Are you 18 years old and dreaming of travelling around Europe? Discover how to organise and how to embark on an unforgettable trip with the “DiscoverEU” program, which will allow you to explore all of Europe by train completely free!

Hurry up! In fact, 36,318 travel passes are available for young people from all over Europe (who are 18 years old). The applications for the project will remain open until 18 October.

Read on to find out how to get your travel pass!

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is a key initiative within the Erasmus+ programme. The aim of the project is to give young people the chance to embark on a journey of exploration across Europe’s diverse culture and deepen their understanding of its history.

Participants will receive a travel pass that will primarily facilitate rail travel, but there are also some specific guidelines for residents of islands or remote areas.

They will also get a lot of discounts encompassing cultural excursions, educational pursuits, sporting activities, local transportation, accommodations, and dining experiences.

How does it work?

To meet the eligibility criteria, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Your birthdate must fall between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.
• Provide the correct identity card (ID), passport, or residence card number when completing the online application.
• Be a citizen or resident of one of the following:
  • Any European Union Member State, including Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
  • One of the third countries associated with the Erasmus+ program: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, or Türkiye.

You will also need to take part in a quiz (unless you’re applying as part of a group).

If you are selected, you can embark on your travels for a minimum of 1 day and up to 30 days, spanning from March 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

Can I travel with friends?

You have the flexibility to travel on your own or invite up to four friends to join your group, as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier.

They should use your application code to submit their own applications.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in coordinating travel plans with other DiscoverEU participants, you can join DiscoverEU Facebook Group that serves as an excellent platform for this purpose.

Once you’re chosen, the Erasmus+ National Agencies will facilitate the process and they will organise pre-departure meetings and traveler meet-ups to enhance your experience.

How to apply?

If you meet all the requirements mentioned above and are willing to leave for this adventure do not wait any longer: the deadline for applications is October 18, 2023!

To send your application and find out more about this opportunity visit the official website of DiscoverEU!

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Are you an organisation that has developed a sport project and funded by the Erasmus+ programme? If the answer is yes, find out how to participate in the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards!

It is a programme that aims to reward the best projects that have successfully supported social inclusion through sport.

The Awards

Sport is a powerful tool to promote European values. The awards aim to give visibility and support the dissemination of innovative ideas and best practices throughout Europe.

This project wants to reward the achievements of sport organisations that are working with:

• ethnic minorities
• refugees
• people with disabilities
• youth groups at risk
• any other group that faces challenging social circumstances
• promote women’s participation to sport

The categories of the Award

The competition will concern three categories, in which organisations can participate.

Each category covers different themes and will be awarded a winner for each of them:

• Breaking barriers: rewards projects and organisations that empower disadvantaged individuals
• Promoting gender equality in sport – Be Equal: rewards projects and organisations that recognise the added value of more gender equality in sport
• Sport for peace: rewards projects and organisations that promote peace and European values through sports

The prizes

There will be three winners, one for each category, which will be announced during the final ceremony of the project.

The winners will receive €10,000 each, while the finalists (2nd and 3rd place in each category) will receive €2,500 each.

The requirements

All organisations that have developed a sport project to promote European values can participate in the competition.

The project may still be ongoing but must be funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

To apply for the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, participants will have to submit their projects (text, videos, images or other material).
The materials should be in English or they should include a translation into English.

Projects can include:

• young people with a migrant background
• refugees and ethnic minorities
• disadvantaged, marginalized or underprivileged groups
• people with a disability
• individuals with difficult social backgrounds
• any other group that faces challenging social circumstances

How to apply

To submit your application for the competition you must fill in the online form on the official website.

The deadline is 28 September 2023, applications sent after this date will not be considered.

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The Gomarduli Adventure Education Seminar is an upcoming event that offers a unique platform for professionals in the European Solidarity Corps sector to engage in discussions, share methodologies, and build networks. This seminar, taking place from 2nd to 7th October 2023, will be held in the beautiful Gomarduli village, located in the scenic Adjara region of Georgia.

The Seminar Overview

At this seminar, participants will have the opportunity to explore adventure education as an approach within non-formal learning. The focus will be on sharing methods and experiences in adventure, outdoor, and experiential learning. The event will also serve as a platform for networking and fostering collaborations for future European Solidarity Corps projects.

The seminar will adopt an open format, encouraging active participation from all participants. It will be a community of practice laboratory, where participants are invited to contribute their own approaches and methodologies in adventure, experiential, and outdoor education. This collaborative learning environment will be further enriched by networking and partnership building, facilitating the emergence of innovative youth project ideas.

Participants and Team

All participants attending the seminar will form the team, with some individuals being invited to facilitate specific sessions throughout the event. The seminar is designed for approximately 24-28 persons, representing various stakeholders of the European Solidarity Corps program, including trainers, mentors, coordinators, and National Agencies officers, among others.

Potential participants should meet the following criteria:

– Interest in Adventure Education and a desire to share approaches and methods.

– Involvement in any capacity within the European Solidarity Corps program.

– Working knowledge of English, the working language of the seminar.

– Availability to actively participate for the entire duration of the event.

– Openness to unexpected and surprising learning situations.

It’s important to note that this seminar is centered around Adventure Education and will require full participation from morning till evening. Unlike traditional sessions divided into fixed time slots, this seminar embraces a flexible approach. However, breaks will be provided during the process.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge of adventure education, share best practices, and connect with professionals in the European Solidarity Corps sector. Apply by 4th June 2023!

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Enhancing Quality Label Expertise: Solidarity Corps Training

SoliDARE 2023, Strengthening European Solidarity Corps Community

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The International Solidarity Corps Training offers Quality Label experts a chance to expand their skills and competencies. This training course focuses on the Quality Label process and standards, catering exclusively to experts working in or for a National Agency or Regional SALTO.

Training Overview

In order to provide greater opportunities for Quality Label experts to enhance their skills and competencies, there are two registration options available:

1. Online Part Only: this option allows you to participate in the virtual training sessions and gain valuable knowledge remotely;
2. Full Course: Alternatively, you have the option to register for the full course, which includes the online phase, practice phase, and a residential training course in Luxembourg. If you plan to attend the full course, please also register for the training course in Luxembourg here.

Online Phase

The Online Introduction Phase, taking place from 19th to 21st June 2023, offers a flexible learning experience with three-hour morning sessions per day. Participants can join remotely from any location.

The Practice Online Phase runs from July to November 2023 and includes three optional online workshops focusing on program priorities. These workshops explore topics such as digital transformation, democratic participation, inclusion and diversity, and environmental protection and climate change. Benefits of the Online Introduction Phase:

1. Understanding Program Priorities: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the program’s priorities, including environmental protection, sustainable development, digital transformation, democratic participation, and diversity and inclusion.
2. Role Reflection and Sharing: Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their role as Quality Label experts and share their experiences with peers.
3. Supportive Community: The online introduction phase fosters a supportive community of Quality Label experts, providing peer support and opportunities for collaboration.

Following the online phase, participants will have the opportunity to attend a Residential Training Course from 7th to 11th November 2023 in Luxembourg. This immersive training experience provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning and networking with fellow professionals in the field. To secure your spot, make sure to submit your application by the deadline of 31st May 2023.

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SoliDARE 2023, Strengthening European Solidarity Corps Community

SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps

L'articolo Enhancing Quality Label Expertise: Solidarity Corps Training proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a project manager or youth leader involved in Solidarity Corps projects? Are you looking to build partnerships and connect with a community of like-minded professionals? If yes, SoliDARE – European Meeting for Organisations in the Solidarity Corps is the event for you!

Taking place in Prague, Czech Republic from 18-22 September 2023, SoliDARE aims to bring together representatives from organisations and informal groups active in the European Solidarity Corps. The event aims to continue building up the community of organisations in the program.

Overview of the Seminar

SoliDARE aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide space for networking and creation of future partnerships;
• Bring inspirations;
• Build a sense of membership for a Solidarity Corps program community.

The event will include inputs from experts, open space for participants, and space to exchange solutions to the challenges that organisations face in implementing actions supported by the Corps. The participants are expected to contribute to the program with their expectations, needs, and workshop proposals. The event will be a mixture between sharing experiences and community building for active organisations, informal groups, and young people.

The event is open to the following groups:

• Project managers of sending and hosting organisations in the Corps, having a Quality Label (all roles) and members of the teams managing the volunteering activities;
• Young people involved in managing solidarity projects (project coordinator or team member);
• NAs representatives;

The application deadline is 31 May 2023, and the date of selection is 19 June 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded professionals and build partnerships for your Solidarity Corps projects. Apply now for SoliDARE – European Meeting for Organisations in the Solidarity Corps!

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SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps

NGO Sustainable: Strategies for Growing and Expanding Your NGO’s Impact

L'articolo SoliDARE 2023, Strengthening European Solidarity Corps Community proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you interested in incorporating young people into your international activities? Do you want to learn about funding opportunities for your local projects? Join the SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps: Activating Citizens – Municipalities/Local Authorities Making Use of the European Solidarity Corps.

The seminar will take place online on 13-20 June 2023 from 9:30 to 15:00 CET and is hosted by the Cyprus National Agency for E+ and ESC, the SALTO European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre, and the European Goes Local network. If you want to know more, keep reading!

Overview of the Seminar

The main aim of the seminar is to motivate and support municipalities to make use of the European Solidarity Corps Programme as a tool for social cohesion and solidarity. The seminar will explore how to bring sustainable added value to the local community by supporting the active engagement of young people in voluntary activities or solidarity projects.

The SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps will:

– Present the funding opportunities of the new European Solidarity Corps Programme 2021-2027 to demonstrate how the programme works in practice.

– Highlight inspiring examples from Cyprus, other European countries, and the partner regions that illustrate how municipalities and their youngsters can benefit from the European Solidarity Corps.

– Showcase how volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps can foster social innovation, inclusion and can lead to a sustainable added value in communities.

– Offer space for networking, exchange of good practices and counseling through group work sessions.

– Present other opportunities for municipalities such as Erasmus+ and CERV that want to strengthen their existing networks through involving the young generation will be part of the seminar as well.

Target Group and Application Procedure

This seminar is recommended for a diverse range of participants including youth workers, leaders and project managers, policy makers, as well as representatives from municipalities, local authorities and youth councils and clubs.

This Seminar is for 30 participants from Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries Austria, Belgium – DE, Belgium – FL, Belgium – FR, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia. If you’re interested in participating, you can submit your application until 23/05/2023. The deadline to apply is 23 May 2023.

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ESC Buddy-Support System: SALTO SEE’s Measure for Western Balkans

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SALTO SEE has launched a new buddy-support system to help organisations from the Western Balkans (WB) to participate in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). This measure is designed to support the quality and quantity of volunteering projects and matches two organisations to collaborate on peer support and activate accredited organisations in the WB.

Enhancing quality and enhancing partnership creation are the two main aspects of this measure. It addresses the needs of both experienced and less experienced organisations from the WB and ESC participating countries. Read on to find out more about this exciting support measure from SALTO SEE.

SALTO SEE’s ESC Buddy-Support System

The buddy-support system includes a series of online meetings and physical visits between organisations. The process begins with match-making to establish each Buddy Support Team, which then works individually during July and August. The timeframe for the implementation of the measure is June – September 2023.

Financial stimulation is also available in the form of a 400 EUR support for the experienced organisation. Once the measure is fully implemented, the experienced organisation is required to send a final report consolidated by both partners to claim the fee.

Interested organisations can apply by filling out an application form by May 12, 2023. For more information, you can contact andrej.troha@movit.si.

L'articolo ESC Buddy-Support System: SALTO SEE’s Measure for Western Balkans proviene da Youth Networks.

If you are working in the NGO sector, you’re probably aware that it takes more than good intentions to make a real impact. Running an organisation requires dedication, skills, and a systemic approach to be able to reach your goals sustainably. Whether you are part of a young or an experienced NGO, the online course called NGO.Sustainable has something to offer to help take your organisation to the next level.

What is NGO.Sustainable?

NGO.Sustainable is an online training course designed by NGOs Synergy Bulgaria (BG), Roes Cooperativa (GR), Life Zone (EE) and FEIO (PL) to share their expertise in:

• strategic development; 
• branding and communication with target groups; 
• digital youth work; 
• international project management; 

This course is tailored to help organisations adopt a systemic approach to running an organisation. It offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills and adapt to an ever-changing context to make a real and positive impact.

By the end of the course, participants will have clarity about their next steps, feel more confident about branding and digital activities, as well as gain a new perspective on project management. In addition, you will have access to extra materials, templates, and examples of good practices in the NGO.Sustainable Library and be able to join the online FB community for personalised support.

NGO.Sustainable is a unique opportunity for young and less experienced NGOs to grow their organisations and scale their impact. Join the course today and upgrade your youth work skills to take on new opportunities and make a difference in your community.

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Are you interested in enhancing your diversity management skills and anti-racist behaviours? Join the “How to be an Antiracist” training course in Malta on 4-9 September 2023. This training course aims to strengthen anti-racist and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals. 

If you want to know more about this training course, keep reading!

Objectives of the training

The objectives of the training course include gaining a better understanding of what racism is, reflecting on our own biases and organisational practices, and exchanging strategies, methods, and resources for combating racism and discrimination. Participants will also learn to apply these tools and strategies to Erasmus+ Youth in Action & European Solidarity Corps projects.

Here’s what you need to know about the training course:

– There will be 25 professionals working directly with young people on a regular basis, including youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, social and health workers, and employment officers;

– Participants who work with young racialised people and/or migrant backgrounds will be given priority;

– Participants should be interested in developing their diversity management skills and anti-racist behaviours, and motivated to develop international projects addressing (anti)racism as well;

– The seminar is co-organized by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity and the Maltese National Agency for the E+ program.

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this training course and learn how to be an antiracist. Apply by April 28th!

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Apply for the Training Course “New Power in Youth”

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L'articolo Join the “How to be an antiracist” Training Course proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a youth leader looking to make a positive impact in your local community and beyond? The Training Course “New Power in Youth” offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to initiate projects focused on youth participation. This partnership-building activity will take place from 19-24 June 2023 in Bucharest, Romania, and consists of online sessions and a residential event. The application deadline for applications is 28 April. If you want to know more about the project, keep reading!

Objectives and Programme

The Training Course “New Power in Youth” aims to support the quality development of Erasmus+ (E+) and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) projects focused on youth participation. Participants will learn about the possibilities within E+, namely Youth Exchanges and Youth Participation Activities, as well as ESC local projects. They will also explore citizenship in the European context and strengthen their understanding of participatory approaches.

The programme of activities includes:

• Two online sessions (2 hours each) organised between May and June 2023;
• Participation in the residential event (Bucharest);
• Participation in one online follow-up session, after the residential event;
• Three hours of mentoring for developing the project idea, after the residential event;
• Thematic inputs and nonformal learning activities on the topic of youth participation, citizenship in the European context, participatory activities, and the possibilities within the E+ & ESC Programmes;
• Spaces to share and exchange about the themes and topics identified at the local level and find commonalities between them;
• Spaces for partner-finding and project development within E+/ESC;

Who Should Participate?

The project lab is ideal for youth leaders and youth workers aged 18-35 who are interested in developing Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps projects focused on youth participation. They should have experience in managing projects and be able to communicate effectively in English. Priority is given to participants from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and SALTO SEE countries, but others are welcome to apply. Only one participant from the same organisation or informal group can attend. Don’t miss this opportunity, visit SALTO official website and apply by 28th of April.

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L'articolo Apply for the Training Course “New Power in Youth” proviene da Youth Networks.