Behind every profession is a person, a human being with a story. In an ultra-connected world shaped by constant technological change, especially with the rise of AI, it is essential to remember the importance of the human element. In this series of articles, discover the journeys, choices, and commitment of those who have turned their profession into a true vocation in Luxembourg.
Two different paths, one shared vocation
Carla Duarte has always worked in the social sector. Beginning her career in early childhood education, she spent around fifteen years supporting children aged two to four before working for a further two years with children with disabilities. While social work has always been her true vocation, she wanted to apply her skills in a different setting beyond early childhood. This led her to join the "脌 vos c么t茅s" ("By Your Side") service in Luxembourg City's Gare district, where she grew up and has now been working for the past two and a half years.
Edmar Martins, on the other hand, discovered the social sector when he joined the organisation. Coming from an artistic background, he first heard about 脌 vos c么t茅s through his current manager, Ernest Dupljak, a former classmate. Inspired by the opportunity, he decided to take the plunge at the beginning of 2025.
Carla and Edmar's shared passion for helping others and building meaningful human connections brought them together within the same organisation. Having both grown up in the Gare district, it felt only natural for them to continue working there, allowing them to remain close to the local community on a daily basis.
Carla explains: "I grew up in this neighbourhood, and my parents still live here, so it means even more to me. It also allows me to see the area from a completely different perspective. As an ordinary passer-by, you walk through it without really seeing it in the same way."
脌 vos c么t茅s, from the association Inter-Actions
脌 vos c么t茅s is a service launched in 2020 by the association Inter-Actions. While the organisation is involved in a wide range of social initiatives, 脌 vos c么t茅s focuses specifically on creating a greater sense of safety and providing support throughout the streets of Luxembourg City. The service operates across the Gare, Bonnevoie and Ville Haute districts, carrying out regular patrols to assist local residents and shopkeepers.
"Our job is first and foremost to be out in the community, close to residents and local businesses. A large part of what we do is preventing conflicts through mediation and helping resolve situations peacefully. We also support vulnerable people living in the neighbourhood", explains Edmar.
The association employs 25 officers, including 11 based in the Gare district, all coming from a variety of professional backgrounds. It also acts as a stepping stone for people wishing to enter the social sector without necessarily holding formal qualifications. Staff members are encouraged to enrol in accredited training programmes that enable them to develop professionally. Edmar, for example, also works as a youth educator alongside his role at 脌 vos c么t茅s.
Listening and supporting others at the heart of the role
The members of 脌 vos c么t茅s carry out a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Helping to de-escalate conflicts through dialogue and mediation.
- Supporting vulnerable people living in the neighbourhood.
- Directing people towards the services they need.
- Responding when residents or local businesses require assistance.
If they witness a disagreement during one of their patrols, they intervene to calm the situation through communication rather than physical intervention. This is one of the key differences between their role and that of the police, who are called upon whenever physical intervention becomes necessary.
The service also provides practical support to vulnerable people or anyone in need. This can involve escorting children home from school, helping elderly residents carry their shopping, or offering assistance tailored to individual circumstances. They adapt to the needs to ensure that no one is left behind.
The team also helps people who may be lost and supports local shopkeepers by responding to both one-off and recurring requests for assistance.
Each officer carries information leaflets at all times, enabling them to direct people either to their own services or to other Inter-Actions programmes.
Another major strength is their ability to communicate with a diverse population. Edmar speaks seven languages, while Carla speaks four, an invaluable asset in such a multicultural neighbourhood as Gare.
By adapting their daily routine to the needs they encounter, the team helps maintain a reassuring presence throughout the district while providing practical support to local residents.
Carla explains: "Every day, we try to be wherever we see there's a need. Generally, we make sure we're visible across the whole neighbourhood so people recognise us, feel reassured, and know they can approach us whenever they need help."
A varied and physically demanding job
Carla and Edmar's daily work revolves around regular patrols throughout Luxembourg City's Gare district. Each patrol lasts around an hour and covers different areas depending on local needs. After every round, they return to the office to write a report before heading back out. Throughout the day, they walk considerable distances to maintain a visible presence across as much of the district as possible.
"We usually walk between 15 and 20 kilometres a day, sometimes even more depending on the number of interventions", Carla tells us.
However, physical fitness alone is not enough.
"You do need to be reasonably fit because we spend several hours walking every day, but that's only part of the job. Building relationships with people is by far the most important aspect", says Edmar.
Working hours vary, but the service operates from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 7.00 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The 脌 vos c么t茅s patrol starter pack:
- Their distinctive green T-shirt;
- Information leaflets to direct people towards available services;
- A first aid kit;
- Above all, kindness.
A deeply rewarding profession
For both Carla and Edmar, the role is demanding but immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally.
"I think we're constantly growing. We're always learning. We meet people who have been through incredibly difficult experiences, and it really puts things into perspective in our own lives. It's an incredibly enriching job", says Carla.
Edmar agrees: "Listening to people's stories changes you. It makes you reflect on yourself as well. This job definitely helps you grow as a person."
Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life can sometimes be challenging.
Edmar explains: "At first, it's not always easy, but it's something you learn to work on. We're fortunate to receive a lot of training on mental health, and that really helps."
For Carla: "It's essential in this profession to take a step back. Some situations affect us more than others, after all, we're only human. You have to learn to separate your professional and personal life. We do our very best, but maintaining perspective is absolutely crucial."
One of the greatest sources of motivation comes from the gratitude expressed by the people they have helped. Residents frequently stop to thank them when they meet again in the neighbourhood, a reminder of just how valuable their work is to the local community.
When asked what advice they would give to someone considering this career, they answered :
Carla: "You have to genuinely enjoy working with people. You need to be compassionate, patient and able to stay calm. People can sense kindness. Most importantly, you have to know how to listen."
Edmar:"...and be ready to walk 15 kilometres a day!"
If you would like to find out more about the association or get in touch, visit inter-actions.lu.
Has this story inspired you? Why not share your own journey and help shine a light on the often-overlooked realities of your profession? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch at communication@moovijob.com.