European Solidarity Corps Give 18‑30 Year Olds the Chance To Take Part In A Range Of Activities

In his State of the Union address on 14 September 2016, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced the plan for a European Solidarity Corps.

"There are many young, socially-minded people in Europe willing to make a meaningful contribution to society and help show solidarity. We can create opportunities for them to do so … Solidarity is the glue that keeps our Union together," he said.

The aim of the European Solidarity Corps is to give 18‑30 year olds the chance to take part in a range of activities to help those impacted by challenging situations across the EU. Participation will not only benefit those providing the help but also assist national and local authorities, non-governmental organisations and companies in their efforts to cope with various challenges and crises.

Objectives

• put into practice EU values of solidarity
• help tackle challenges with society, environment and natural disasters
• enable young people to help where it is needed most

Opportunities for young people

• gain life and work experience
• learn new skills and languages
• help and support others, including society's most vulnerable

Young people will have the opportunity to get experience in confronting challenging situations – from rebuilding communities after natural disasters to helping tackle issues such as social exclusion or helping welcome and integrate refugees and migrants.

Opportunities for solidarity organisations

Organisations working in solidarity-related activities, whether a local authority, non‑governmental organisation or company, will be able to recruit young people to volunteer or carry out a work placement, internship or apprenticeship with them, provided they meet the criteria for becoming a host organisation and subscribe to the Charter of the European Solidarity Corps.

What the Commission is doing

The Commission is establishing 2 types of youth placement as part of the Solidarity Corps. 18‑30 year olds can take part for 2 to 12 months in:

• volunteer placements – offering full-time, unpaid opportunities
• occupational placements – providing traineeships, apprenticeships and jobs
• The minimum age to participate in a solidarity project is 18, but 17‑year olds may already register.

If you want to take part click on the link below:

 For more information download the attatchment below: