Are you between 18 and 30 years old and looking for an opportunity to help the wider community, in Europe and beyond?
You can do this with funding and support from the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), which helps young people take part in projects either abroad or in their own country. These projects offer an inspiring and empowering experience, as well as the chance to bring positive change while developing your skills and competences. The program aims to empower young people to make a positive impact on their communities and societies, fostering a sense of leadership, social responsibility, and intercultural understanding.
What are the European Solidarity Corps?
The European Solidarity Corps are meant to take action where it's needed, in case of a crisis. Natural disasters, climate crisis, migrant emergencies or simply care of the disadvantaged ones – like people with disabilities, poor people or youngsters with fewer opportunities.
In September 2016, the European Solidarity Corps were born to improve the former European Voluntary Service and provide even more possibilities to the European youth. From back then, it has developed and spread to many fields of action.
How do the European Solidarity Corps work?
They work like any other volunteering opportunity, except for the fact that they are a Programme fully funded by the European Union. The calls are available for all young people from 18 years old and 30 years old. Those who already took part in the previous EVS Programme will not be able to join the ESC. The biggest innovation, compared to the EVS, is that now it is possible to apply for a short-term project and, afterwards, for a long-term project too – while the reverse is not possible.
Where can I go?
You can find European Solidarity Corps projects in each EU country and occasionally outside the European Union.
How long does it last?
Within the European Solidarity Corps program, Azerbaijani citizens can participate in individual and team-based volunteering activities in Europe and its neighboring countries. Individual volunteering projects are divided into two groups based on their duration: short-term projects lasting between 2 weeks and 2 months, and long-term projects lasting between 2 months and 1 year. Short-term projects are usually implemented to encourage the participation of young people with limited opportunities in volunteering activities. Team-based projects, on the other hand, have a duration ranging from 2 to 59 days. An individual cannot attend the volunteering project for more than 1 year in total. Commonly you should undertake a short-term, followed by a long-term project.
Who can participate?
All European citizens aged between 18 and 30 can participate in the European Solidarity Corps. They must be legally resident in the EU Member States or the following Partner Countries such as North Macedonia, Turkey, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, and Russia.
How much does it cost?
The European Solidarity Corps is funded by the European Union. Travel, food and accommodation are provided, plus a monthly pocket money.
Can I participate more than once?
You can take part in the European Solidarity Corps for 12 months in total, choosing e.g. a short-term (2 months) and after a long-term (10 months) project.
Who can help me?
ESN Azerbaijan got accredited with the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label. You can join the consultations organized by ESN Azerbaijan and get guidance on your journey. You firstly have to create your European Solidarity Corps profile to access the European Solidarity Corps portal.
ESN Azerbaijan takes part in the European Solidarity Corps projects as a sending and hosting organisation. If you are looking for a sending or hosting organisation, please, drop us an email at esc@esn.az.
Join the Telegram channel created by ESN Azerbaijan to get notified about ESC projects available for Azerbaijani citizens.