The Erasmus+ programme offers young people the chance to make a difference through the European Voluntary Service.
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) gives young people an opportunity to do voluntary work in a foreign country within or outside the European Union.
The EVS aims at developing solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people, while contributing to strengthening social cohesion and promoting active citizenship. Volunteers receive free board and lodging, insurance cover and grant payments for the duration of the project.
A successful EVS project requires close co-operation among at least three key players:
- The sending organisation, that is responsible for the volunteer’s pre-departure. It also keeps contact with the volunteer during his/her voluntary activity and takes care of the volunteer upon the completion of the EVS.
- The receiving organisation ensures the volunteer’s safety, good living and working conditions, as well as the successful implementation of the project. It also supports the volunteer in cases when personal or lingustic problems arise.
- The coordinating organisation facilitates the project implementation, providing support to the project parties.
- The volunteer carries out self-assessment during the project, using Youthpass, which issues a certificate at the end of the project that formally recognises their learning experience.
One of the organisations involved plays the role of coordinator and applies for an EU grant on behalf of the partnership. Organisations perform a number of roles:
- They identify volunteering opportunities;
- Develop projects that benefit the local community;
- Recruit and prepare the volunteers, host them, and ensure follow-up.
Who can take part?
Young people aged 18-30, who are willing to spend from 2 weeks to 12 months abroad as an EVS volunteer, can take part in the project. All you need to do is to look at the European Youth Portal for volunteering opportunities, the database of EVS organisations and other useful information.
Useful Materials