.The project in Georgia showed me that my goals and dreams associated with mountains and mountaineering are real and feasible. The main thing is a good team that helps each other and the local community. Big tasks become easy to implement. I have great
plans for the future; I want to visit and study better Italy, France and Spain with Portugal. Further move towards the east to the Himalayas and there travel and discover new horizons and people.
Elizar Kasakow
Rafael
23 yo from Germany
A participant in Georgia 2025 project
Hi, I'm Rafael, I'm 23 years old and I live in northern Germany. Currently, I've gained various professional experiences through different part-time jobs, internships, and an entry-level qualification. Most recently, I worked in carpentry.
Before the Georgia project, I had already participated in a trip to Slovakia. In both cases, a friend told me about it, as several people from my circle had already taken part in ESC projects and talked about them enthusiastically.
In this case, I just had some free time and wanted to gain experiences in a group that wasn't from my circle of friends. Additionally, I wanted to gather ideas and sort out my thoughts, and such a trip is perfect for that. You get to meet nice new people who are all on different paths in life. This gives you a lot of ideas for the future.
But it's also a physical challenge, which I enjoyed. In these cases as well, it helped me to get to know my own limits and sometimes even overcome them.
As far as my future is concerned, I'm still searching for an activity that I want to do for a longer period of time. But I'm definitely a big step closer to my goal.
Jakob
24 yo from Germany
A participant in more than three projects
Hi, my name is Jakob. Im 24 years young and I’m living in Germany. I am doing an apprenticeship in Automotive mechatronics technician in Hamburg.
I am an adventurous person, and open to new experiences. That’s why I decided to do a ESC Project. I have a magical attraction for the mountains. That's why I wanted to learn more about winter hiking, and the Adventure Learning Project offered me the opportunity.
Being in the mountains and concentrating on the bare minimum is very fulfilling. I felt life and freedom. No matter how hard the climb was, once you could enjoy the good view, everything was forgotten. The sunsets burned themselves into my brain as a beautiful memory.
In my opinion, you learn the most when you leave your comfort zone. And that happens in the Project. I learned how to make decisions in a large group and what contributes to that. I also learned how to behave in an emergency situation in theory.
It is not the first time that I have taken part in a project. I can say that the projects have changed my life for the better. It has enriched me in many areas. It is an incredibly valuable experience to gain insight into other infrastructures and to get to know their traditions and culture.
In the future I want to continue traveling and spreading peace in the world. Also I could imagine to make my own ESC project and work as an experience educator. The projects of Gruener Grashalm contributed to these ideas.