Phyllis’ volunteer experience

Phyllis, from Ghana, first joined MigraCode as a student in the AWS Cloud Computing bootcamp. After graduation, she decide to join the MigraCode team as an ESC volunteer, going from being a MigraCode student to supporting new students in their learning journey. In this article she describes her experience as a volunteer within the MigraCode project and the Open Cultural Center team.

A welcoming team

When I first joined Open Cultural Center as an ESC volunteer with the MigraCode team, I thought I was stepping into just another role, helping out, learning, contributing where I could. What I didn’t expect was that I’d be stepping into something that felt like home.

Home for me was the small rituals like sharing fruits during breaks, passing around slices of pizza, and laughing together during team-building games. It was in the brainstorm sessions, where different teams came together with sticky notes and ideas, trying to solve challenges bigger than ourselves. Every conversation felt natural, every collaboration seamless. The ease of working with everyone was so refreshing that I sometimes forgot this was “work” at all.

The interaction that inspired me

What made the experience truly unforgettable though, were the unexpected moments of inspiration. One afternoon, while interviewing a potential student for the MigraCode bootcamp, she paused and shared something that stayed with me:

She told me that my presence on the panel inspired her. Moving to Barcelona for her master’s degree hadn’t been easy between navigating a new culture, a new language, and the uncertainties of life abroad, she felt overwhelmed. Yet, seeing me there, as part of the MigraCode team, gave her hope. It reminded her that she wasn’t alone, and that she too could find her place and thrive here.

That moment crystallized something I’ve always wanted to do :  inspire others, especially through the world of technology. I realized that even in the simplest actions such as listening to someone’s story, welcoming them into a classroom, or sharing a meal, I was part of something much bigger : a community built on solidarity, learning, and empowerment.

The importance of showing up

Being an ESC volunteer at Open Cultural Center wasn’t just about supporting a project. It was about creating connections, nurturing growth, and experiencing firsthand how powerful it can be when people come together with open hearts and a shared purpose.

Looking back, I see it not just as a chapter in my volunteering journey, but as a calling : supporting people in navigating challenges, discovering opportunities, and feeling at home in spaces that once felt uncertain. Because sometimes, all it takes is showing up and that could encourage someone to persevere. 

Our volunteering programme is funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps.