Youth exchange Volunteering 101

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Real stories of real people

Youth Exchange

Volunteering 101

This project has been co-founded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Action KA1 programme. This communication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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More info about Erasmus+ Programme on:

https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/

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Furthermore, during the Youth exchange the participants had an opportunity to discover different volunteer opportunities available in their countries, what encourages or discourages young people to volunteer, as well as, what are the benefits of volunteering on personal and societal level through presentations, discussions, creative workshops, role plays, outdoor activities, etc.

Given that, each day was started with an energizer and was finished with reflection focused on discussing the learning goals and achievements of participants.

In the end, the participants created a video about volunteering, as well as a website about how to start volunteering abroad. Thus, the Youth exchange also allowed participants to get to know each other and their cultures, to widen their horizons, to improve their soft skills, to challenge themselves and to create life-time memories.

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About the Youth exchange ‘Volunteering 101’

The Youth Exchange ‘Volunteering 101’ was implemented in Saint-Georges-d'Oléron, France from 2 - 10 October 2021. It gathered together 42 participants coming from 6 European countries: France, Spain, North Macedonia, Latvia, Greece and Poland in order to motivate them to become active volunteers, to dive deeper into the topic of volunteerism and learn its core benefits.

Thus, the Youth exchange ‘Volunteering 101’ focused directly on the joys and benefits of volunteering using the power of non-formal education for inspiring young people to engage in voluntary actions of their interest more actively. In that direction, different opportunities for volunteering were explored during the project, especially those offered under the Erasmus+ Programme, such as the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

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Participating Organistaions

• Fra

La Génération de demain - France

We are a group of young people working in the youth field who seek to promote the idea of volunteerism among young people in France through enabling participation in youth projects and initiatives. We also strive to support young people with fewer opportunities and NEEts to take part in youth projects in order to increase their opportunities in life. The Next Generation France founders are people who are former EVS volunteers interested in developing youth projects on different social topics affecting our local and global community, such as active citizenship, human rights, gender equality, ecology, etc. They decided to establish the organisation in order to reach more young people and to encourage them to participate in the civic life. In short, we promote the idea that we are all the same, yet we are all very different.

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Just do it - Poland

Just Do It was founded in 2016 by young people. The objectives and activities of our association are the following:

• Action in favour for the development of the civil society;
• Activation and integration of young people in the local and global community;
• Supporting the interests of young people; Helping children and teenagers in matters they find difficult to cope with;
• Supporting initiatives and enabling active participation of young people in different spheres of their life (family, schools,city, etc.);
• Creating opportunities for cultural education of young people and creative development;
• Popularizing recreation and tourism as forms of active lifestyle

International Centre For Sustainable Development - Greece

ICSD is a non-profit, NGO established in Ioannina, Greece. ICSD aims are to promote activities that contribute to sustainable development, raising of the spiritual and economic standards, scientific discussion and popularization of knowledge both in Greece and internationally. The promotion of ICSD objectives performed through activities associated with the development of actions for economic development, entrepreneurship, regional planning, social development and prosperity, reduction of economic and social inequalities and discrimination against poverty, support for vulnerable social groups, promotion of cultural and natural resources for sustainable development, and develop new, alternative actions and partnerships in areas such as entrepreneurship, tourism and energy as a means of sustainable development.

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Do Great Things Latvia

Do Great Things. Latvia (DGTL) is a non-governmental organisation, whose objectives are the following:

• Support non-formal education in Europe, volunteering in the local and international level; Promote young mobility, intercultural exchange, voluntary and social cooperation among young people;
• Promote youth entrepreneurship;
• Promote social involvement;
• Fight against discrimination, intolerance;
• Develop and implement projects according to public needs;
• Promote intercultural understanding, equal opportunities, respect, active citizenship and solidarity etc.

BACKSLASH - Spain

BACKSLASH is a non-governmental youth organisation established in 2014 in Valencia, Spain which aims at empowering youth, promoting peace, tolerance, and solidarity through assisting young people in acquiring knowledge and developing their skills and competencies.

The mission of BACKSLASH is to foster and support the sustainable development of local communities and individuals’ empowerment through education and training, human rights, democratic values, and international cooperation. Given that, our activities are focused on career orientation, entrepreneurship promotion, youth participation and the inclusion of youth with fewer opportunities through implementation of youth projects and initiatives.

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Volunteers Centre Skopje - N. Macedonia

Volunteers Centre Skopje is a non-governmental youth organization created in 2006 by former EVS volunteers. The main goal of the organization is to give non-formal educational possibilities to the young people, in different fields, in local and international level; to promote the idea of volunteerism and to connect young people without reference to their nationality, religion, political, economical or social status. We are putting effort to develop a multicultural civil society, to reinforce the existing democratic structure, to enhance the affirmation of young people through their individual abilities and skills, and to connect the young people with the purpose of their closer cooperation. At present we are monitoring state policies regarding youth and taking part in public discussions regarding this matter.

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Participant’s

Testimonials

Panos Mytaloulis - Greece

What was your experience while volunteering? Can you tell as some examples?

The whole process of volunteering each and every time I took part in such activities was unique. I have got the chance to actually make an impact with real actions in the world and feel very happy and fulfilled with myself. I got the chance to see that so many people are having very difficult times and I feel glad that have helped them in some way. There was one time that some children needed blood in my school in order to have an operation and I got the chance to be one of the guys who volunteered to donate blood to them. In the end their operation went good and those children were healthy. I felt so glad that I have helped them and I would definitely do it again some time in the future.

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What is your favorite way of volunteering?

My favorite way of volunteering is related to donations. I regularly donate some of my old clothes that either I don't wear anymore or they don't fit me and I donate some old toys and shoes that I don't need anymore. In my home city Athens you can see homeless people in almost every street in the center and because I live in the center, it was never difficult to find a homeless person to give some of my old staff. I like this kind of activity because I can do it silently, without someone watching and I can be 100% myself and get the chance to talk and interact with homeless people and learn about their struggles.

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What motivated you to start volunteering and how did you feel while volunteering for the first time?

It was my curiosity mainly that resulted in me taking part in volunteering activities. At first I was a little bit shy and didn't want to get out of my comfort zone, but I thought about it with a clear mind and I finally decided to give it a shot. It was one of the most meaningful things I have done and I never regretted it. The motivation was basically the effort to make a world a better place which comes from inside you. The first time I volunteered, I actually helped an old lady carry her groceries from the supermarket back to her house. When I escorted the old lady to her house, she thanked me a lot and she almost cried from gratitude. I felt so happy and so complete because I had just made a person smile. I think I am this kind of person, I am happy when other people are happy too!

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Have you ever been helped by a volunteer? How did you feel?

There was one time that the house of one of my friends was caught on fire and we were lucky enough to get the fire extinguished with the help of some firefighters from that district. After the fire ended, we were informed that the majority of the firefighters were volunteers and this made me a very good impression. I felt relieved and very lucky that nobody was heart and everything had gone well.

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What motivated you to start volunteering and how did you feet while volunteering for the first time?

It was a great opportunity to develop my personal skills and learn about things you didn't knew before. For example, I remember a volunteering experience where I had to help cooking and cleaning in the kitchen and it was and opportunity to learn to do basic meals.

Gjoko Grdanovski - North Macedonia

What was your experience while volunteering? Can you tell as some examples?

I loved every volunteering experiences I had. I think it is good because you help your community while doing something meaningful. Also, you can be and example for others because you show that you are aware of your own community.

I remember that one girl who one day took a trash bag and began clean the park in our neighborhood. Then the neighbors saw her and were more aware of the problem and started doing the same.

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What is your favorite way of volunteering?

I think all volunteering can be wonderful but I remember one in particular in my country in which I collaborated building houses. I really enjoyed this one because in the end I could see the effort in something tangible.

Have you ever been helped by a volunteer? How did you feel?

I have been helped by other volunteers when I was volunteering building houses for people. Volunteers came from France to help and it was wonderful.

What motivated you to start volunteering and how did you feet while volunteering for the first time?

I was young and I began to think that I had too much free time. I decided not to dedicate all my time to myself or to be with my friends and I decided to find out about the ways I could collaborate as a volunteer.

At first, I was nervous because I did not know how I could help or if it would be really useful. But when I started, I could feel that my help, no matter how small, was of great help to others.

Tilemachos Chatziioannidis - Greece

What was your experience while volunteering? Can you tell as some examples?

I have had great experiences as a volunteer. For example, I was able to participate with different organizations doing community building activities for immigrant gipsy people from Romania who needed to be able to integrate in the Czech Republic.

What is your favorite way of volunteering?

For me, the best way to collaborate is by going to the borders of the countries and trying to help those who do not have an easy time crossing them. Whether it's getting food, clothing, or trying to help them regulate their condition.

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Have you ever been helped by a volunteer? How did you feel?

When I was little, I broke my leg and when I was in the hospital there was a group of volunteers who helped people with the most basic tasks, such as being able to move around the hospital or help them get into the ambulance.

What motivated you to start volunteering and how did you feet while volunteering for the first time?

My motivation came from the desire to be more conscious of social, cultural and economic realities different than my own, to experience it first hand.

María Cabello Chaure - Spain

What was your experience while volunteering? Can you tell as some examples?

I’ve been lucky to volunteer in some local programs like in a feeding center or also offering teaching guidance to unprivileged children, apart from international programs, both in Uganda and Ethiopia. I believe all are unique experiences that encourage you to raise awareness about other realities and get away from your own environment, which is a great first step to later help to be a spokesperson for others who cannot.

What is your favorite way of volunteering?

There are many types of volunteering programs I haven’t participated in, but from my experience, I think I am most interested in refugee/migration crisis.

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Have you ever been helped by a volunteer? How did you feel?

I cannot recall any previous experience where I was helped by a volunteer, but given my perception of volunteering, I feel like I would really appreciate the help if I needed it.

What motivated you to start volunteering and how did you feet while volunteering for the first time?

Initially we were supposed to go volunteer in the church only once, as part of our European voluntary service, but while we were doing it, we realised how much difference we were actually making for the church, ourselves and, most importantly, the people who were in need, so we decided to keep on going on sundays, whenever the church was short staffed until the end of our EVS.

Rihards Bartulans - Latvia

What was your experience while volunteering? Can you tell as some examples?

One of my most memorable volunteering experiences was in a church in Bulgaria, preparing and giving out food for people living in less fortunate situations.

What is your favorite way of volunteering?

For me, I guess the volunteering where the effect is seen immediately is the most gratifying. Seeing that effect or change motivates me to keep on doing it.

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Have you ever been helped by a volunteer? How did you feel?

When I was younger, I've been helped by volunteers indirectly, in the form of donated clothes, and quite frankly, while being a kid it made me feel inferior than the other kids at times, even if the clothes were indistinguishable. Thankfully I realized quite quickly, that You are not a lesser person for receiving help from others, and that that is just a nasty stigma that has been following people who need help the most around.

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THANK YOU