The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative that aims to provide young people with opportunities to volunteer or work in projects that benefit communities, both within and outside Europe. The initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to engage young people in addressing societal challenges, promoting solidarity, and fostering a sense of European identity.
Some key aspects of the European Solidarity Corps are:
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Target Group: The ESC is open to young people aged 18 to 30. They can participate in various activities related to social inclusion, environment, culture, education, health, and more.
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Types of Projects:
- Volunteering Projects: These are full-time activities that can last from 2 to 12 months. Volunteers work on projects that benefit communities and help address societal challenges; they get a pocket money but not a salary.
- Traineeships and Jobs: These are professional opportunities that can last from 2 to 12 months, where participants can gain work experience in different sectors.
- Solidarity Projects: These are self-initiated projects led by groups of young people within their own country. These projects aim to address specific challenges or issues within the local community.
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Funding: The ESC is funded by the European Union, and participants receive financial support to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and other necessary expenses. For traineeships and jobs, participants may also receive a salary.
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Eligibility and Application: Young people from EU member states and other associated countries can apply to join the ESC. Applications are typically made through the European Youth Portal, where participants can search for available projects and opportunities.
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Goals:
- Promote solidarity as a value.
- Enhance young people’s skills and employability.
- Support communities and organizations in need.
- Foster a sense of European identity and cross-border cooperation.
The European Solidarity Corps is part of the EU’s broader youth strategy and works in conjunction with other programs like Erasmus+, aimed at youth development and mobility.