The IARS is now recruiting a group of young people to participate in the 3-month volunteering placements in Europe in 2022.
It is the last year of the EU-funded European Solidarity Corps programme at the IARS, and we are keen on creating as many volunteering opportunities for young people as possible!
WHAT IS ESC?
The European Solidarity Corps is an EU initiative which creates opportunities for young people in Europe who agree with and uphold its Mission and Principles. This programme is aligned with IARS’ ethos. We were set up by young volunteers from across Europe as the first EU-wide, youth-led network on equality matters. Our mission remains to empower young people and marginalised groups to participate in public life as equal citizens.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
The programme will contribute to all travel, accommodation and living expenses for the volunteers. This also includes linguistic support, insurance and any special assistance, where needed.
The programme has an inclusion support fund to help young people facing psychological, educational, economic and social challenges.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE ?
- Anyone who is 18 to 30 years old at the start of the placement, open minded, curious about other cultures, European values, learning a new language and motivated to help others!
- We will prioritise young people with fewer opportunities, who may face social, geographical or economic obstacles, health problems, disabilities, cultural differences or educational challenges.
- You should have Intermediate level of English Communication and you must be registered on the European Solidarity Corps platform.
- You don’t need to speak a foreign language but willingness to learn is a plus!
EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS VOLUNTEERING IN THE UK & ABROAD
IARS works as coordinating and supporting organisation for outgoing and incoming volunteers. We work in collaboration with other European partner organisations and together are able to provide meaningful and well-supported volunteering placements for our volunteers. We are currently recruiting volunteers for the following countries and cities:
– Romania (Craiova)
– Italy (Bologna)
– More countries will be added soon!
The programme runs from 1st January 2022 to 1st January 2023. We will start to fill places up as suitable volunteers are identified and the activities will commence as soon as it is safe to do so. We are monitoring the Covid-19 situation very closely and keeping ourselves updated with the latest information from ESC and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VOLUNTEERING IN ROMANIA
Volunteers travelling to Romania will work with the Asociatia Comunitati pentru Tineret (ACT), an organisation based in Craiova, Dolj County, South West part of Romania. ACT mission is to develop, implement and support youth development programs built around the concepts of lifelong learning, mobility and associativity ACT works to empower young people to participate actively in society to improve their own lives. The organisation is now looking for volunteers to help with the ACT Volunteering Centre. Placements can start as soon as February and March 2022!
WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS SAY ABOUT ESC in Romania?
Read the blog from Georgie, a volunteer we supported on her ESC placement to ACT in Romania, to hear her reflections on her amazing experience there:
Blog 1: A Brit in Romania
Blog 2: Georgie in Romania
VOLUNTEERING IN ITALY
Volunteers travelling to Italy will work with the Associazione Interculturale UNIVERSO, an intercultural non-profit association based in Bologna since 2002. It was created by a group of students and workers, both foreign and Italian, with the aim of promoting and supporting social initiatives alongside motivating and facilitating mutual understanding between people of different cultures and origins.
Find out more about the activities run by UNIVERSO
CONTACT
Contact m.babecka@iars.org.uk for more information on specific placements/countries and how you can apply!
LANGUAGE SUPPORT
You will have access to Online Linguistic Support (OLS), which is a free online language learning platform designed for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps participants. With OLS, you can test your current level in the language you will use while you are abroad. Your results will not prevent you from taking part in an Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps mobility, but will give you access to an OLS language course! OLS complements face-to-face teaching, allowing you to develop your skills outside the classroom. It also provides you with collaborative and peer learning opportunities. For more information please click here.
