The European UnionYouth Programmevia della Procureria, 2/a -34121 Trieste, tel. 040.675.41.41 fax 040.675.41.42 www.retecivica.trieste.it/ipe europedirect@comune.trieste.it

What is the YOUTH PROGRAMME?a. their integration into society and the expression of their spirit of initiative; b. their acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, and the recognition of the value of such an experience; c. their expression of solidarity and the fight against racism and xenophobia, a better understanding of the diversity of our common European culture, shared heritage and common basic values; d. the elimination of discrimination and the establishment of equality. The YOUTH programme offers financial support to projects (outside the field of formal education) of young people, provides information, training and opportunities to develop new partnerships across Europe and beyond. The YOUTH programme strives to achieve and maintain a balance between young peoples personal development and collective activity in order to promote:

5 Actions:Action 1: GROUP EXCHANGES Youth for EuropeAzione 2: EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICEAzione 3: YOUTH INITIATIVES support for group initiatives and Future Capital projectsAzione 4: JOINT ACTIONS with other EU programmes for education (SOCRATES) and training (LEONARDO DA VINCI)Action 5: SUPPORT MEASURES such as cooperation and partnerships, training measures, practical training experience (job shadowing), feasibility visits, contact-making seminars, transnational partnerships and networks

Action 2:The European Voluntary ServiceFor young people between 18 and 25Voluntary service activity from 6 up to 12 monthsTotal project costs covered by Youth Programme and host and sending organisations

What kind of voluntary work?Environmental projectsSocial projectsCultural projectsEvery approved EVS project is available on a public database http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth

Participant countries25 Member states+ Liechtenstein, Iceland, NorwayBulgaria, Romania, Turkey

Third countries are divided into the following priority regions: 1- Mediterranean countries (Euromed Youth programme), countries in South East Europe (SEE), the Eastern Europe and the Caucasus (former CIS - Commonwealth of Independent States) 2 - Latin America (LA).

EU co-operation with South East Europe aims at creating an area of peace, stability, prosperity and freedom. Youth participation is considered a key element in this process. This is why the YOUTH programme especially encourages co-operation with this region.Co-operation with South East Europe (SEE)The SALTO SEE Resource Centre promotes cooperation between YOUTH programme countries and the Western Balkans through dissemination of information, capacity building and assistance in finding partners. ( http://www.salto-youth.net/see/ )

And everything IS FREE !The costs covered for the volunteer are: Travel expenses aAccommodation aMeals aa Pocket moneya Language Coursea Local transportationa Health insurance

Who takes care of the volunteer?Sending organisation(e.g. our office)Host organisation Pre departure weekly meetings Assistance in finding the project Contact with potential host institution Approval of the National Agency All costs covering travel and insurance Survival kit for the participants Language Course Project training Accommodation Personal advice and support

Thats how it works Potential candidateApproval by the National AgencyForeignHostOrganisationSending Organis.(Europe Direct Ts)Database on approved projectsLocal projectDepartureAverage time: 6 months

EVS strength A good balance between service to the hosting local community and learning opportunities for the volunteer (both community and volunteer equally gain from the project activities) An intercultural experience Learning/practicing a foreign language Good training for a future job

Some EVS difficulties Database not always updated Finding a project could take a long time Communication brings common understanding, while lack of communication leads to false expectations and wrong interpretations

Off you go but remember... EVS is not a job or an internship, nor a work placement, a humanitarian mission or a holiday period ! Language learning within the EVS is a consequence and shall not be the only reason for you to join. Your sending organisation is still there to counsel and help you all along your EVS project and your host organisation will nominate a personal mentor for you.

It will sometimes be difficult but who said it would be easy?

Stefania in PortugalAfter school recreational centre. Fixed doubledecker used as activity centre.Activities with children and jugglers course

Giovanna in GreeceEnvironmental Association. Forest excursions and fire watch patrols. Educational excursions into the forest with school children. Clearing invasive plants

Linda in SpainCultural Ass. in Santiago de Compostela Contributing to the organisation and promotion ofthe yearly festival of street theatre of Galicia and of thematic film shows.