Anne Plecha, 23, drew a line under her legal career to launch her own kindergarten.

Anna - From lawyer to entrepreneur

On the eve of her retirement, she decided to launch herself into a new career and achieve her teenage-dream: becoming a health care assistant.

Brigitte - How old is too old to go to school?

Carlos Jimemez Criado devote his passion
and expertise to the advancement of cancer research.

Carlos - A young biologist under the microscope

With high youth unemployment and integration difficulties, building a new life in Europe is not always an easy task. But for Nauras Hason and Ebrahim Magham, coming to Germany marked a new beginning.

Nauras & Ebrahim - two young migrants find their recipe for success

At 22, leaving college with no skills, no professional training, no orientation and no idea what to do with his life, James found a way to pursue his one and only passion: skate-boarding.

James, building his ramp for success

The world of sound is often hard on those living in silence.
Jolanta Burauskaité is one of a few to have been recognised for their true talent.

Jolanta - her talent outshined her disability

Brigitte telling us about the message she'd like to spread thanks to our shooting

Brigitte - "Why I decided to ask for help"

Brigitte, Nauras, Ebrahim, Carlos, Anna and Jolanta could improve their skills or find work thanks to a well-timed support from the European Social Fund.
The European Commission followed up their stories some months down the line to find out how they are getting on.

A media toolkit bundling international versions of the films in broadcast quality along with high-resolution photographs and scripts are available for download at: www.7lives-esf.eu

Seven lives