“IN MEDIA RESC: Inclusive Media and Actions Relying on the European Solidarity Corps” is a Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project in the frame of the European Solidarity Corps, implemented in Thessaloniki and the rural communities of the Aristotelis Municipality in Halkidiki throughout 2025. It involved 84 volunteers and a consortium of 10 organisations from seven countries (Greece, Italy, France, Ukraine, Türkiye, Poland and Portugal), collaborating to deliver solidarity activities that supported local communities and vulnerable target groups.
A central component of the project was the enhancement of digital skills and media literacy, equipping both volunteers and local youth with competences such as content creation, critical thinking, safe internet use and recognition of misinformation. These activities were particularly impactful for marginalised groups, including Roma youth in Dendropotamos, women with refugee backgrounds, individuals in recovery from addiction, and young people in rural areas with limited access to opportunities. Project put in place a dual approach that supported vulnerable communities but also engaged participants coming from similar backgrounds, reinforcing the solidarity dimension and ensuring a meaningful and inclusive impact.
The volunteering teams supported the daily work of local hosting organisations, contributing to the social inclusion and empowerment of diverse target groups. These included activities with women and children in safe spaces, educational and creative workshops for Roma youth and support for individuals in recovery through therapeutic and community-based actions. At the same time, a volunteering team operated in the rural communities of Halkidiki, providing skill-building opportunities, cultural activities and environmental actions for local youth facing geographical and social barriers.
Some of the main activities of IN MEDIA RESC include:
- Organisation of open events and campaigns promoting European values and active citizenship, including a “Europe Week” culminating on Europe Day.
- Implementation of digital skills workshops and media literacy activities during a “Youth Skills Week”, focusing on empowering young people through knowledge and tools for the digital era.
- Contribution to environmental awareness through participation in the “Green Wave Festival”, promoting sustainability and climate action.
- Organisation of a “Volunteering Week” with inclusive events and actions to promote participation, solidarity and community engagement.
- Production of digital content such as articles, videos, podcasts and social media campaigns addressing social issues and promoting inclusion.
- Creation of four editions of the volunteer magazine “Balkan Beats”.
- Co-organisation of open media workshops aimed at enhancing digital competences, especially among young people with fewer opportunities.
- Support of educational, creative and recreational activities for children and youth in marginalised communities.
- Facilitation of workshops, language courses and social activities for women with refugee or migrant backgrounds.
- Participation in organic farming and social reintegration activities supporting individuals recovering from addiction.
- Organisation of cultural, environmental and participatory activities in rural areas to strengthen community life and youth engagement.
Through non-formal education methods and a learning-by-doing approach, the project fostered collaboration, peer learning and intercultural exchange among participants and local communities. Volunteers enhanced their skills in media production, communication, teamwork and social engagement, while gaining a deeper understanding of social challenges and cultural diversity.
As in all European Solidarity Corps projects, the activities were based on inclusiveness, solidarity and non-discrimination, promoting core European values. "IN MEDIA RESC" contributed to strengthening cooperation among partner organisations and enhancing their capacity to implement future initiatives, leaving a lasting positive impact on participants, communities and the broader network.
