ESCape: Diving into the universe of volunteering

ESCape: Diving into the universe of volunteering and Solidarity at the CentEr Mladih Koper

In the context of the celebration of European Youth Week, an event on this theme called “ESCape” was held. This event took place on April 17 at the well-known Koper Youth Center/ Center Mladih Koper. It was meticulously organized by three renowned organizations that made this meeting possible: At the head, the MOVIT Institute, after them, PINA and CMK, also, this event had the active participation of their respective volunteers.

The event was specifically designed for enthusiastic young people who are interested in exploring the rewarding world of volunteering and solidarity within the European framework. Volunteers from various countries such as Finland, Spain,

Italy, and Serbia, presented the program of the European Solidarity Corps (CES). This presentation was divided into several detailed sections. The initial segment focused on DiscoverEU, a component of the Erasmus+ programme that offers young people the chance to explore Europe, outlining its prerequisites and benefits. This was followed by a section on Youth Exchange, which was explained in a similar manner. The final and most extensive part of the presentation was dedicated to the European Solidarity Corps. With the only purpose of understanding the various youth programmes offered by the European Union, I offer a short summary of the programmes explained above:

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC): is a programme managed by the European Commission that offers young people aged 18-30 opportunities to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities. Projects cover a wide range of fields such as education and training, citizenship and democratic participation, environment and nature protection, migration, culture, humanitarian aid and many others. ESC funding is awarded in the form of grants to organisations through calls for proposals. For participants, all costs are covered.

Youth exchange: allow groups of young people from different countries to meet, live together and work on common projects for short periods. These exchanges take place outside the school environment and can last between 5 and 21 days. Youth exchanges are open to people aged between 13 and 30.

DiscoverEU: is an action of the Erasmus+ programme that offers 18-year-olds the opportunity to explore Europe through learning experiences. Travelling mainly by train, participants will explore Europe's breathtaking landscapes and its wide variety of cities, towns and villages.

(For more detailed information check on youth.europa.eu, the official site)

In addition, during ESCape’s event they shared their personal experiences and points of view, providing a unique and valuable insight into volunteering and all its advantages. Participants had the opportunity to obtain detailed information about everything related to volunteering, exchanges, and all the other opportunities that await them in this field. This event not only provided valuable information but also allowed participants to enjoy recreational activities: after the information session, everyone present enjoyed a karaoke session and tasty snacks. The atmosphere was vibrant, with songs from different countries resonating in the place and a great ambience accompanying the situation.

My experience:

As a current participant in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, I am experiencing a transformative journey during my volunteering in Koper, Slovenia. My role as a volunteer involves creating promotional content, graphic design, illustration, photography, and editing. Each task is an opportunity to apply my skills and creativity, contributing to the community in a meaningful way. The diverse and dynamic environment of Koper offers a rich cultural experience that broadens my worldview and deepens my understanding of European solidarity. Also, it is a fantastic way of getting to know many people from all around the world. This time is not only enriching but also opens up potential future job opportunities. The practical skills I am gaining are highly transferable and sought after in the job market. Moreover, the networking opportunities are immense. I am getting to know people from different backgrounds, making connections that could lead to future collaborations.

On my perspective, the ESC program is an excellent platform for young people like me to gain practical experience while making a positive impact on the associations they’d collaborate with. It’s an enriching experience that shapes career aspirations and reinforces the commitment to community service. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making the most of it, and I would encourage every young individual to apply and live such an experience. To sum up, “ESCape” was a fascinating and enriching event that sought to deepen participants’ understanding of volunteering and solidarity and reach out to them to immerse themselves in these experiences, while fostering an atmosphere of fun and multiculturalism all this posed as a healthy leisure alternative in a safe environment. This event proved to be an excellent platform for young people to learn about opportunities for them to grow, develop their skills and have fun.

author: alicia i. Pérez