EVS On-Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25

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EVS On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐28, 2007 Trainer: Anna Yeghoyan “Youth For Peace and Development” NGO Contact details Address: 4/4 Guyi St , Gyumri, Armenia 3107 Tel.: +374 312 2‐38‐34 Fax: +374 312 3‐89‐81 Cell: +374 94‐95‐95‐02 E‐mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web‐site: www.yfpd.org Training venue The building of Leonardo Gmuer Child Protection Social Fund (former school #7) 3rd and 4th flour (KASA foundation) Address: Shahumyan Street 69, Gyumri, Armenia, 3100 1 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENT TITLE PAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 1 TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................................................. 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3 The main goals of the training .................................................................................................. 3 The integral parts / topics of the training ................................................................................. 3 The programme of the training ................................................................................................ 4 Technical information .............................................................................................................. 5 The training budget ................................................................................................................. 5 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ......................................................................................................................... 6 SESSION BY SESSION DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 7 Day 1 of the training ................................................................................................................ 7 Day 2 of the training .............................................................................................................. 10 Day 3 of the training .............................................................................................................. 16 Day 4 of the training .............................................................................................................. 20 EVALUATION OUTCOMES …………………………….................................................................................... 23 ANNEXES ........................................................................................................................................... 25 Annex 1 – Training Agenda ..................................................................................................... 25 Annex 2 – Practical Advice to EVS volunteers ......................................................................... 26 Annex 3 – Action Planning ..................................................................................................... 28 Annex 4 – Evaluation Form .................................................................................................... 29 Annex 5 – Rights and Responsibilities of Hosting Organizations, Sending Organization and Mentors ........................................................................ 30 Annex 6 – Rights and Responsibilities of EVS Volunteers ....................................................... 42 Annex 7 – “Youth in Action” Programme Presentation ........................................................... 49 2 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 INTRODUCTION The training concept and philosophy were taken from and based on the European Commission Youth Programme EVS Volunteer Training official Guidelines and Minimum Quality Standards and on the EVS trainings cycle in Eastern Europe and Caucasus supported from SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre: www.salto‐eeca.eu.
The training was organized by the EVS Training Team in Armenia: [email protected]. The main goals of the training were: Assist to the better understanding of the EVS, its philosophy in the framework of Youth in Action Programme, EVS main actors and their rights and responsibilities. Help the volunteer with the integration into the local community and the host organization; Assist to a greater understanding and appreciation of the volunteers work by the volunteer and local community; Help the volunteer in finding new approaches of adding value and improving the quality of their project; Provide the volunteers with an opportunity to discover a new region in Armenia and its culture. In general the training consisted of the following integral parts / topics dealing with EVS: Volunteering in general; Volunteering in the host community; Intercultural learning – the role of first impression; Crisis management in the context of EVS cycle; Taking and giving “Culture”; Who is who in EVS (roles and responsibilities); The structure of EVS programme (including support structures); Conflicts in the project, their reasons and solutions; Youth in Action Programme presentation (including information on YouthPass); “My” project; The project and the community; Individual action planning. The topics were selected based on the guidelines mentioned above with the assistance and practical advice of ex‐EVS volunteer hosted in YFPD ‐ Maja (Maria) Brand. They should help the volunteers to overcome the personal, work‐related and cultural challenges each volunteer faces during their EVS project. Providing practical information on Youth in Action Programme in general and EVS in particular helped the volunteer understand their place and role in the whole structure. 3 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Free‐time activities were also selected in a way that brings the volunteers closer to the local culture and EVS in its context. The methodology was carefully selected to merge the “informative” components with the “interactive”. The atmosphere created due to the efforts of the volunteers as well made the process of open sharing rather easy. A big place was given to self‐reflection of the volunteers and sharing their own emotions, thoughts and innovative ideas with the other participants and the trainer. Individual action planning done at the end of the training by each volunteers for themselves brought together all the thoughts voiced during the previous days into tangible action that can bring more long‐
term results. This can also become a good base for the mid‐term evaluation meeting. The evaluation of the training helped once again look back not only on the training but also on the EVS projects of each volunteer as well. It helped underline the main learning points and was a learning experience for the trainer as well, since it also gave the evaluation to the facilitation of the training. The programme of the training Day 1 Day 2 Day3 Day4 Time 25/10/2007 26/10/2007 27/10/2007 28/10/2007 8:30‐9:30 Breakfast Session 2 Volunteering in the Centre 9:30‐11:00 Morning 11:00‐11:30 11:30‐13:00 Arrival to Gyumri Session 3 ICL Session 4 ICL 16:00‐16:30 Coffee Break Session 1 Introduction, Learning contract 18:00‐19:00 Evening From 20:00 Session 11 Final Evaluation Session 5 Roles in EVS Session 8 My project Session 9 Adding project value Dinners out International volunteers’ life in Gyumri 4 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Session 7 Youth in Action Lunch 14:30‐16:00 16:30‐18:00 Session 10 Open Space for action plans Coffee Break 13:00‐14:30 Afternoon Session 6 Conflict management EVS in Gyumri theatre performance Free evening! Departure to Yerevan Technical information: The training was held in Gyumri, Armenia, the second largest city in the country, know for its cultural and architectural value. The duration of the training was 4 calendar days, out of which 3 were full working days as shown in the training programme. The venue selected for the training: the building of Leonardo Gmuer Child Protection Social Fund was fully corresponding with the needs of the training. The centre provided both the training space and the accommodation for the participants on a separate floor. The trainer did not use the accommodation herself – as being from Gyumri she could take the chance of not making extra expenses and gave some privacy to the volunteers in the late evening hours. The 2 meals per day (the breakfast and the lunch) for the participants were provided in the centre canteen. Dinners were provided in different catering businesses (cafes, restaurants) as the On‐Arrival Training we believe should also be an experience different from the daily life of the volunteers in the host community. The training budget Expenses/ budget line Calculation AMD / Euro Type of document Accommodation 3 participants x 6000AMD x 3 days 54 000 AMD Receipt from the hostel Food 4 participants (including the trainer) x 3 days x 3702 AMD 44 425 AMD Check receipts Local transport (estimated calculation) 3 days x 872 AMD 2615 AMD No receipts available Training materials 3 participants x 3280 AMD 9840 AMD Check receipts Training fee 3 days x 120 euro 360 EUR Receipt from the trainer Total 110880AMD = 240EUR + 360EUR = 600 EUR * Items in AMD (Armenian Drams) are calculated with the official rate of October 25th, 2007 1EUR = 460AMD 5 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Training Participants # Name, Surname Contact details Hosting organisation, Country Sending organisation, Country Applicant org. Way of (coordinator), Payment Country Same as sending Cash 1.
Elia Menendez Tel: +34686454607 E‐mail: komby‐[email protected] World Independent Youth Europe Here, Union, Spain Armenia 2.
Unai Ezenarro Tel: +34630291637 E‐mail: [email protected] World Independent Youth Europe Here, Union, Spain Armenia Same as sending
Cash 3.
Florian Prommegger Tel:+436644519484 E‐mail: prommegger‐[email protected] World Independent Youth Akzente Salzburg, Union, Austria Armenia Same as sending
Cash Contact details Organisation, Country Function in the training Tel: +37494959502 E‐mail: [email protected] Youth For Peace and Development (YFPD) Armenia Trainer Tel: +37494959504 E‐mail: [email protected] Youth For Peace and Development (YFPD) Armenia Volunteer administrative assistant The team # Name, Surname 1. Anna Yeghoyan 2.
Armine Nikoyan 6
On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 SESSION BY SESSION DESCRIPTION OF THE ON‐ ARRIVAL TRAINING In the photo: From left to right: Unai, Elia, Anna and Florian. 25th of October, 2007 ‐ Day 1 of the training Session 1 – Introduction, learning contract Introduction Aims: ‐ To get to know each other, create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. ‐ Get acquainted with the training aims and programme. Methods used (in this case planned): ‐ Name games ‐ Ice – breakers ‐ Presentation of the training aim and programme Description: ‐ As it turned out, the volunteers were not only from the same host organization, but also shared a common apartment, and they chose to skip the name games’ and the ice‐breakers’ component of the training. Nevertheless each of the participants and the trainer did a simple introduction of themselves, their work background. ‐ After the presentation of the training aims, a copy of the agenda of the training was distributed to each participant. See Annex 1. 7 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Learning Contract Aims: ‐ To clarify the Fears, Expectations and Contributions of each actor of the training towards the forthcoming On‐Arrival Training. Methods used: ‐ Write on the “post‐it”‐s and place on the balloon drawn on the flipchart the following: separately personal and learning expectation of the training (in the part where the air of the balloon is), the fears / in other words “What we do not want to happen” (on the weights that pull the balloon down) and the contributions / in other words “what we are ready to do for the training” (in the basket part of the balloon). While placing them share the Fears, Expectations and Contributions written with the others. Description: ‐ Each participant was given 10 minutes to write their ideas on different colour “post‐it”‐s. Then in turn all the actors of the training (including the trainer) posted them with brief explanations. ‐ Those outlined by the participants are given below: Learning expectations ‐
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Learn more ways of how to help the Armenian people; Useful things for my project; Get new skills; Learn about Armenian culture and mentality; Understand what are the expectations of volunteers; Conflict management in different cultures Improve skills to make my EVS properly Personal expectations ‐
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Learn more about Armenia; Meet local people (Armenians and from other different countries); Learn more about myself and the surroundings; To have good time; Hear new things, get new energy Fears ‐
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Don’t want to be bored; Don’t want to desire for this training to finish fast; Don’t want to be not useful for this training; Misunderstanding and wrong expectations Contributions ‐
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Work as a team; Be active; Be honest; Participate as much as possible; Share my ideas with pleasure; Put the phone on silent ‐
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To make the chart look more like a contract, in the end everyone signed it. The flipchart thereafter was put on the wall of the room (also called upon during the evaluation process). In the result of the exercise the participants had more confidence to openly go on with the training. A short language course Aims: ‐ Learn the most common words that can be used by all the actors of the training in their native languages throughout the training process; ‐ Make the communication more friendly and fun. 8 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Methods used: ‐ A “Chart ‐ Dictionary” in English and the native languages (transliterated, i.e. using the English letters) of all the participants prepared by joined efforts on a flipchart Description: ‐ As the participants were from Spain and Austria, the trainer from Armenia, the languages of the dictionary were correspondingly Spanish, German and Armenian (apart from English). ‐ A poster with the English version of the most common words was prepared beforehand. The participants had to fill in the words in their native language. ‐ The chart included such words as: Thank you, Sorry, Please, Yes, No, Go (let’s go), Come (I am coming), Bye, Hello. ‐ Besides being a chance to learn some Armenian (as some of the participants had been in Armenian for not a long time yet) and other foreign language, this was a chance to appreciate multilinguism and one’s own language as well. In the photo: The result of the Learning contract and the “Chart ‐ dictionary” Small fun activities! Aims: ‐ To make the learning process more fun; ‐ To transfer a mood of continuation for the future mid‐term evaluation meeting as well. Methods used: ‐ Make a personal envelope with “most important data” on it and place in the training room. ‐ Write a letter about expectation or anything else participants want to “share with their own self” to one’s own self and send it “by post” to the future mid‐term evaluation meeting. Description: ‐ All the participants and the trainer made colour envelopes with their "painted" photo, name, home country and age to share during the following days with anonymous notes and gifts. ‐ Each participant wrote an own private secret letter, put it into an envelope, closed it and gave to the trainer "to post the letter into the future". These letters will be returned to the participants when they are approximately half way through their projects, and participating in the mid‐term evaluation. It will then allow them to see more precisely how their approach to their EVS has changed and how their project is proceeding. This is very important as often EVS volunteers’ approach changes quite considerably during this time. Free time activities ‐ The place chosen for the dinner was a café that serves traditional Armenian dishes; ‐ The evening was continued in the flat of an American Peace corps volunteer who had invited many other international volunteers to his house to meet with Elia, Unai and Flroian. 9 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 26th of October, 2007 ‐ Day 2 of the training Session 2 – Volunteering in the Centre Volunteering in general Aims: ‐ Understand what is volunteering; ‐ Define the motivations for volunteering; ‐ See the changes (if such exist) happening in ourselves while volunteering. Methods used: ‐ Brainstorming and writing on “Post‐it”‐s what is volunteering for each of the participants; ‐ Discussion on what volunteering gives to people and why do it. Theoretical input on volunteering in the context of Maslow's hierarchy of needs; ‐ Reflection on how being a volunteer effects us personally, using blown balloon draw “My Face as a Volunteer”. Description: ‐ On the “post it”‐s that were later placed on the flip chart the participants defined volunteering as: o Not one‐way street... give – Get process; o Done by people who believe that a better world is possible; o Non‐Formal Learning; o Knowledge exchange helping get more experience and skills as well; o A little helping process through which you can know other culture and share yours; o Helping people in your own country and abroad, and by helping people you have the chance to help yourself. ‐ While discussing the reasons / motivation of volunteering the participants often called upon themselves as example with a sense of pride and self‐contently. ‐ The short theoretical input concerning the Self Maslow's hierarchy of needs explicitly ‐
actualization showed how volunteering as a way of self actualization stands on the top of our Esteem (respect) needs (see the diagram). Later on the same flip chart the volunteers Love, Belonging stuck the balloons they blew and on which Safety they drew “Their Faces” as volunteers. Only one of the “faces” had one happy and Physiological needs one sad side, as the author of the face explained, it is showing hard work rather than sadness which a volunteer should Diagram 1: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a pyramid. understand and realize. The other two Source: www.wikipedia.org were completely happy. 10 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Volunteering in Armenia Aims: ‐ Understand the expectation of the local community from the volunteers; ‐ See the role of the volunteer in the host community / host project. Methods used: ‐ Discussion on the perceived (before the arrival of the volunteers) and real expectations of the local community (host organization, project); ‐ “Choose your own role” as a volunteer: the participants pick a piece of paper with different roles / types of volunteers and should share with the others their understanding of that role, discuss it with the others. ‐ In a group draw a picture of the ideal volunteer. Description: ‐ The discussion was led round the following questions: o What were the participants assuming that would be expected of them as volunteers before their arrival? o What were the real expectations when they finally met the local people dealing with their project? o How different were these two? ‐ During the discussion the participants outlined that their assumptions and the reality were quite close, what was very different is the work culture. As Elia mentioned, in Armenia everyone knows the Spanish word “Maniana” as in Armenia people choose to leave the work for later, which in the beginning was quite irritating, but less for the Spanish people as they claimed to have similar culture. Before the arrival the participants were expecting a tighter and tenser work‐time. ‐ While doing the “Choose your own role” exercise the participants had to randomly select among the following volunteer roles / types: o A saviour; A free rider; A complainer ‐ After each participant explained their understanding of the type of the volunteer got, a short debate emerged, which lead to the conclusion stated by the participants: each role has its positive and/ or negative aspects and the truth is probably somewhere in‐between. ‐ This led to the next exercise: The participants were asked to join efforts and in a group draw the ideal volunteer. The photo of the drawing is rather self explanatory: the participants tried to show that an ideal volunteer should be: o Active; o Creative; o Open‐minded; o Have a lot of skills; In the photo: The drawing of the “Ideal Volunteer” o Have Ideas and tools in his/her head; o Have a better understanding of world; o Be positive and pacifistic. 11 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
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The participants decided to challenge the trainer, and after drawing the picture let me guess what they had tried to say with the drawing. The session was ended with positive and optimistic notes, the participants seemed even more inspired to further continue their EVS and even somehow make it a better one. Session 3 – Intercultural Learning Part I The role of first impressions Aims: ‐ Recollect the first impression / experience in Armenia, with a focus on the positive aspects. Methods used: ‐ Self‐reflection of the first moments in with a guiding text read by the trainer and to the soft background music; ‐ Preparing and staging for the others the individual sketches / mimes on the first typically Armenian experience each participant had in Armenia. Description: ‐ During the self‐reflection exercise no effort was spared to make the atmosphere positive and relaxed. The participants were asked to recollect their excitement starting from the moment when they were first informed that they were going to Armenia, then how they appeared in the Yerevan airport, in their new apartment in the new city, among new friends. With the eyes closed they made a journey in time and from the faces it became clear that the journey was a pleasant one. In the photos: The process of writing letters to "ourselves" ‐ After opening their eyes, the participants were asked to recollect one single thing / situation in Armenia that impressed or surprised the participants most and make a sketch based on it. One of the stories, for example, that was showed by Unai all of us found rather common for every person coming to Armenia and funny as well: The highway from the airport to the city of Yerevan has a lot of casinos side by side on both sides of the highway. And every person coming to Armenia seeing it thinks Yerevan is a second Las Vegas! Later Unai, as other foreigners found out that the reason for 12 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
it is that according to the law opening a casino in Yerevan is not allowed, this as well as other highways just outside the city are filled with casinos. The discussion started after the sketches led the participants to the thought that not all the first impressions are completely true, and it takes time to understand the true reason for this or that reality. For A volunteer it is much more important that for example for a tourist, as he / she does not have to stay and work in a new community for quite a long time. EVS cycle and crisis management Aims: ‐ Explain the participant the phases of EVS cycle; ‐ Find useful tips on overcoming the crisis stage. Methods used: ‐ Short theoretical input on the EVS cycle: with brief description of each stage; ‐ Sharing experience of a local EVS volunteer about her project, the crisis she had to overcome and few useful tips. Description: ‐ First of all, it should be mentioned that a Polish EVS volunteer hosted in Gyumri, Armenia – Maja (Maria) Brand joined in for this session. ‐ The session started with the theoretical input focused on the stages of EVS, they were shown on a poster, marked as “up”‐s and “down”‐s. The stages written were: 1. Excitement; 2. Crisis; 1. 2. 3. 4. 3. Adjustment; 4. Stability (with the little down Diagram 2: The stages of EVS at the end – before departure). ‐ After the description of the stages (info source T–Kit #4 on Intercultural Learning), the participants were encouraged to talk about their own “stage”, although they all claimed to be still in the excitement stage, they mostly focused attention on the Crisis stage. Maja gave few personal examples and some of those she has met during communication with other EVS volunteers. She said that for some people the “down”‐s can be really small and “up”‐s can be really high, but in any case she believes all the EVS volunteers undergo these stages of cultural adjustment. ‐ While discussion the crisis stage, the participants were asked to brain‐storm on possible ways of diminishing the negative effect of the crisis stage and making it shorter. Some of the suggestions were the following: Talk about the problems; Not take everything only negative; Keep in touch with the friends back home; Use some native language; Network with other EVS volunteers in Armenia. 13 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
Afterwards Maja presented her EVS project to the participants. She talked about her work with children from the “Huys” children’s home and about life in Gyumri in general trying to view the whole project from the perspective of the EVS cycle. She shared her impressions of the Armenian culture and the difficulties she faced, besides gave participants useful hints / practical advice the participants could use during their life in Armenia as a handout (see Annex 2). In the end she invited the participants to watch a children’s play she had staged with the children in the framework of her project to take place that same evening. In the photo: A scene from “My darling Clementine” play staged in the framework of the EVS project carried out by Maja Brand Session 4 – Intercultural Learning Part II Taking and giving “Culture”; Aims: ‐ Understand the concept of culture and view culture beyond what can be seen; ‐ See the importance of sharing culture. Methods used: ‐ Short theoretical input on the Iceberg of culture; ‐ Quiz “What we know about Armenia”; ‐ Discussions ‐ Individual work: what is the best way to share one’s culture Description: ‐ The short theoretical input on culture and intercultural learning was based on the Iceberg model of culture. The previously prepared flip‐chart showed some aspects of culture that are on the surface and are vivid, and those “under the water” that cannot be seen at once. At the end of the presentation participant could realise that most misunderstandings and problems can be cause because of people do not always want to go deeper into the culture and prefer to make judgments based on what they see on the surface. ‐ Afterward the participants were asked to write on a piece of paper what they know about Armenia, 5 basic facts, things that they knew either before coming to Armenia or after their arrival. The results of the quiz showed that the participants knew very little about Armenia before their EVS project, and currently know much more about the country. Among other things, the participants showed good knowledge of religion, language history, geography, cuisine, some traditions of Armenia, etc. ‐ The discussion which ensued after the presentations of the results of the quiz highlighted that though EVS they have the possibility to learn the local language and make local friends. Unai and 14 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
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Elia, were also interested in learning Russian beside Armenian, as they see that language rather applicable for their future. Discussion on Armenian Culture soon transformed into that of the host cultures of the participants. The participants noted that there is a big interest among Armenians concerning their home countries, native language and home culture. The Spanish participants in particular noticed that their culture and language are rather popular due to the variety of Spanish language TV shows translated into Armenia where the Spanish can be still heard in the background. Afterwards the participants were asked to think about one event they could organize in their host community that could help the local people explore the Spanish or Austrian cultures. Each participant wrote his/her plan and shared with the others. The plans included: o Presentation of the national cuisine during a dinner for friends (which had been done before as well); o Setting up language club for German‐speaking young people; o Preparing a whole day event focusing on Spanish culture for a big audience with such components as teaching traditional dances, cooking dessert together, teaching basics of the language, etc. The session finished with “Let’s go to have some coffee” statement in different languages!!! Session 5 – Roles in EVS Who is who in EVS: The structure of EVS programme (including support structures) Aims: ‐ Understand the rights and responsibilities of all the actors of an EVS project; ‐ Get to know the EVS support structures. Methods used: ‐ Puzzle game on roles in EVS; ‐ Questions‐answer session; ‐ Presentation of the support structures. Description: ‐ Rolling a pen on a round chart placed on the flour, the participants picked a question for 5 points (most easy and basic ones) and 10 points (more difficult). For each right or partially right answer the participants got a certain number of points, which in the end were added and the winners ‐ Florian and Elia who had equal points – got a prize. The question of the quiz were: o What are the main roles in an EVS project? o Who can initiate changes in an EVS project? o Who arranges living and working conditions for the volunteer? o What trainings should each volunteer undergo during an EVS project? o How many hours should a volunteer work per week? 15 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 o How long should a volunteer’s vacation be and how many days off they should have per week? o Who writes the narrative part of the mid‐term and final reports of an EVS project? o What structures are there to help a volunteer in Armenia and in the EU (beside the sending and hosting organizations)? ‐ The topics raised in the questions interested the participants much and the game led to the question ‐ answer session where the participants were free to ask any question related to the operation of their projects and EVS rules in general. Some of the questions were answered immediately, whereas for some questions such as project budgeting, accommodation conditions, etc the suggestion was to talk directly to the project coordinator in the host organization. ‐ At the end of the session the following 2 handouts / official EU documents on European Voluntary Service were distributed to the participants: 1. Rights and responsibilities of Hosting Organizations, Sending organization and Mentors; 2. Rights and Responsibilities of EVS Volunteers. The above mentioned documents are also included in the Annexes (Annex 5 and Annex 6). ‐ Afterward the EVS operation general structure was shown to the participants, highlighting the roles and hierarchy of: European Commission, National Agencies, Volunteer Help Desks (in the EU / Programme countries) and SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre, its Network of Multipliers and informal volunteer networks (functioning for and inside Armenia). Free time activities ‐ After watching the children’s play, the participants were invited to Youth For Peace and Development NGO’s office, where they could get acquainted with our work and also use internet. ‐ The participants had chance to get closely acquainted with Caucasus cuisine: they had dinner in a Georgian restaurant. 27th of October, 2007 ‐ Day 3 of the training Session 6 – Conflict management Conflicts in the project, their reasons and solutions; Aims: ‐ Understand conflict situations and their reasons; ‐ Come up with tips on conflict management. Methods used: ‐ Individual work: randomly pick conflict situations, think about their reasons and propose their solutions; ‐ Discussion on the reasons of conflicts; ‐ Brainstorming session on the tips for conflict management. 16 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Description: ‐
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The following situations were described on pieces of paper that the participants randomly had to pick from a box: 1. Your neighbours every morning wake up at 6:30am, put loud music on, dance and that really annoys you: 2. You have not received your pocket money for 2 months: 3. Every morning your job supervisor asks you to translate letters to her boyfriend from English into Spanish / German: 4. Your work on your project which is in an organization other than your host organization. While doing your daily duties your supervisor at your projects every other day makes changes in it, ask you to do / not to do different things. You are confused: 5. You have the feeling that your host organization is misusing your project money: 6. You, male volunteer, are friends with an Armenian girl, who is single, and she often comes to your flat and stays till midnight. Her parents ask you not to mess around with her: The participants had to react towards the situation with a focus on the following questions: o Your actions? o Who should you turn to? In most of the cases, the participants gave both very good explanations for the reasons of conflicts and suggested very interesting and logical solutions to them. The developed discussion brought the following conclusions: o The conflicts even in a foreign country should not be always viewed as a result of cultural difficulties; o Most of the time it is possible to avoid conflict if people are talking about them openly. The discussion was concluded with a brain‐storming session, when the participants themselves suggested tips on conflict management. Their suggestions were: o Speak with local friends and other EVS volunteers, ask for advice; o Try to understand Armenian culture, be sensitive to it; o Talk about the problem openly and directly; o Be diplomatic o Understand the point of view of the other side and help them understand yours; o Humour always helps! Session 7 – Youth in Action Aims: ‐ Provide basic knowledge about Youth in Action Programme; ‐ See ways of how this information can be utilized. Methods used: ‐ Power point presentation of the “Youth in Action” Programme; ‐ Discuss the possibilities of using this information. 17 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Description: ‐ A power point presentation of the “Youth in Action” Programme was made with a focus on Eastern Europe and Caucasus countries where the participants currently do their project. I, the trainer, as a member of the Network of Multipliers of the European Community “Youth in Action” Programme used the official presentation of “Youth in Action” Programme created by SALTO EECA for this presentation. The presentation is given below (Annex 7). ‐ After the presentation the participants asked questions about Youth in Action Programme in general, and particularly about EVS and Youth Exchanges. Most interesting to the participants was the part of the presentation on “What EVS is not”, and this led to quite extensive discussion. Unai asked for an application form for the Youth Exchanges as he was planning to help the organization for the disabled children where he does his project with developing an application for a Youth Exchange with partners that the organization already has in several EU countries. Session 8 – My project Aims: ‐ Share with the main activities and achievements of each participant’s own project with the rest of the training participants. Methods used: ‐ Prepare posters describing the project and make their presentation. Description: ‐ The participants were asked to make posters describing their project and organize an exhibition to show them to the rest of the training actors. In the result 2 posters were prepared: one by Florian, and the second by Unai and Elia, as they both work on the same project. The posters were rather informative and you can find them herein. In the photo: From left to right: Florian’s project; Unai and Elia’s project. ‐
It is very important to mention a very interesting “formula” presented by Florian. He called it the formula of “How to make the world better”. According to Florian if every person does good to 3 other people and they in their turn keep following the example a better world will be possible. Florian showed the formula in a coresponding diagram. 18 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Session 9 – Adding project value Aims: ‐ Find ways to make the projects even more successful and community oriented. Methods used: ‐
Discussion on how the projects can be improved and how they can become more open towards the local community. Description: ‐
The discussion opened with one questions written on the flip‐chart: “What would you like to change in your project to make it better?” Based on the answers, the participants also tried to define what they would need for it. Some of the answers + solution ideas were: Unai: The change: Help the organization for the disabled people find ways for realizing an international winter camp. The action: Find an application form of Youth in Action youth exchanges and help the organization fill it in and submit with the help of their EU partner. Try to finalize Florian: The change: Make the youth discussion club work more systematic. The action: Finalize the format of the club meetings and find local volunteer(s) for assistance in organization works. Elia The change: Help the disabled children participate in international swimming competitions. The action: 1. Do Christmas fundraising campaign to raise money for swimming equipment; 2. Find swimming competitions vie internet and contact different swimming federations. ‐ While discussing, the participants also gave a few ideas on how to make the local people involved in their projects: o Involve local volunteers into the project; o Make some of the elements of the project open for large public (such as culture presentation); o Elia was rather inspired with the play seen in the framework of another EVS project in Gyumri, and she said she would like to do something similar with the participants of the disabled children; o Make some local fundraising campaigns (like Christmas lotteries very popular in Europe but not in Armenia) and invite many local people as guests for its final stage, etc. ‐ As the discussion was getting more and more concrete and action oriented the participants were suggested to keep their ideas for the following day and use them for action planning. ‐ Overall the participants did not want to change any component of their projects but rather add some new ones which they, being for some time already in Armenia, noticed to be very important and urgent. 19 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
Free time activities The lunch break was combined with a short trip to a 11th Century Marmashen Church complex. In the photo: From left to right: Unai, Florian and Elia in Marmashen Church Complex. ‐
The dinner place for the 3rd day was chosen to be “European”, we had dinner in an Italian Pizza Restaurant. 28th of October, 2007 ‐ Day 4 of the training Session 10 – Open Space for action plans Individual action planning Aims: ‐ Give the participants chance to think more concretely about the future of their projects. Methods used: ‐ Open space technology for individual action planning. Description: ‐
Although the use of open space technology gives the participants much freedom of choice on dealing with the task, it was decided to provide some framework to the participants – a model of Action plan (see Annex 3). The action plan had the following key ideas: o Defining goals for the EVS project (individual and work‐related) for certain period of time (1 month, 3 months, the rest of the project); o Identifying the ways of reaching each of the goals. 45 minutes were given for the completion of the task during which the trainer was available for the participants to be asked questions related to the action planning they were interested in. 20 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ‐
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After the given time the participants were asked to share the result of their individual work with the others. After each presentation other participants and the trainer could ask questions related to the presentation. Mostly the questions were focused not on the identified goals but on the efforts the participant is ready to make for the realization of that goal. Some of them led to discussions: for example if doing an innovative fundraising campaign will work in the Armenian reality. In the end of the session the participants asked to keep the action plans to themselves, as it could serve as a guideline for their future EVS life in Armenia. Session 11 – Final Evaluation Aims: ‐ Evaluate the training; its process, all components, main outcomes and trainer’s work. Methods used: ‐ Informal evaluation: highlighting the most positive aspects and coming back to the expectations of the training; ‐ Formal evaluation: Filling in the evaluation forms. Description: ‐ Informal evaluation started with a short recollection of the whole training. The participants were asked to try to remember all the components of the training in a chronological order. ‐ Afterwards each of the participants was given 2 peaces of colour paper, on which they wrote one thing inside the training room and one thing outside the training room that they enjoyed or appreciated most. The following ideas were written down and stuck on the white board: Inside the training room ‐ Confidence; ‐ Good learning atmosphere; ‐ Understanding that a lot of different projects can be done inside the main project. ‐
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‐ “My Darling Clementine” play; ‐ Georgian food; ‐ Meeting more EVS and US Peace Corps volunteers in Armenia: Really nice people. Then the participants were asked to approach the “Balloon” – Learning contract, recollect their expectation, fears and contributions and if they had come true (in case of fears the opposite) take the “post‐it”‐s with them off the balloon. As the trainer, I did the same. In the result, to the great surprise and obvious happiness of the participants there was not a single “post‐it” left on the balloon. The formal evaluation as the last component of the evaluation and the training as a whole, was introduced to the participants with a bit of official air. Attached you can find the example of the evaluation form (Annex 4). The evaluation focused on the following: 21 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Outside the training room 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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The general of the training; Identifying the most and least useful sessions of the training; Evaluation the training structure, programme and logistics; Suggestions to the training for the future on‐arrival trainings; Identifying main outcomes and learning points from the training. After the participants were done with the evaluation, we had the last lunch together. Afterwards they helped in clearing‐up the room, had a few minutes to pack and with the help of another YFPD volunteer – Arman Shekoyan went to the bus station to return to Yerevan. 22 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Evaluation outcomes ‐ The results of the training evaluation were the following (question by question). Question 1: How did you find the training (answers calculated in average)? ‐
Uninteresting 1 2 3 4 5 interesting Answers 4.3 ‐
Too easy 1 2 3 4 5 too difficult Answers 3 ‐
Totally useless 1 2 3 4 5 very useful Answers 5 ‐
Did not meet my fully met my expectations 1 2 3 4 5 expectations Answers 5 ‐
Badly organized 1 2 3 4 5 well organized Answers 5 ‐
Tense 1 2 3 4 5 relaxed Answers 3.6 ‐
Accommodation accommodation was very bad 1 2 3 4 5 was very good Answers 5 ‐
Food was food was very bad 1 2 3 4 5 very good Answers 4.6 Question 2: Which session(s) did you find the least interesting / useful during the training? Answers: ‐
I think that all the sessions have been interesting. I can’t say which is the least interesting because each one is interesting in its way. ‐
General information about Youth in Action Programme (I know you had to do, but it is really boring, may be you should present more the possibility to do a Youth exchange or getting money for a project from the EU). ‐
Every session was really interesting for me. But if I have to choose the least one may be it that about the language (Armenian, Spanish, German), because I already know about this words. Question 3: Which session(s) did you find the most interesting / useful during the training? Answers: ‐
Interesting: with Maja about feelings in the EVS process (the phases). Useful: speaking about our projects and finding other ways to see our projects. Also was interesting to know EVS and trainings structure for me (because I didn’t know this until this on‐arrival training). ‐
When we explained our projects and Anna helped us with different ideas/ opinions about how to do this project. ‐
Action plan – fixing ideas for future projects, sharing knowledge about project. Thank you☺ 23 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Question 4: Would you change in the training structure, programme or logistics? Answers: ‐
Place is really good here (don’t change). Structure and programme was also good, may be a little bit more “short” cigarette’s breaks just to have new energy. ‐
I would not change nothing, I think that the training is really complete like it is. ‐
Nothing. Everything was good, structure and the programme was great. I like this way of not formal education. Question 5: What would you suggest to the trainer in holding on‐arrival trainings in the future? Answers: ‐
Just make this way with other people. For sure they will enjoy this kind of training. ‐
May be to try to the training with a bigger group. Although it is interesting to be few people in the training, it is interesting also to have more opinions and ideas. ‐
“Short” breaks (mentioned at point 4). Show more of Gyumri, it is really a beautiful city, keep on with this different ways to present something, stay as you are... Question 6: What will you point out as the main outcome or learning point (points) for you from this training?
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‐
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Answers: Know more possibilities (projects) and what is possible in the frame o EVS. Got new skills and ideas for follow‐up action. Concretized plans for the future New ideas about how to afford my project, but the main point is may be all the structure of the Youth in Action Programme and the EVS: like National Agency, Multipliers, Salto... It helped me to understand what EVS volunteer is and project. That I can do more things outside my project. How to deal with problems and conflicts in Armenia (work and life). And understand a bit more Armenian culture and how to Share this culture with my own culture. THANK YOU!!! 24 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 ANNEXES Annex 1 – Training Agenda On Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐28, 2007 Agenda Day 1 Day 2
Day3
Day4
25/10/2007 26/10/2007
27/10/2007 Breakfast
28/10/2007
Time 8:30‐9:30 Volunteering in the Centre 9:30‐11:00 Morning Arrival 11:00‐11:30 11:30‐13:00 Intercultural Learning Intercultural Learning 16:00‐16:30 Coffee Break
Introduction Learning contract 18:00‐19:00 Evening From 20:00 Youth in Action Roles in EVS My project Adding project value Departure Dinner
International volunteers’ life in Gyumri EVS in Gyumri theatre performance Free evening! Training venue Shahumyan Street 3 69 The building of Leonardo Gnuer Child Protection Social Fund (former school #7) 3rd and 4th flour (KASA foundation) Important contact details Anna: 094‐95‐95‐02 YFPD office: 0312 2‐38‐34 / 3‐89‐81 24‐hour taxi service: 0312 3‐04‐40 25 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Final Evaluation Lunch
14:30‐16:00 16:30‐18:00 Open Space for action plans Coffee Break 13:00‐14:30 Afternoon Conflict management Annex 2 – Practical Advice to the Participants by EVS volunteer Maja Brand On Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐28, 2007 ☺ PRACTICAL ADVICE ☺ 1. When walking in the street, pay attention to your bag or mobile. 2. Do not leave your personal belongings without attention (mobile, bag, suitcase etc); 3. Always try not to cross the street, try to find underground. Always be extremely careful when crossing the street. Drivers will not give way to pedestrians. 4. During crossing street when traffic light is green for pedestrians, have a look at the cars, as sometimes some drivers are not stopping on red light. 5. During usage of public transportation watch out for pickpockets. 6. Sometime, there can be electricity, water or gas problems. They might be turned off for some minutes, hours or days. This is normal. 7. If you stay in a flat, collect water for the case of lack of water. Also, have candles/ flashlights ready for use. 8. Usually when people recognize that you are foreigner, they are trying to communicate with you. The reason is just interest, don’t get scared. Especially it happens in countryside; 9. No need to be paranoid, but use your common sense with people you don’t know at all and who approach you on the street. Maybe they will ask you to use your mobile phone to call to someone urgently, or ask about the time – sometimes they might cause problems or annoyance. 10. People in Armenia are very close and friendly, during saying hello they usually kiss you, even if you met that person only once, that’s normal. Men kiss to say hello more often than women. 11. People sometimes like to pay for others as a sign of respect, so if they pay for you (in restaurant, mini bus, bus, cafe etc.) it means that they are glad to do it. Do not wonder; 12. People in Armenia are not punctual at all. If they are late for 10‐15 minutes they do not feel that they are late. Sometime people can be late for 30‐40 minutes; So get used to it; 13. People in Armenia like to enjoy their time. Understand, that some things might take longer than in your country, and that, for instance, before you start a meeting, every one will want to chat and have coffee for some time. 14. Partying in Armenia sometimes is different from partying in Europe. There almost always is a meal, and drinking usually takes the form of toasts. Usually, there is less drinking, and it is seen as very inappropriate to be visibly drunk, especially for women. 15. Almost all Caucasians have very big sense of honor and pride, try to respect it. Also, try to understand, that it might be difficult for them to talk to you openly about some problems they might have (also work‐related) and about things that are not going well. 16. Many ideas and projects may be discussed and approved, but that does not mean that they will be carried out. Get used to the fact that things can change or be cancelled even at the last moment. 26 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 17. Keeping a division between your private and life and your work is not standard in Armenia. This can have very positive and very negative outcomes. Try to understand and adjust. 18. Lifestyle is absolutely different from European. Girls are not so open to sexual relationships, it is seen as forbidden for them to have sex with boys before marriage. 19. For boys sexual life is more free, they can do whatever they want, for people its somehow OK and its normal. 20. For some people a stereotype might exist that all European girls are very open sexually, that’s why you will get a larger amount of attention than you might like. Try to always make yourself clear if you don’t want to have anything to do with someone. 21. It might be possible, that elevator, or metro train can stop because of some electricity or technical reasons, so do not panic, someone will help you for sure. 22. If you enter buses, or mini buses usually you pay when you go out and not when you enter the bus. 23. Shall we add some points to the list together????? 27 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Annex 3 – Action Planning On Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐28, 2007 Individual Action PLAN Name: _______________________ Date:_____________________ A. What would you like to achieve through your project during the next month (in work and in everyday life)? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ What will you do for that? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ B. What would you like to achieve through your project during the next 3 months (in work and in everyday life)? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ What will you do for that? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ C. What would you like to achieve through your project until its end (in work and in everyday life)? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ What will you do for that? 1. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ 28 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Annex 4 – Evaluation Form On Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐28, 2007 Training Evaluation Form 28/10/2007 1. How did you find the training? Uninteresting 1 2 3 4 5 interesting Too easy 1 2 3 4 5 too difficult Totally useless 1 2 3 4 5 very useful Did not meet my expectations 1 2 3 4 5 fully met my expectations Badly organized 1 2 3 4 5 well organized Tense 1 2 3 4 5 relaxed Accommodation was very bad 1 2 3 4 5 accommodation was very good Food was very bad 1 2 3 4 5 food was very good 2. Which session(s) did you find the least interesting / useful during the training? _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ 3. Which session(s) did you find the most interesting / useful during the training? _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What would you change in the training structure, programme or logistics? _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What would you suggest to the trainer in holding on‐arrival trainings in the future? _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What will you point out as the main outcome or learning point (points) for you from this training? _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ THANK YOU!!! 29 On‐Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Education and Culture
Youth, Civil Society, Communication
Youth
YOUTH Programme
Action 2 – European Voluntary Service
Rights and Responsibilities
of
Host Organisations
Sending Organisations
Mentors
September 2002
European Commission, B-1049 Brussels - Belgium - Office: VM-2. - 5/04
Telephone: direct line (+32-2) 296.39.73, switchboard 299.11.11. Fax: 299.40.38
Telex: COMEU B 21877. Telegraphic address: COMEUR Brussels.
Rights & Responsibilities of Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors
GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENT
Following the “Rights and Responsibilities of an EVS Volunteer”, this document aims at clarifying the rights
and responsibilities of those partners in an EVS project who play an important supportive role for the
volunteer: the host organisation, the sending organisation, and the mentor.
These three parties have a major role to play in order to ensure a safe and enriching experience both for the
volunteer and for the organisations themselves. The guidelines in this document focus on the aspect of
“Risk Prevention” and should help the different partners acquire a better understanding of what is expected
from them within the EVS framework.
Our concern is to establish with the different partners involved in an EVS project a forum for communication
and trust, bringing mutual and reciprocal recognition. It is in everybody’s interest to achieve this, in order for
the EVS experience to be a valuable one.
This document aims to add to the materials, training and support already available to organisations. It
should be distributed as widely as possible and attached to the User’s Guide. It complements the document
on the rights and responsibilities of volunteers.
“Rights and Responsibilities of Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors” has been prepared
in collaboration with the Structure for Operational Support (SOS), which provides additional support to
organisations and volunteers in the framework of EVS project practice. SOS services focus on quality
development, training, evaluation, counselling of volunteers in service, and specific measures to support risk
prevention. They operate at European level and complement existing EVS support structures at regional and
national level.
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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF A HOST ORGANISATION
INTRODUCTION
The host organisation plays a very important role in ensuring that the volunteer enjoys a successful and
safe EVS project. For this reason it must be fully aware of its responsibilities and rights under the EVS. The
following details of rights and responsibilities refer to all host organisations, both local host organisations
and coordinating organisations. Should a coordinating organisation be involved, the organisational and
administrative rights and responsibilities would be shared, ideally on the basis of a clear definition of each
partner’s roles, rights and responsibilities.
This document aims to add to the materials, training and support already available to host organisations. It
should be distributed as widely as possible and attached to the User’s Guide. It complements existing
documents on the rights and responsibilities of volunteers, sending organisations and mentors.
Rights of a host organisation
1. General
A host organisation may establish internal criteria for recruiting volunteers in accordance with their
motivation, interests and skills. Nevertheless, these criteria should be transparent and follow the philosophy
and rules applicable to EVS activities.
2. Prior to the arrival of the volunteer
The host organisation has the right to obtain information about the volunteer that may be relevant to the
EVS project.
The host organisation has the right to obtain information on the format and contents of the pre-departure
training that the volunteer has attended. On-arrival training can then be adapted to the volunteer’s needs
and previous training.
3. During EVS
The host organisation has the right to remind the volunteer to respect the rules and regulations applicable in
the workplace.
The host organisation has the right to initiate changes within the volunteer project, in line with internal or
external decisions. The volunteers and the sending organisation should, however, be informed as soon as
those changes have been introduced.
The host organisation has the right to consider terminating the volunteer’s project if the volunteer’s
behaviour has been inappropriate or caused danger to himself/herself, colleagues or any other persons
involved in the project. In such a situation, the sending organisation as well as the National Agencies in the
sending and host countries should be included in the decision-making process.
4. After EVS
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The host organisation has the right to ask the sending organisation for the final report on the overall project
in order to evaluate the impact of the experience, taking account of every actor involved.
The host organisation has the right to ask the sending organisation for information on the follow-up to the
volunteer’s activities, in particular with a view to improving the arrangements and conditions for the
placements offered by the host.
Responsibilities of a host organisation
1. General
The host organisation should describe as accurately as possible the profile of the organisation, the specific
tasks of the volunteer, and the general environment in which the volunteer will be living and working. This
information should appear in the Host Expression of Interest and in any further documentation related to the
HO’s EVS activities.
Should a coordinating organisation be involved, a document should be drawn up by the host organisation
and the coordinating organisation, clearly stating each partner’s areas of intervention and responsibilities.
The host organisation should be open to questions from the National Agency, sending organisations and
volunteers regarding the nature of its activities and the project planned for the volunteer.
The host organisation should answer enquiries from volunteers and sending organisations concerning the
availability of placements/projects.
2. Prior to the arrival of the volunteer
The host organisation must sign the tripartite agreement together with the sending organisation and the
volunteer. This document is to be regarded as binding.
The host organisation must apply an open policy in recruiting volunteers, in line with EVS recruitment policy.
This is a policy of non-discrimination, allowing all young people access to EVS activities.
The host organisation must ensure that practical arrangements are in place prior to the arrival of the
volunteer
The host organisation should inform its staff and other volunteers of the arrival of the EVS volunteer,
stressing the framework in which he/she will be living and working.
The host organisation should ensure that every effort is made to integrate the volunteer into the project,
taking into consideration any special needs in terms of adaptation.
The host organisation should be aware of its country’s visa requirements. The host organisation shares with
the sending organisation the responsibility for ensuring that the volunteer is hosted in accordance with the
relevant legal requirements in the host country.
3. During EVS
The host organisation has to ensure that the volunteer receives on-arrival training within a maximum of two
months after arrival. On-arrival training is organised by National Agencies or National Coordinators. A
coordinating or host organisation may take charge of on-arrival training, provided it has at least five
volunteers.
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The host organisation must facilitate the volunteer‘s participation in the mid-term and final evaluation
meetings organised by National Agencies or National Coordinators.
The host organisation has to provide the volunteer with language training. The format, duration and
frequency of such training may vary, depending on the needs and abilities of the volunteer, her/his tasks in
the host project, and the host organisation’s internal and external possibilities .
The host organisation should provide the volunteer with a “memo-kit” stating the following: working hours
per week, name and location of the main workplace, location of the accommodation, specific instructions to
be followed, rules to bear in mind. Changes should ensure equivalent conditions for the volunteer and be
communicated to the project partners.
The host organisation has to inform the volunteer of his/her rights and responsibilities.
The host organisation must assign the volunteer a mentor, with whom he/she will have regular contact
throughout the service period.
The host organisation should inform the volunteer about the possibility of consulting the National Agencies
and/or SOS Volunteer Helpdesk for advice and support during the period of service. Direct contact via Email
[email protected] or Tel. +32 (0)2 233.02.99.
The host organisation should always take into consideration the volunteer’s values and background when
involving him/her in project activities.
The host organisation should ensure that health and safety regulations are observed at the workplace where
the volunteer will be carrying out his/her activities. First aid must be provided on site.
The host organisation must provide the volunteer with monthly or weekly pocket-money corresponding to the
amounts stated in the grant requests.
The host organisation must provide the volunteer with a decent standard of meals as well as safe and clean
accommodation.
Board and lodging should be provided to the volunteer regardless of vacation or volunteering period. The
volunteer accumulates two days off per month for the duration of the project. Vacation periods as well as
weekly rest days have to be agreed between the host organisation and the volunteer.
Any changes in the project that may affect the volunteer’s insurance cover must be communicated as soon
as possible to the insurance company appointed by the European Commission.
4. In the case of a serious incident or conflict situation
In the case of a conflict situation, the host organisation must consider the volunteer’s opinion and the
mentor’s advice.
In the case of a conflict situation, the host organisation should always try to find a suitable solution for,
and with, all the partners involved. Termination of a project should be the last option.
In the case of a serious incident involving the volunteer, the host organisation should support the
mentor and help him/her perform any administrative tasks.
If, in carrying out the tasks as outlined in the EVS project, the volunteer would be exposed to a
personal risk, the host organisation must take all the necessary action to guarantee his/her safety.
In the case of a serious incident or conflict situation with the volunteer, the host organisation should
report any major problems to the sending organisation and keep it updated on the situation.
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In the case of a serious incident, the host organisation should inform the relevant National Agencies,
National Coordinators and/or SOS Volunteer Helpdesk and should consider requesting further support.
Direct contact via Email [email protected] or Tel. +32 (0)2 233.02.99.
In general, there should be close cooperation with project partners so as to avoid communication
problems
5. After EVS
The host organisation must complete a final report providing details of the activities and tasks carried out by
the volunteer and the overall development of the project. The report should be submitted to the National
Agency.
The host organisation should keep its staff involved in cooperation and training activities, allowing them to
benefit from the experiences of other organisations and to keep their project practice up to date.
Participation in meetings and seminars on EVS activities is highly recommended.
The host organisation should cooperate with the volunteer if he/she applies for a Future Capital project
(Action 3 of the YOUTH Programme) relating to the EVS period.
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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF A SENDING ORGANISATION
INTRODUCTION
The sending organisation, as one of the three key partners in an EVS project together with the host
organisation and the volunteer, plays an important role in its successful development and implementation.
From helping the volunteer with the necessary steps to join the project, through assistance and guidance
during the EVS period, to providing help when the volunteer returns home, the sending organisation has a
crucial role to play.
Its input is particularly important in terms of both preparing and following up the EVS period. “Risk
prevention” therefore starts with the volunteer’s very first contact with his/her sending organisation. This
document aims to highlight both the rights and responsibilities of the sending organisation in this respect.
Rights of a sending organisation
1. General
Being responsible for the sending of volunteers, the sending organisation has the right to recruit volunteers
on the basis of their motivation, interests and skills. The aim is to allow the volunteer to gain valuable and
enriching experience through the voluntary service period.
The sending organisation has the right to expect adequate support from National Agencies and/or National
Coordinators at any stage of an EVS project.
The sending organisation has the right to obtain information on major changes (administrative, political, etc.)
in the implementation of EVS activities, as such changes may alter the nature as well as the cycle of the
organisation’s activities.
2. Prior to the departure of the volunteer
The sending organisation would encourage and expects the volunteer to take an active role in the
implementation of his/her EVS project.
The sending organisation has the right to expect any information communicated to the host organisation for
ensuring the well being of the volunteer to be properly considered and complied with.
3. During EVS
The sending organisation has the right to expect regular feedback on the situation from the volunteer as well
as from the host organisation.
The sending organisation has the right to participate in the decision-making process in the case of
modifications to the implementation of the project, especially if decisions will have an influence on the
nature of the project (duration, activities, tasks, etc.).
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4. After EVS
The sending organisation has the right to obtain documents from the host organisation on project
evaluation, as well as final reports.
The sending organisation has the right to evaluate the overall project together with the volunteer on his/her
return.
Responsibilities of a sending organisation
1. General
The sending organisation should inform future volunteers about the YOUTH Programme, its philosophy and
procedures, as well as the way activities are implemented in the organisation itself.
2. Prior to departure of the volunteer
The sending organisation identifies and clarifies the volunteer’s background, interests and motivation to
participate in an EVS project. This information will facilitate the matchmaking process.
The sending organisation should work closely with the volunteer on the preparation of his/her mobility
project. The sending organisation provides assistance and guidance in order to ensure the success of the
volunteer’s participation in the EVS project.
The sending organisation takes the necessary steps to find out whether the volunteer is suffering or has
suffered from a physical or mental condition that may affect his/her participation in EVS activities. This
information should be shared with the relevant person in the host organisation so that appropriate support
and arrangements can be provided. This information should be held and forwarded in a discrete and
responsible manner.
The sending organisation must sign the tripartite agreement together with the volunteer and the host
organisation.
The sending organisation should check the profile, activities and practices of the host organisation, should
there be any doubt about its integrity or any other concern that the volunteer might be put at risk.
The sending organisation must ensure that the volunteer attends one of the regular pre-departure sessions
organised by the National Agency, National Coordinator and/or European networks (as applicable). These
training sessions should meet the required quality standards laid down by the European Commission within
the EVS framework.
The sending organisation must ensure that the volunteer is covered by the obligatory group insurance plan
that the European Commission has concluded with an insurance company for all EVS-volunteers. Any
changes in the project that may affect the insurance cover must be communicated to the insurance company
as soon as possible.
The sending organisation must assist the volunteer and the host organisation in taking the necessary steps
for arranging a visa if required by the legislation of the host country. The National Agencies, National
Coordinators and the European Commission will issue individual visa support letters on request.
The sending organisation should inform the volunteer about his/her rights and responsibilities as described
in the document “Rights and Responsibilities of a Volunteer”.
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The sending organisation should inform the volunteer about the possibility of consulting the National
Agencies and/or SOS Volunteer Helpdesk for advice and support during the period of service. Direct contact
via Email [email protected] or Tel. +32 (0)2 233.02.99.
3. During EVS
The sending organisation should provide the volunteer with ongoing support throughout the voluntary
service period.
The sending organisation should stay in regular contact with the volunteer, as well as with the host
organisation and mentor.
4. In the case of a serious incident or conflict situation
In the case of a conflict situation in which the volunteer requests support, the sending organisation
should respect the volunteer’s wishes as to whether it should just advise the volunteer or intervene
directly with the host organisation. If the volunteer requests such intervention, the sending organisation
should act in the interests of the volunteer.
In the case of a conflict situation in which the host organisation requests support from the sending
organisation, and bearing in mind its knowledge about the volunteer and its experience of EVS and
mobility issues in general, the sending organisation should consider the situation from a different,
neutral point of view. The sending organisation should organise regular contacts with both the
volunteer and the host organisation.
In the case of a conflict situation, the sending organisation, as the priority contact point for the
volunteer, should remain neutral for as long as possible and should focus on helping the volunteer and
the host organisation to consider the situation from a different point of view.
In the case of a serious incident, the sending organisation should be the local contact point for the
volunteer’s relatives and should also take care of any administrative requirements.
In the case of a serious incident, the sending organisation should help the host organisation and the
mentor to deal with any administrative requirements.
In the case of a serious incident, the sending organisation should inform the relevant National
Agencies, National Coordinators and/or SOS Volunteer Helpdesk and consider requesting further
support. Direct contact via Email [email protected] or Tel. +32 (0)2 233.02.99.
In general, the sending organisation should cooperate actively with the volunteer, the host organisation
and the mentor so as to avoid communication problems.
5. After EVS
Personal follow-up should be provided for the volunteer by the sending organisation in order to evaluate the
individual EVS project in terms of personal gain, experience, etc..
The sending organisation must complete a final report and send it to the National Agency (or the European
Commission, if applicable).
It is the responsibility of the sending organisation to support the volunteer after the completion of the project
and to help him/her make the best out of the EVS experience. Such support could relate to re-integration in
YTH-D02-191 -08/01/2008
Page 9
the country of origin, help in contacting the necessary administration services, guidance and counselling in
personal projects, and, where applicable, assistance in Future Capital projects.
The sending organisation should provide the host organisation with feedback on the volunteer’s situation,
expectations and future plans once an evaluation has been carried out. This will underpin the idea of close
cooperation between the project partners until the very end of the project.
The sending organisation should keep its staff involved in cooperation and training activities, allowing them
to benefit from the experience of other organisations and to keep their project practice up to date.
Participation in evaluation seminars on EVS activities is highly recommended.
YTH-D02-191 -08/01/2008
Page 10
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MENTOR
INTRODUCTION
The EVS volunteer will need adequate support from both the sending and host organisations throughout the
service period. The volunteer already has a contact person in the sending organisation, but also needs
regular communication with a committed person after arrival at the host project. This must be a person of
trust, who is close to the volunteer’s living environment. Such a mentor must be appointed by the host
organisation.
A volunteer ‘s mentor plays a decisive role in the framework of the risk prevention and crisis management
action plan. The mentor should be aware of his/her responsibilities and rights in the context of the YOUTH
project. The mentor would be the person closest to and most familiar with the personal situation of the
volunteer during service. He/she bears a high level of responsibility in a situation where a volunteer is faced
with personal risk.
Specific support should therefore be given to mentors in order to help them perform their sometimes difficult
task. Some National Agencies have already drawn up a job description for mentors in their country.
Rights of the mentor
The mentor has the right to respect. The volunteer should respect the mentor and accept his/her role.
The mentor has the right to obtain information concerning the volunteer to facilitate his/her supporting role.
The mentor has the right to receive support and advice from the host organisation on the following matters:
- how to recognise and cope with potential problems,
- how to recognise and deal with suicidal tendencies and drug/alcohol abuse.
The mentor has the right to receive full support from the National Agencies, National Coordinators,
European networks and/or the Structure for Operational Support to help him/her perform his/her tasks.
The mentor has the right to organise regular meetings with the volunteer as well as with the host
organisation.
Responsibilities of the mentor
The mentor should be aware of youth and mobility issues or at least have experience working with young
people and/or volunteers in an international context.
The mentor should be familiar with the host organisation and its activities, philosophy and staff.
The mentor should ensure that the host organisation has details of the young person’s special educational
or medical needs relevant to carrying out the tasks assigned.
The mentor should facilitate the volunteer’s integration into the organisation, project, country and new
environment in general.
YTH-D02-191 -08/01/2008
Page 11
The mentor should be available for the volunteer and should introduce the volunteer to other persons who
might be helpful. The mentor should also act as the contact person between the volunteer and the local
community.
The mentor is expected to familiarise the volunteer with the national health system rules and accompany the
volunteer to hospital in the event of accident or illness.
The mentor should assist the volunteer with administrative formalities, should the volunteer be faced with
any difficulties.
The mentor should monitor the volunteer’s activities and make sure that he/she receives enough support.
The mentor should undertake a regular review, together with the volunteer, of his/her activities and advise
the HO where adjustments might be needed.
The mentor should have regular meetings with the volunteer and pay attention to the volunteer’s behaviour
and general well-being in order to provide the appropriate support.
The mentor should counsel and help the volunteer, and give him/her an opportunity to speak freely. Open
communication with the volunteer in this way should prevent conflict situations.
The mentor should attend all the training provided or organised by the host or coordinating organisation,
National Agency or National Coordinator.
In the case of a serious incident or conflict situation
In the case of a conflict situation, the mentor should facilitate communication between the volunteer and the
host organisation. The mentor should be able to provide the partners involved with independent monitoring
and evaluation.
In the case of a conflict situation between the volunteer and the mentor, another person should be
appointed as the volunteer’s mentor.
In case of a conflict situation or serious incident, the mentor must know who to contact if he/she cannot
solve the problem alone.
In the case of a serious incident, the mentor should keep in touch with the sending organisation and the
parents of the volunteer, if required by the situation, and should involve them in decisions on further action.
In the case of a serious incident, and if the volunteer is not in a situation to do so, the mentor should contact
and ensure communication with the insurance company.
In general, the mentor should cooperate actively with all partners involved.
YTH-D02-191 -08/01/2008
Page 12
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Education and Culture
Youth, Civil Society, Communication
Youth
YOUTH programme
Action 2 – European Voluntary Service
Rights and Responsibilities
of
EVS Volunteers
February 2004
European Commission, B-1049 Brussels - Belgium
Telephone: (+32-2) 299.11.11. Fax: 299.40.38
Telex: COMEU B 21877. Telegraphic address: COMEUR Brussels.
Rights & Responsibilities
of EVS Volunteers
GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENT
This document is addressed to the parties actively involved in the realisation of transnational voluntary
service activities in the framework of the YOUTH programme. It builds on one of the fundamental principles
of the European Voluntary Service (EVS), the well-established "tri-partite partnership" between sending
organisation, host organisation and volunteer. With a deliberate focus on the volunteer, this document
corresponds with another publication by the European Commission presented in September 2002: "Rights
and Responsibilities of Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors". 1
The aim of this document is to complement to the efforts of promoters, operators, national authorities and
the European Commission in the area of risk prevention for EVS volunteers. Dedicating a considerable
amount of time, energy, skills, initiative and spirit into their project, they deserve to find a respectful and
trustful hosting environment when entering their service period. At the same time, sending organisations and
host organisations can expect from "their" volunteer a similar level of respect and trust for their engagement
to develop activities in their local community.
The main objective of this text is therefore to clarify the role each project partner is to take in jointly
achieving a "good" environment for an EVS project. Rights and responsibilities are very much a matter of
respect for the situation of each project partner. Consequently they build on a good understanding between
the three partners. If every partner is aware of what one should respect and can expect, the EVS project has
a good potential to result in a positive experience - for the organisations and the volunteers involved.
"Rights and Responsibilities of EVS Volunteers" offers complementary guidelines addressing particular
aspects of EVS project implementation. These guidelines take into account the great variety of project
partners, project formats as well as activity areas. They ask for adaptation to the very specific environment
of each project. Guidelines shall thereby not imply further rules or conditions for project support provided by
the YOUTH programme. The general operational framework for the European Voluntary Service is described
as Action 2 of the YOUTH programme in the following documents:
The Council Decision establishing the YOUTH programme 2
The YOUTH programme User’s Guide 3
Both publications were used as sources for this document. Presenting an update on a previous “Rights and
Responsibilities of an EVS volunteer”, this new text is characterised by the actual experiences from project
practice. Programme responsibles at European and national level as well as former EVS volunteers
contributed to the final version of this document, gathering clues and conclusions from the voluntary service
reality in past years.
It is the intention of this document to be widely spread among operators, promoters and in particular
volunteers. It is strongly recommended to present this document to potential volunteers before they agree to
their particular EVS project. "Rights and Responsibilities of EVS Volunteers" is available for download in the
volunteer section at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth. Several National Agencies of the YOUTH programme
and National Coordinators of the Euromed Youth Programme offer translated versions on their websites. 4
1
"Rights and Responsibilities of Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors" is available for download in the
Volunteer Helpdesk section at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth
2
Decision No 1031/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 April 2000 published in OJ L117, 18.5.2000
3
The User’s Guide is available for download at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth
4
For links to National Agencies and National Coordinators please consult the Contact List at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth
February 2004
Page 2
of EVS Volunteers
Rights of an EVS volunteer
1. General
The volunteer has the right to be respected as human being and citizen in the light of the fundamental social
rights formulated by the European Union. 5
The volunteer has the right to be informed about the YOUTH programme, the philosophy, aims, priorities
and procedures, as well as the way YOUTH activities are implemented in the sending and/or host
organisation.
The volunteer has the right to be informed about her/his rights and responsibilities as EVS volunteer as
described in this document.
The volunteer has the right of protection of personal data provided in applications, contracts or reports for
the purposes of managing the YOUTH programme.
The volunteer has the right to participate in the EVS project for free. This includes the volunteer’s costs for
one return travel, insurance, food, accommodation and a monthly (sometimes weekly) allowance. The
volunteer must not in any way pay fully or partially, directly or indirectly for the participation.
2. Prior to the arrival
In order to ensure the success of the volunteer’s participation in the EVS project, the volunteer has the right
to be adequately prepared by the sending organisation for the stay abroad according to her/his needs.
The volunteer is entitled to receive clear information about the potential host project, in particular about the
tasks to be covered, the accommodation, training and support. If the host placement is located in a live-in
community, the volunteer has to be informed about the rules and conditions applied in such community, and
which are relevant for her/him in particular.
The volunteer has the right to attend a pre-departure training organised in her/his home country.
The volunteer has the right to find support by the host organisation and the sending organisation for
arranging a visa if required by the legislation of the host country. Upon request the National Agency /
National Coordinator or the European Commission shall issue visa support letters.
The volunteer has the right to be covered by the obligatory EVS group insurance plan appointed by the
European Commission, throughout the entire voluntary service period. 6
3. During the service period
Practical arrangements
The volunteer has the right to be facilitated and guided from the moment of his/her arrival in the host
country. Therefore, the host organisation has to take care of proper practical arrangements.
5
See the “Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union” published in the OJ C 364/01, 18.12.2000 available for
download at http://europa.eu.int/comm/justice_home/unit/charte/index_en.html
6
Details are available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth/program/index_en.html
February 2004
Page 3
of EVS Volunteers
The volunteer has the right to have free board and lodging. His/her accommodation remains available for
him/her throughout the entire service period including holidays.
The volunteer has the right to live in a safe and clean accommodation, and to eat sufficient and healthy
food.
The volunteer has the right to have two consecutive days free per week and of two days of holiday per
month. Vacation periods as well as weekly rest days have to be agreed between the host organisation and
the volunteer.
Regardless of vacation or volunteering period, the volunteer has the right to receive monthly or weekly
allowance (pocket money) from the host organisation, corresponding to the amounts stated in the contract.
In case the volunteer has transport expenses for attending her/his project activities, such costs are to be
covered by the host organisation and will be given to the volunteer, monthly or weekly, in addition to the
allowance.
Support, training and meetings
The volunteer has the right to participate in the on-arrival training upon arrival in the host country.
The volunteer has the right to adequate support and guidance to enable her/him to carry out the agreed
tasks.
The volunteer has the right to receive language training for free, provided or organised by the host
organisation. The type of training can be formal or informal. Format, duration and frequency of such training
may vary, depending on the needs and abilities of the volunteer, his/her task in the host project, and the
host organisation’s possibilities.
The volunteer has the right to participate in the mid-term meeting in the host country.
The volunteer has the right to receive ongoing support from the sending organisation throughout the
voluntary service period.
The volunteer has the right to have a mentor, with whom s/he will have regular meetings throughout the
voluntary service period. The mentor should be appointed by the host organisation, but not be the
volunteer’s supervisor or otherwise directly involved in the volunteer’s daily activities.
The mentor is responsible for the personal support of the volunteer. The volunteer has the right to get
support from the mentor to be integrated in the organisation, in the project, in the country. The mentor
should act as the contact person between the volunteer and the local community. The volunteer has the
right to be assisted by the mentor in administrative issues, if necessary.
Tasks of the volunteer
The volunteer has the right to working conditions that respect her/his personal health, safety and dignity.
The volunteer must not be forced to participate in activities not previously agreed, against her/his personal
convictions or belief.
The volunteer has the right to a full-time service occupation. Her/his project activities (including language
and other training related to the project) should take up at least 30 and not more than 35 hours per week.
The volunteer must not carry out routine tasks or particular professional tasks, with which the volunteer
would replace paid employees.
The volunteer must not carry out tasks alone or unsupervised, if they require high responsibility.
February 2004
Page 4
of EVS Volunteers
The volunteer should not be solely responsible for the individual care of vulnerable persons (babies,
children, the ill, elderly, disabled people, etc.) on a day-to-day basis.
The volunteer has the right to contribute with own ideas, creativity and experiences to develop his/her own
projects related to the work of the host organisation.
The volunteer has the right to agree with the host organisation on changes in the project, the profile of
tasks, areas of responsibility, support and training. Any changes should however remain in line with the
general set-up of the agreed and approved project.
In case of a serious incident or conflict situation
In case of a conflict situation the volunteer has the right to be supported by the host organisation and the
sending organisation.
In the case of a conflict situation, the volunteer has the right to involve her/his mentor to facilitate the
communication between volunteer and host organisation. The mentor should be able to provide the partners
involved with independent monitoring and evaluation.
In the case of a conflict situation between the volunteer and the mentor, the volunteer has the right to get
another person appointed as her/his mentor.
In case of a serious incident, the volunteer can expect the mentor to establish and maintain proper contact
to the sending organisation, the parents of the volunteer, if required or requested, and the insurance
company, if necessary.
Whenever the volunteer needs advice and support, s/he has the right to contact the relevant National
Agencies / National Coordinators7 and/or the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk (Email: [email protected],
phone +32 (0)2 233.02.99)
The volunteer has the right to leave the project in case of serious incident or conflict situation that cannot be
solved in other ways. Early leaving of the project should always be the last option.
4. Follow up of the service period
The volunteer is entitled to receive a certificate produced by the European Commission, attesting the
volunteer’s participation in EVS and the experience and skills s/he has acquired during the service period.
The volunteer has the right to receive support from the sending organisation at the end of the project in
order to evaluate the EVS period and achieve the highest benefit from the experience. Such support could
also relate to the re-integration in the home country, guidance in personal projects and assistance in Future
Capital projects. 8
Within two years after completing the EVS project, the ex-volunteer resident in Programme Countries has
the right to apply for a Future Capital project. The volunteer’s sending organisation should co-operate with
the volunteer, if necessary, when he/she applies for a Future Capital project.
7
For links to National Agencies and National Coordinators please consult the Contact List at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth
8
Future Capital enables ex-volunteers to pass on the experience and skills acquired during their European Voluntary Service to
the local community and other young people. It also provides opportunities for supporting an ex-volunteer’s professional and
personal development. Information on the support of Future Capital projects as part of Action 3 of the YOUTH programme is
available in the Volunteer Helpdesk section at http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth
February 2004
Page 5
of EVS Volunteers
Responsibilities of an EVS Volunteer
1. General
The volunteer has the responsibility to respect the principles and rules of the YOUTH programme.
The volunteer has to take in consideration the rights and responsibilities of EVS volunteers as outlined in
this document.
2. Prior to the arrival
The volunteer should take an active role in setting up her/his EVS project together with the sending
organisation and the host organisation.
The volunteer must read carefully the approved application for her/his EVS project and sign the Partnership
Agreement 9 together with the sending organisation and the host organisation.
The volunteer shall read carefully the insurance-related information in order to know about the scope and
the modalities of the insurance cover.
The volunteer must attend a pre-departure training organised in her/his home country.
The volunteer has the responsibility to inform the sending organisation and the host organisation about any
circumstances that may influence her/his capability to carry out certain tasks. The volunteer should also
inform the sending organisation and the host organisations about individual special needs. If necessary,
s/he should provide accurate information about health related issues.
The volunteer has to provide the sending organisation and the host organisation with the exact dates of
departure and arrival.
3. During the service period
The volunteer has the responsibility to know and respect the project details as agreed in the Partnership
Agreement.
The volunteer has the responsibility to respect the rules and the organisational structure existing in the host
organisation and declared in the partnership agreement. The volunteer is expected to respect the legislation
in force in the host country.
The volunteer must not act in any way that could put others or her/himself at the risk of being injured.
The volunteer must attend the training sessions organised in the framework of her/his EVS project. This
includes the on-arrival training at the beginning of the service period.
The volunteer must participate in a mid-term as well a final evaluation meeting, and fill the relevant part of
the project reports.
The volunteer has to accept the role of the mentor as the person responsible for her/his well-being.
9
The Partnership Agreement is signed between the volunteer, the sending organisation, the host organisation and, where
involved in a project, the coordinating organisation.
February 2004
Page 6
of EVS Volunteers
The volunteer must attend the regular meetings organised by the mentor.
In case of a problem, the volunteer should seek guidance and support by the mentor and the person
responsible for her/his EVS project in the host organisation.
The volunteer must keep the host organisation informed about his/her whereabouts during the EVS period.
The volunteer has the responsibility to take good care of the accommodation that has been provided for
her/him.
The volunteer should give the sending organisation regular feedback on his/her experience.
The volunteer has to evaluate the overall project together with the sending organisation.
In case of a serious incident or conflict situation
In case of a conflict situation, the volunteer should co-operate actively with the sending organisation, the
host organisation and the mentor to avoid communication problems.
In the case the volunteer wants to leave the project, he/she should firstly consult the sending and the host
organisations. Early leaving of the project should always be the last option.
February 2004
Page 7
Annex 7 – Presentation of the Youth in Action Programme Youth Programmes of
European Commission
YOUTH IN ACTION Programme
2007-2013
cooperation with the partners countries
2007 – 2013: Youth in Action
2000 – 2006: Youth
1993 – 1999: Youth for Europe
Youth in Action Programme
Programme Objectives
Programme Priorities
• Promote young people’s active citizenship in general and their
European citizenship in particular;
• Develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people,
in particular in order to foster social cohesion in the EU;
• Foster mutual understanding between young people in different
countries;
• Contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth
activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the
youth field;
• Promote European cooperation in the youth field.
• European citizenship
• Participation of young people
• Cultural Diversity
• Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
For whom?
Programme Important features
• Young people from 13 till 30 years old
• Non-formal learning
• Visibility of the Youth in Action Programme
• Valorisation and dissemination of results
• Anti-discrimination
• Equality between women and men
• Child protection and safety
• Multilingualism
49 On‐Arrival Training
Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 • Youth workers / youth leaders
• Youth organizations
• Coordinators of projects in the field of youth and non-formal
learning
• Other non-profit organizations and institutions
Partner Countries
Programme Countries
•
27 countries of European Union
•
3 European Free Trade Association
(EFTA/EEA) members – Island, Norway,
Liechtenstein
•
15 countries in the frames of European Neighbourhood Policy:
Eastern Europe and Caucasus Region (EECA):
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine.
Mediterranean Partner Countries (Euromed):
Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority of the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, Syria, Tunisia.
•
•
6 countries involved in the Stabilisation and Association process:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia.
Turkey – candidate for accession to EU
• other Partner Countries of the world, having signed
agreements with the European Community relevant to the
youth field.
European Voluntary Service
(EVS) – action 2
Three types of activities available for
cooperation with the partner countries
Aims:
•
European Voluntary Service - EVS (action 2)
• (EVS) supports transnational voluntary service of
young people.
•
Youth Exchanges (action 3.1)
• It aspires to develop solidarity and promote tolerance
among young people.
•
Trainings and networking (action 3.1)
• It promotes active citizenship and enhances mutual
understanding among young people.
European Voluntary Service (EVS) – action 2
Objectives shall notably be achieved by:
1.
1 to 100 volunteers involved in the project.
2.
• giving young people the opportunity to express
their personal commitment through voluntary
activities at European and international level;
One or more organizations that SEND volunteer
abroad.
3.
One or more organizations that HOST volunteer
in their country.
4.
One organization / coordinator, any organization
(can be one of the sending or hosting
organizations) that coordinates project,
communication, finances etc.
• involving young volunteers in a non-profit-making
unpaid activity for the benefit of the general public
in a country other than his or her country of
residence.
Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Project structure:
• supporting young people’s participation in various
forms of voluntary activities, both within and outside
the European Union;
Project Duration
Who can participate?
•
Young people between 18 and 30 years old,
regardless of their background, legally residing in a
Programme Country or in a Partner Country.
•
In EVS projects, that involves youngsters with fewer
opportunities, in special cases, there might be young
people of 16 to 18 years included.
•
The number of volunteers from Partner Countries,
cannot exceed the number of volunteers from
Programme Countries in the same project.
•
Volunteers recruitment must be open for all and
transparent.
•
The duration of an EVS project must not exceed 24
months, including preparation and evaluation/follow-up.
•
The EVS activity abroad should have a minimum duration
of 2 months and a maximum overall duration of 12 months
(excluding preparation and evaluation).
•
In the case of inclusion activities with young volunteers
with fewer opportunities or for group EVS activities, if duly
justified, a minimum duration of two weeks is allowed.
•
Trainings (pre-departure, on-arrival, mid-term) as well as
final evaluation must be organized for all volunteers.
What EVS is not !
EVS Partnership
•
occasional, unstructured, part-time volunteering.
•
an internship in an enterprise.
•
a paid job and must not substitute paid jobs.
• For local community – intercultural experience
•
a recreation or tourist activity.
•
a language course.
• For sending organization – new contacts and future
benefits
•
exploitation of cheap work force.
•
a period of study or vocational training abroad.
•
simply a funding scheme, but a quality model of transnational
• For volunteer – long time learning
• For hosting organization – new experience and help
in their activities
voluntary service.
Youth Exchanges
Youth Exchanges - action 3.1
action 3.1
Project structure:
•
16-60 participants, aged from 13 till 25,
not including group leaders.
•
•
•
Few participants can be older, but not
more than 30 years old.
Project duration, including preparation,
realization, evaluation, dissemination
and valorisation of results can’t be
longer that 15 months.
Activity duration is 6 to 21 days, without
travel.
Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Project may involve 2 groups of young people (bilateral
exchange) or more (trilateral or multilateral exchange).
•
There must be at least 1 organization from European Union
involved.
•
One or more organizations from Partner Countries involved.
•
Geographical, gender and number of participants balance
must be kept.
•
Cooperation between partners must be clearly visible.
Note! Bilateral and trilateral Exchanges are intended for those partner
groups which have not organised Youth Exchanges before.
•
Trainings and Networking
Youth Exchanges - action 3.1
action 3.1
Priority will be assigned to projects
targeting the following thematic subjects:
Cooperation and partnerships, training measures and exchange
of good practice are the key terms for the development of youth
• strengthening of civil society, citizenship
and democracy;
• fight against racism and xenophobia;
• inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue;
• post-conflict resolution and reconstruction;
• active role of women in society;
• minority rights;
• regional cooperation;
• heritage and environmental protection.
organisations, civil society and those involved in youth work.
Aims:
1 – Promoting exchanges, cooperation
and training in European youth work
2 – Supporting development of projects
under the Youth in Action Programme
action 3.1
action 3.1
Available activities:
•
Job Shadowing (Practical learning experience)
•
Feasibility Visit
•
Evaluation Meeting
•
Study Visit
•
Partnership-Building Activity
•
Seminar
•
Training Course
•
Networking
Who can participate?
•
•
•
•
•
youth workers
trainers
mentors
youth groups
project
coordinators
• youth leaders
• other actors,
involved or
interested in nonformal learning
Financial conditions within
action 3.1
Activities must:
•
•
Involve at least 2 partners from Programme Countries, where at
least one should be from EU,
•
Involve at least 2 organizations from the neighbouring partner
countries,
•
• Projects should be co-financed (from other sources or
Be multilateral (at least 4 partners), only Job Shadowing and
Feasibility visits can be bilateral, Networking must include at
least 6 partners,
supported in-kind).
• Most of a grant is calculated on the basis of lump
sums (accommodation, lodging, realization) as well as
real expenditures (70% of travel costs, visa costs etc.)
• Projects realized in EECA countries have common
financial rates, for activities in Programme Countries
Take into consideration geographical, gender and number of
participants balance.
each country has own regulations.
Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 How to apply?
•
How to apply?
One of the organizations located in Programme Country is
responsible for applying in the name of all partners to its
Application forms can be received:
National Agency.
•
as well as essential reporting.
•
•
In Internet: eacea.ec.europa.eu/static/en/youth
•
From the National Agencies of the Youth in Action Programme
•
From the SALTO EECA Resource Centre
This organization is therefore responsible for financial issues
If project is accepted, applicant organization sign a contract
with the National Agency and receive the money, which is
Applying deadlines:
transferred to the partners in a previously agreed sums.
•
All project partners must be actively involved in the project
1 February, 1 April, 1 June,
preparation, realization and evaluation as well as financial
distribution of the grant – this must be especially
1 September, 1 Nevember
TRANSPARENT.
Youth Programme, 2004
Organizations from partner
countries involvement in
YOUTH Programme
participants from
Eastern Europe and Caucasus
• 3912 projects’ participants
Number of projects in cooperation with Eastern Europe
and Caucasus (EECA) Region increase every year!
out of them
• 1875 from the EECA countries
2000 – 29
2002 – 71
2001 - 49
2003 – 120
2004 - 210
European Commission
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/yia/index_en.html
Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/static/en/youth
SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre
www.salto-youth.net/eeca
www.salto-eeca.eu
Gyumri, Armenia October 25‐ 28, 2007 Ukraine – 430,
Belarus – 390,
Georgia – 113,
Moldova – 168,
Armenia – 97,
Azerbaijan - 70.
More info?
Russia – 607,

EVS On-Arrival Training Gyumri, Armenia October 25

Transcription

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