The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “I want (you)th” hosted by Associazione No Borders, gathered 25 young people aged 14-18 years old and 7 youth leaders from 5 countries – Italy, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Spain and Albania. The project about volunteering, active participation and opportunities for and by young people took place in the scenic Ostello Parco Monte Barro in Galbiate, Italy from 18th to 26th September.

During 7 days of non formal education activities the participants had an opportunity to:

• learn about active participation, involvement, the difference between volunteering and activism, as well as different volunteering opportunities in local, national and European levels, such as European Solidarity corps international volunteering activities, Erasmus+ and others. 
• increase transversal skills, especially various soft skills related to communication, problem solving, time and resource management etc. 
• reflect on the personal contribution they make and can make to society through volunteering and social dialogue and the possible use of social media for raising awareness of and tackling social issues.

This was achieved by the experience of living in a multicultural community, self managed activities and non-formal education activities, like role-plays, discussions, trying out volunteering in practise with association Legambiente Lecco, participants sharing their own experiences (half of the group had previous experience volunteering while others did not), listening to good practise examples for involvement of young people in volunteering activities in Human library, sharing their culture through dances, quizzes and food in intercultural nights and self-organizing activities in the free time.

The results

As a tangible result of the project in one of the sessions devoted to volunteering practise, after getting to know the general goals and approaches of Legambiente Lecco (the manager of the hostel where the project was hosted), participants created upcycled items useful in the daily life of the hostel and the organization, such as  a sign with the name of the hostel, a birds house, holders for cutlery and pencils and a clothes hanger.

Within the project various artistic tools were used, such as theatrical performances, representing practical volunteering examples, comics creation for active youth participation processes, drawing posters for explanation of European opportunities – Erasmus+ Youth exchanges, European Solidarity corps volunteering activities and solidarity projects and DiscoverEU, as well as photos and videos.

During the mobility activity participants also created ideas for volunteering activities about topics that they care deeply about and find problematic, which they could do when returning back home, for example:

• providing activities of clothes swap every season, as well as informative campaigns focusing on the problem of fast fashion, targeting in particular young people
• organizing conferences in schools and youth centers addressing the problem of fake news and misinformation, raising media literacy of their peers.

Results from impact assessment questionnaire, which was given to all participants on the first and the last day of the exchange showed a visible increase in understanding the differences between volunteering and activism, a smaller, but still significant increase in awareness of the diverse opportunities for volunteering (at a local, national, European and international level), awareness of what are the social issues participants as individuals are mostly interested in and that I would like to address as a volunteer as well as awareness of the impact of volunteering and active participation for the society.

The voices of the participants

But what could better describe the project than the participants themselves – a few days after the project, when asked about their experience, Miriam from Italy shared that “The topic was so useful because now I know how to find opportunities on the specific topics. The thing I liked the most is learning about other people’s experience. The most challenging moments were trying to create a plan that everyone liked with all or most of the ideas that we came up with. The happiest moments were dancing in the auditorium or dancing while we were doing the dishes or even cooking”. 

Mario (Spain) says “I learned a lot about expressing myself although it was more difficult because I used a different language. I also learned that sometimes I need my space and socializing all the time is really tiring. I imagined that the most distant countries would have many differences but I saw that we are really similar in all the aspects. And I learn many things like dances, new words and expressions from the rest of the countries and that’s funny. I went to the project with a small idea about volunteering and activism and I return home with a lot of examples, ways, and ideas to contribute to our planet and society.” 

Kalina (Bulgaria) says: “During the project, I learned that living in a community is hard but not impossible when you work as a group in the activities and outside. I learned that it’s important  to be an active participant in the community you live in not only for your own personal growth but also for  the environment. One of the most challenging things I did was to break loose around the participants and during the activities, but in the end, everything just became easier, and the talk went smoother. Some of the activities were definitely more daring as they were connected with topics most of us weren’t that familiar with. Even though it was hard, the experience I got from it was something you can’t just find anywhere and the friendships you make along the way are the ones that will stay with you for the rest of your life. I got to experience other cultures, and I think that the cultural nights were my favorite. In the end, I can say that the experience I got from the project has definitely made a change in me, and I’ll definitely out for other projects.”

More thoughts about the project can be seen also in this video, created by the participants on the last day of the project activity.

L'articolo “I want (you)th”. An Erasmus+ youth exchange to create opportunities for youth proviene da Youth Networks.

From July 26th to 31st, Galbiate (Italy) became a vibrant hub of adventure and cross-cultural exploration, as young participants from Denmark, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain gathered to create unforgettable memories. 

Uniting for a Common Cause: The Essence and Ambitions

At its core, the Youth Exchange aimed to empower teens aged 14 to 17 by immersing them in the world of outdoor activities and inclusive sports. Together with our partner organizations, we sought to break down barriers, create lifelong connections, and provide a truly transformative experience. 

A Snapshot of Success: Highlights and Milestones

Over six incredible days, we embarked on a journey of growth and adventure. Through it all – learning survival techniques or sharing cultural treasures, we grew individually and collectively. From icebreakers that turned strangers into friends, to traditional and creative games that had us all laughing and learning, every moment was designed to bring us together. Cultural nights allowed us to savor diverse flavors and traditions, deepening our understanding of each other’s backgrounds.

Embracing Physical and Mental Challenges: A Holistic Approach

Our program had something for everyone, catering to both body and mind. From decoding body language to mastering the art of juggling, we tapped into self-expression and personal growth in creative ways. The physical challenges weren’t limited to traditional sports; we introduced inventive twists that encouraged teamwork, strategizing, and yes, plenty of laughter.

Cultural Showcases: A Feast for the Senses

Sharing our cultures was a highlight of the exchange. Cultural nights transformed into global feasts of music, dance, and flavors. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain came to life through stories and traditional dishes that sparked conversations and a deeper appreciation for our diversity.

Sporting Challenges: Taking Fun to New Heights

We reinvented the concept of classic sports games that tested our skills and teamwork in exciting ways. Volleyball took on a twist, while dodgeball brought surprises that had us strategizing and laughing in equal measure.

Impactful Adventures: Learning and Giving Back

Beyond the fun, our project also aimed to give back. We cleaned beaches, honed survival skills, and engaged with local communities, experiencing the joy of making a positive impact. Our activities promoted responsibility, teamwork, and an understanding of the world beyond ourselves.

Embracing Memories: The Final Chapter

As our journey came to an end, we celebrated our achievements by summarizing our learnings, sharing them with local Italian kids and putting them into words for the YouthPass, closing the chapters of our emotional diaries, and cherishing the moments that shaped us in heart-warming closing rituals. We left with a sense of fulfillment, carrying with us the memories of this adventure – the laughter, the challenges, and the connections – with us to fuel our journeys ahead.

Voices from the participants 

Samantha from the Italian team shared: “The thing that prompted me to participate was curiosity because I had never participated in a project of this type. I really enjoyed the activities and especially learning about new cultures.”

Nicolo from Italy says: “It was an incredible experience, I wanted to have this experience to improve my English and get to know new cultures, my expectations were absolutely met.”

Lara from Portugal shared her thoughts: “What made me join was meeting new people and improving my English. I loved the experience and would gladly repeat it, the part I liked the most was the international nights.”

Luis from Portugal says: “My personal favorite part was being able to meet other cultures and getting in touch with people very different from me, and being able to identify with them and form friendships. Above all I’ve learnt how a Youth Exchange works, what the Youth Pass is and improved my notions of multiculturalism. I would without a doubt recommend Youth Exchanges to a friend, like my friend did with me.”

A Legacy of Friendship and Adventure

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the Youth Exchange. This journey has shown us that when we come together, share experiences, and celebrate diversity, magic happens.

Stay Tuned for More: The Journey Continues

The “Outdoor Activities and Sport for All” Youth Exchange has left us with memories that fuel our desire for more adventures, more learning, and more global connections. We invite you to keep your spirits high and your hearts open – who knows what incredible journeys await us next?

L'articolo “Outdoor Activities and Sport for All” Youth Exchange: A Journey Worth Sharing proviene da Youth Networks.

In the light of the 3-year Erasmus Plus accreditation obtained by the Associazione Joint to develop a strategy aimed at the inclusion and empowerment of young people with the fewer social and economic opportunities in European mobility projects, the training was the first step towards achieving 3 objectives:

• Recruit young people with fewer opportunities, also by creating local networks of organisations working directly with them;
• Train youth workers active in the field of international mobility to work with young people with fewer opportunities and train educators to work in international mobility projects;
• Create standard preparation and follow-up activities to meet the needs of this target group.

Inclusion in Mobility Projects

The objective of the Training Course “Inclusion in Mobility Projects” was to train participants to their eventual involvement in Youth Exchanges financed by the Erasmus+ programme and organised by Associazione Joint and its network of partners over 2023, and in the following years. These projects will in fact involve vulnerable and highly vulnerable young participants with economic and social difficulties.

During the course, the priorities were:

• Train group leaders on inclusion and strategies to support participants with fewer opportunities before, during and after a youth exchange experience;
• Co-design the youth exchanges to be hosted by Associazione Joint in 2023 that will focus on inclusion;
• Establish cooperation agreements with organisations active in the field of youth mobility.

Testimonies of Participants

Curious to know how it went?
During the 8 days of work, Associazione Joint collected testimonials from the training participants!

“THE TRAINING COURSE WAS WELL THOUGHT AND I FELT LIKE I GOT PERSONAL GROWTH THAT HELPS ME IN MY CAREER AND ALSO IN MY PERSONAL LIFE.1 WEEK IN MONTE BARRO WAS EXCEPTIONAL.” – JAMI, FINLANDIA (ASSOCIAtion OIVANKI)

“NGO PROVIDING EXCELLENT SUPPORT AND IMPARTING VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE. OVERALL, IT WAS THE BEST-ORGANIZED PROJECT I HAVE EVER PARTICIPATED IN.” – MIRKO, SERBIA (ASSOCIAtion MOTUS ADOLESCENTI)

“EIGHT INCREDIBLE DAYS, BETWEEN SKY AND LAKES, EXCHANGING PRACTICES, KNOWLEDGES, LANGUAGES AND STORIES. IT IS HARD TO FORGET EXPERIENCES LIKE THESE.” – NICOLÒ, FRANCIA (ASSOCIAtion HORS PISTES)

“IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING WEEK. THANKS TO THIS TRAINING COURSE I HAVE LEARNT A LOT ABOUT HOW TO IMPROVE MYSLELF AS A YOU THE EXCHANGE LEADER. I HAVE ALSO MET A LOT OF INCREDIBLE PEOPLE INSPIRING ME FOR MY PERSONAL LIFE AND MY PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS. I’M REALLY GREATFULL TO EVERYBODY THAT MADE THIS POSSIBLE!” – ADRIÁN (ASSOCIAtion PARCOURS LE MONDE)

“THE TRAINING COURSE WAS PRETTY COOL, I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH FEWER OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE PRACTICAL EXERCISES WERE GREAT FOR PRACTICE.” – MIKKEL, DANIMARCA (ASSOCIAtion PASSION UDFLUGT)

“IN GALBIATE, ITALY. I REPRESENTED THE PRIENAI YOUNG MALTESERS GROUP AND THE PRIENAI PRIENAI PRIMARY SCHOOL.THE AIM OF MY PARTICIPATION WAS TO FIND PARTNERS FOR THE YOUTH EXCHANGE AND TO BE A YOUTH LEADER IN THE FUTURE EXCHANGES. IN THIS EXCHANGE WE PLAN TO INVOLVE THE BEST MEMBERS OF THE PRIENAI YOUNG MALTESERS GROUP AND THE BEST STUDENTS OF THE ISLAUZ SCHOOL. 22 PARTICIPANTS.10 COUNTRIES – PORTUGAL, LITHUANIA, FINLAND, SERBIA, GERMANY, POLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, ITALY, AND DENMARK. WE LEARNT HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE MOST VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE AND INVOLVE THEM IN MOBILITY PROJECTS. CONTACTS WERE MADE FOR FUTURE YOUTH EXCHANGES. I AM GLAD THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ISLAUZ SCHOOL SUPPORTS MY DESIRE TO LEARN AND DEVELOP. AND ABOVE THAT CHURCH IS A 15TH CENTURY CHURCH. FRANCESCO SFORCA, GREAT-GRANDFATHER OF OUR SIGISMUND AUGUSTUS, HAD A FORTIFICATION WALL BUILT.” – RITA, LITHUANIA (ASSOCIAtion PRIENU JAUNIEJI MALTIEČIAI)

“IN THIS TRAINING COURSE I HAVE SHARED AND EXCHANGED EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER YOUTH WORKERS AND YOUNG FUTURE YOUTH LEADERS WITH DIVERSE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS.  THE SYNERGIES THAT I HAVE CREATED WITH OTHER PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND CULTURES IS AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY” – AIDA, SPAGNA (ASSOCIAtion MUÉVETE POR EUROPA)

“THE TRAINING COURSE REALLY HELPED UNDERSTAND OTHERS WITH SIMILAR GOALS AND GOT ME TO EXPEND MY VIEW OF THIS FIELD OF WORK. IT MADE ME EVEN MORE SURE THAT I WANNA KEEP GOING IN THAT DIRECTION, AND I HOPE THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO TEACH THAT EXPERIENCE TO OTHERS” – LOICK, FRANCIA (ASSOCIAtion PARCOURS LE MONDE)

“THIS TC HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY EMOTIONAL FOR ME. THE TOPIC TO BE DISCUSSED WAS INCLUSION AND WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED IS TO CREATE A GROUP OF VERY CLOSE TIES BETWEEN US, A TOTALLY HORIZONTAL COMMUNITY AND A SAFE SPACE IN WHICH EVERYONE FELT COMFORTABLE. WE HAVE UNDERSTOOD INCLUSION AND ITS IMPORTANCE AT THE DEEPEST LEVEL SINCE WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IT ON OUR SKIN. IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE” – SANTIAGO, SPAGNA (ASSOCIAtion BRÚJULA INTERCULTURAL)

L'articolo Inclusion in Mobility Projects | Training Course on the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities proviene da Youth Networks.

The TOSCA initiative is a comprehensive program designed to provide organisation support and enhance the capacity of entities that actively participate in Volunteering Actions of the European Solidarity Corps. Its ultimate goal is to ensure high-quality and impactful outcomes for the projects undertaken by these organisations. By providing a wide range of capacity-building activities, such as training sessions, coaching, and mentoring, TOSCA empowers these organizations to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate their volunteer projects.

In this article, we will discuss the objectives and benefits of TOSCA and how it ensures quality and impact in respective projects.

Objectives and Benefits of TOSCA

TOSCA fosters a supportive community for European Solidarity Corps, building project design and implementation competencies while providing clarity and support.

TOSCA’s goals and benefits are as follows:

• Increase understanding, awareness, and dedication to the European Solidarity Corps’ fundamental quality requirements;
• Develop skills in the planning and implementation of European Solidarity Corps initiatives with a focus on quality;
• Provide formal clarity and support for the program’s opportunities, guidelines, structures, priorities, regulations, and processes;
• Enable people to voice critical issues and requirements and provide assistance when possible;
• Create a supporting community of European Solidarity Corps organisations;

For more information about the topic, you can watch this video explaining what kind of approach TOSCA has in defining quality in European Solidarity Corps Volunteering activities.

Conclusion

TOSCA plays a vital role in supporting and building capacities in organisations to ensure quality and impact in respective projects. The program fosters a supportive community of organizations involved in the European Solidarity Corps, building competencies in designing and implementing quality projects, and ensuring clarity and support. By achieving its objectives, TOSCA ensures that the activities of the European Solidarity Corps are based on core values of solidarity and contribute positively to society.

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Guidelines for Educators: Promoting Digital Literacy in the Classroom

L'articolo TOSCA: Building Quality and Impact in European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Actions proviene da Youth Networks.

Digital literacy promotion and disinformation tackling are increasingly important for educators in the digital age. The Guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education provide hands-on guidance for teachers and educators to achieve this goal. These guidelines provide practical tips, activity plans, insights, and cautionary notes based on effective digital literacy education and training.

Objectives of the Guidelines for Teachers and Educators

The guidelines aim to promote responsible and safe use of digital technologies, foster public awareness of disinformation, and enhance critical thinking skills in students. Moreover, they offer expertise on building trust, creating safe spaces for discussion, and enhancing students’ digital resilience.

The guidelines are designed for primary and secondary school teachers and educators in different subjects and with varying levels of experience and knowledge. They provide concrete guidance and practical support for teaching in classrooms and similar educational settings. 

Overall, the guidelines do not offer solutions to all the issues that may arise but focus on the following objectives:

1. Providing insight and knowledge about the dynamics of disinformation and credible information.
2. Fostering an understanding of how digital literacy can be achieved.
3. Sharing information on using digital technologies critically and responsibly.
4. Providing insight on how to assess students’ digital literacy competencies.

In conclusion, these guidelines support educators in preparing their students for the digital age, improving their ability to recognize disinformation and navigate the online world. By incorporating these guidelines into their teaching practices, educators can promote digital literacy and contribute to creating a more informed and engaged society. You can download the guideline for educators here, don’t miss this opportunity!

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L'articolo Guidelines for Educators: Promoting Digital Literacy in the Classroom proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you an organisation looking to expand your reach and find more potential volunteers for your projects? Now you can do it on Youth4Europe!

We understand the importance of connecting volunteers with the right opportunities. That’s why we’ve created a platform that allows organizations like yours to post volunteering projects and opportunities for free, reaching thousands of potential candidates all over Europe. 

Now, let’s see how you can post your projects! 

Why Post Volunteering Opportunities?

Through our portal, you can easily advertise your volunteer opportunities, such as ESC projects, and search for and connect with potential participants. Moreover, by using Youth4Europe your organization can gain visibility and reach more potential volunteers. The more opportunities you post, the more likely you are to find the right fit for your projects.

Once you submit your volunteer project on Youth4Europe, it will be reviewed for approval and then shared through our various channels, including:

• our Facebook Pages (Youth4Europe with over 17.7K followers and ***European Solidarity Corps with over 28K followers); 
• Facebook Group (with over 64.5K members); 
• Instagram Page (with over 2.8K followers);
• our newsletter, sent twice a month (here to subscribe);

This gives you access to a large and diverse audience, increasing the chances of finding the perfect volunteer for your project. 

Post Your Volunteering Projects with No Limits

Last but not least, we don’t limit the number of volunteer projects you can post on Youth4Europe, and the process is totally free of charge, with the only requirement being that your organization creates a personal account. We believe in the power of volunteering to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, and we want to make it as easy as possible for organizations to connect with volunteers. To get started, the procedure is as follows:

• simply log in or create an account; 
• click on “Add Listing”;
• fill in the required information; 
• and submit for approval; 

Be sure to read the Guidelines carefully before submitting to ensure that your volunteer opportunity is as effective as possible. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your organization’s reach and make a difference in the lives of volunteers and communities across Europe – post your volunteer opportunities on Youth4Europe today!

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L'articolo Publish Your Volunteering Projects For Free proviene da Youth Networks.

According to that, this training addresses staff members whose organisations deal with European Solidarity Corps, international or local volunteers and willing to improve their learning awareness and to provide the volunteers with a Soft Skill Certificate off GloRe.

Overall Information

The Technical Training’s working language is English.
The event is hosted on Zoom on Thursday 20/12/2022.

Upon participation, it is necessary to complete an e-learning module which requires 40-60 minutes to be done properly.

To apply for the Technical Training fill out the form by 12/12/2022. There are a total of 20 places available and the selection will happen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Technical Training Schedule

L'articolo Training on GloRe Platform for Volunteering Certification | Open to Organisations’ Staff proviene da Youth Networks.

The project aims to become a tool to implement the recent council conclusions on the Mobility of Young Volunteers and Cross-Border Solidarity.

This will be achieved by a series of activities to strengthen the visibility of volunteering in the programme and foster the collaboration on volunteering and solidarity among stakeholders. Different activities will support the development of European volunteering and strengthen the cooperation in Europe and beyond.

Objectives

• Increasing the knowledge about the European Solidarity Corps programme and its impact
• Supporting the knowledge exchange around European volunteering and solidarity
• Advocating for better conditions for European volunteering
• Increasing the visibility of European volunteering
• Fostering the collaboration among stakeholders and strengthening the community(ies) of practise

Background and Needs

With the new programme generation starting 2021, the European Solidarity Corps programme has undergone a shift towards a pure volunteering scheme for local and international volunteering.

There is a need to explore the following questions together as a network of National Agencies:

• What does the shift to volunteering imply for the community of practice?
• What are the new trends? What are the risks?
• How can we improve the conditions for different strands of the ESC (Individual, Teams, Solidarity Projects) and look deeper into complementarity of national and EU volunteering?
• What is needed to strengthen European volunteering?

Find the all documents here.

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Research on volunteer-based youth work

L'articolo SNAC | Strategic National Agencies’ Cooperation 2022–2027 proviene da Youth Networks.

About the research

The sample was made up of the International Youth Organisations (INGYOs), National Youth Councils (NYCs), national and local youth organisations and volunteer-based youth workers from 15 European countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland). The research participants were encouraged to reflect on the concept and value of volunteer-based youth work and to elaborate on how it has been implemented in practice, in terms of support systems, education, training and career prospects for volunteers in youth work.

Download the research here.

The research participants were encouraged to reflect on the concept and value of volunteer-based youth work and to elaborate on how it has been implemented in practice, in terms of support systems, education, training and career prospects for volunteers in youth work. They were invited to identify the main challenges and opportunities in these areas, and to suggest policy recommendations for different audiences (governments, agencies, youth organisations, etc.).

Results

The research findings reveal that the understanding of the concept of volunteer-based youth work is lacking amongst various members of the youth work community of practice, and that its relationship with the concept of volunteering is unclear.

The value of volunteering in youth work is beyond doubt, and is linked to both individual and social aspects.

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L'articolo Research on volunteer-based youth work proviene da Youth Networks.

According to it, e-learning shows up as an effective and economical additional means, that provides training and support to volunteers.

It is an ideal tool for the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of a commonly and socially constructed understanding. For these reasons, the consortium has created ESC2LEARN, an online training platform to support remote volunteers.

ESC2LEARN Online Training Platform for Volunteers

ESC2LEARN is an online training platform to support volunteers and provide training and support through 30 e-modules on various topics related to volunteering.

On the website it is possible to:

• access the e-learning platform;
• watch a serie of tutorials;
• visit the interactive map of volunteering projects;

The partners are also asking to fill out a questionnaire to evaluate the experience of using the e-learning platform, to any organisation that deals with volunteers and volunteering projects.

Fill out the survey.

The purpose of this evaluation is to improve the existing project.

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Project Result: eADULTS | Exchange of good practices

L'articolo ESC2LEARN | Online Training Platform to Support Volunteers proviene da Youth Networks.