VOLUNTEERING A PATH TO EMPLOYABILITY
PAGE 01
Project's overview
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome
to
our
Volunteering-a employability This
path
to
Magazine.
international
Bulgaria
we
together,
lived
smiled
and
laughed together, learnt, explored
and
discussed
project that took place in
together but most of all
Bansko,
got inspired together to
Bulgaria
gathered amazing from Italy
a
bunch
young
Bulgaria, and
gathered
people the
Spain. thank
amazing
of
to
volunteer!
In
the
next
few pages we will take
UK,
you around our beautiful
We
journey
the
path
Erasmus+
Volunteering-a
to
employability
and we hope to motivate
program-it gives endless
you
opportunities
us
projects under Erasmus+
travel
and to volunteer because
young
people
for to
and learn across Europe
they
and even beyond! During
lives!
almost 10 days in
to
take
both
part
in
transform
DAY 2
DAY 1 Zdraveyyy Bulgaria! We all gathered in Sofia and our amazing hosts picked us up and we all together travelled to Bansko and we arrived by dinner time to be welcomed by some traditional Bulgarian cuisine that was amazing! We had some nice after dinner conversations and games around the fireplace in our meeting room. The very next day was really fun-full of laughter, energizers, getting to know each other and exploring more about amazing Bulgaria! The first day was organized by the UK and Bulgarian groups and was dedicated to us building the team with very funny games! But we also were able to explore amazing opportunities for development and education trough Erasmus+, ESC, Erasmus for young entrepreneurs. We got really amazed and stunned by the tons of opportunities given to youth by the EU and we especially got inspired by the volunteering programs. It is a bit sad for our UK fellows who unfortunately after Brexit are not able to enjoy those opportunities anymore but..we hope that will change soon and they will be back!
We started off the day with some cool ice breaker games and increased the mood and group dynamics. It followed by the DISCUSSION FORUM about volunteering-we presented how young eople view volunteering in our countries as well as some data and statistics and we discussed the laws for volunteering we have in our countries and found some similarities and difference. We realized that is very important volunteering to be also real priority of the State in order to promote it among young people. We also found out what kind of other volunteering programs and opportunities are in the different countries. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to try out very cool method-Fishbowl discussion which allowed us to discuss the benefits of volunteering –both for young people and for society, we discussed what really motivates us to volunteer and how we can motivate other young people. The night was absolutely beautiful – we had extraordinary Bulgarian evening with some guestsBulgarian babushka came to visit and showed us how to cook Bulgarian typical pastry-banitsa, how to dance Bulgarian dance horo, how to have fun as Bulgarians and some really amazing traditions and typical clothes from the region! What a night-Blagodarya Bulgaria!
DAY 3 This today we were able to explore about the topic of youth unemployment in our countries-something that really affects all of us especially in the covid times. We were able to see polices in different countries, discuss reasons for youth unemployment, programs to encourage youth employability, etc. Moreover, the day became really creative and interesting by involving theater play method that enabled our creativity. It was really one of the highlights of the whole program-we really had fun but we also had opportunity to discuss and explore about role of volunteering in helping youth improve and develop their skills set in order to be more competitive on the labor market. It was also great way to share persona stories and journeys- there were some of us that had some great volunteering experience to share and also some inspirational stories how volunteering helped them or improved them personally and professionally.
DAY 5
DAY 4 This day was one of the most inspiring of the program-we had the opportunity to meet some cool young people and hear their stories trough Human library-we discovered the experienced of ex EVS/ESC volunteers, UN volunteers, Red cross volunteers who joined us and shared how volunteering improved them and how to strategically use volunteering to gain the needed skills, competences and knowledge in order to develop ourselves. It got us really motivated and inspired and we convinced ourselves in the power of volunteering to transform young people`s lives! We also discussed what modern employability skills are-what soft skill are and how volunteering can help us improve and develop such. We played really interesting role play simulation game trough really a lot.
Next day was really creative and empowering –we were able to plan a meeting with local young people and organize round table and discuss volunteering as a value and tool for youth to get competences to help them combat youth unemployment. Moreover we also had some time to explore the local culture and beauty and visited Rila Monastery-one of most amazing Bulgarian touristic sights. The beauty of Rila Mountain blew us away-it was also great team time and an extra opportunity to get even closer together! We also had the chance to taste some amazing international food at the Intercultural night we shared together-we were full of knowledge and food from Spain and Italy and of course some nice British humor xo xo xo.
which
we
learnt
DAY 6-7-8 During those 2 days we were closely coming to the end of the project and we were getting little upset but we had amazing inspirational time –time to plan what we are going to do after the project, how we will share our amazing journey with our friends and colleagues back home. We also organized the round table in Razlog with some local young people –we told them about our project, our discussions, shared with them about Erasmus+ and ESC programs and tried to inspire them to get on board of those amazing youth programs! Moreover, we had very interesting discussion about how volunteering is recognized and validated in our countries, what drives youth to volunteer, what are the benefits of volunteering, etc. One of the last evenings we organized a barbeque night that was full of joy. Laughter, discussions, inspiration, motivation and future plans to meet each other and do amazing things together!
About Erasmus+ and ESC Have you ever thought about going abroad, meeting new people, getting to know another culture, maybe learning a new language but most important developing yourself? I believe that many of you have, even though it would be only for one week or for a full year. But I also believe that many of you did not take the step of doing so. Maybe you did not have the time, the money or the courage. Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) are two programmes funded by the European Commission that allow young people to easily take part in different mobility activities, all for free. Erasmus+ is a programme for education, training, youth and sport in Europe and is open for individuals and organisations. There are opportunities for individuals of all ages, such as different Study Abroad opportunities, Traineeship, Youth Workers’ mobility and Youth Exchange. A good start to get into the “Erasmus+ world” is definitely to take part in a Youth Exchange. It is open for young people between 13 and 30 years old and the exchange gathers youth from different countries to meet, live together, explore each other’s cultures and work on shared projects for a short period, usually for about a week. Accomodation, food, travel, insurance, materials and activities are all paid and at the end of the project the participants receive a Youthpass which is a certificate generated by the European Union that describes the skills, knowledge and competencies gained during the project. This can later be attached to your Curriculum Vitae.
Are you instead interested in a longer experience, European solidarity corps is a better option. ESC supports young people that wish to engage in volunteering activities helping to address identified needs within local communities. The solidarity activities can take place in a country other than the country of residence or in the country of residence of the participant. There are different actions within the ESC programme such as Volunteering, Traineeships, Jobs and Local Solidarity Projects where the first one is the most popular. Also in ESC Volunteering the accommodation, travel, food and insurance are covered as well as you receive a small amount of pocket money each month and a Youthpass in the end. There are two different types of volunteering; Individual volunteering and Team volunteering. The main difference is that Individual volunteering can last from 2 to 12 months and you can only do it once in your life, while Team volunteering lasts from 2 weeks up to 2 months and you can do as many as you want. In ESC the required age is from 18 to 30 years old. Intercultural mobility experiences at a young age are something that really opens your mind and allows you to take responsibility for your capacities and build trusting relationships across nations. To meet new cultures, that in many cases can be very different from your own, is really important and beneficial for your own personal development and is something that every youth should do at least once. The fact that, with these programmes, it is all for free gives everyone the opportunity to go. Through Erasmus+ and ESC, you get to expose yourself to different cultures and new ideas but you will also be given a stronger voice and personal direction. Both Erasmus+ and ESC promote the exchange of ideas, experiences, thoughts etc. between young people from different countries in Europe.
Participants Testimonials When I participated in this Youth Exchange /that by the way was my first/ I had no idea of how many new things I would learn and gain. Not only new skills and knowledge but also new friendships, increased tolerance and a more open mind for people with different backgrounds and cultures. You just have to be brave, take the first step out of your comfort zone and you will realize a whole new world of experiences. I can promise you that you will not regret it. I learnt that volunteering can really help you improve yourself and realize your potential! Elena, 22, Spain It was one the most amazing weeks of my life!! I met friends for life, I opened my eyes for the new cultures, I was able to learn traditions of another countries. Every day I felt I was learning more and more-for the first time in my life I was playing theatre that boosted my creativity! Mot of all –I learnt so much about amazing opportunities I did now know before-thanks to the project I am planning now my first volunteering experience abroad trough ESC and I am ready to jump in for the next life changing journey of my life! Ivan, 22, Bulgaria This world always fascinates me-with how many beautiful human being there are-I am so happy I shared this week with this amazing humans-so ambitious, so great, so inspiring. It really gives me Goosebumps when thinking about this week-I was in a bit dark period of my life and this came just like sunshine. I had experiences so much that enriched me and I absolutely feel like I grew so much! I learnt and improved myself as a person so much and I am truly thankful for the experience! Yasmin , 21, The UK Before coming here I did not know what to expect and I was a bit afraid as it was my first experience but thanks to all this beautiful people I had the best first international experience ever! I improved my public speaking skills-I came out of my shell and I was able to open up, form friendships, get out of my confort zone thus grow. I got really inspired by volunteering Human library and I am looking forward to start some volunteering experience at home but maybe even abroad! Federica, 24, italy