EU Aid Volunteers Now Part of European Solidarity Corps

The EU Aid Volunteers initiative went under the supervision of the Education and Cultural Department (DG EACEA) from January 1st 2021. The news coming with the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027 it that EU Aid Volunteers is now part of the European Solidarity Corps.

Its scope is to provide practical support to humanitarian aid projects and contribute to strengthening local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities. It is an opportunity to promote cooperation among active European citizens, working together with communities in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or post-crises. The initiative wants also to encourage the cooperation among local, European and international organisations.

Outcomes of EU Aid Volunteers Programme

There are 3 different outcomes concerning EU Aid Volunteers Programme:

1. Provide volunteering opportunities to young people 18-35, either in presence or online;
2. Support organisations with technical assistance (they must be based in Europe and involved in humanitarian actions in Third countries);
3. Allow capacity building actions among organisations hit by crises or disasters.

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process

In order to take part to the initiative, as a participant you have to:

• be 18-35;
• be an European citizen (long-term resident or citizen of a Member State).

You don’t necessarily need humanitarian aid experience to apply to be an EU Aid Volunteer – EU Aid Volunteers is open to people with a wide range of backgrounds and different experiences.

The application process requires the download of a self-assessment questionnaire and the upload of your Europass CV. Read carefully the vacancy you want to apply for, to acknowledge the requirements of such offer. A mandatory 2-weeks training course is part of the project. The project can last from 1 month up to 18. This is a full-time commitment, thus be sure of your will when applying!

If you think not to have time to undertake a volunteering project in presence, there is also the possibility to apply for online volunteering. Online volunteers support the work of full-time EU Aid Volunteers by carrying out short, time-specific online assignments, boosting the impact and long-term sustainability of projects.

The Volunteer Reward

As a EU Aid Volunteer you will gain the opportunity to make a real difference, supporting humanitarian aid projects where your help is most needed. Beyond that, volunteers get:

• Pre-deployment training;
• Travel and accommodation expenses covered;
• A subsistence allowance, to cover the costs of living;
• Insurance coverage;
• A resettlement allowance;
• For some projects, apprenticeship placement before deployment for extra training.

Vacancies

The opportunities available might take you to Africa, Asia, Latin America! What are you waiting for? You can discover all the available vacancies and apply right know. By now, 760 volunteers started their journey as EU Aid Volunteers, to 28 countries that are not part of the European Union. There are in total 205 organisations offering vacancies on the portal.

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