Coordinators in organisations, holding European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Quality Label in Slovenia, met for a 3-day training in Zrece, between November 23 and 25, 2022. EUSA Institute was also represented, as the event was attended by its Communications and Projects Manager Mr Andrej Pisl.

The training consisted of several interactive activities and workshops, focusing on the needs of the coordinators and their organisations, related to the European Solidarity Corps programme.



The event started with needs analysis of the coordinating organisations, focusing on the topics and challenges when working with volunteers. This was followed by an overview of volunteers profiles, and the first day concluded with the analysis of the needs of volunteers and the support offered during the project cycle.



First half of the second day was devoted to the policies and protocols aimed to support the volunteers in times of challenges and crisis. Big focus was given on mental health and supporting mechanism for volunteers, as well as other youth participants who are engaged with the organisations. The focus of the second half of the second day was on sharing stories and experiences of the coordinators while working with volunteers. The day ended with an introduction of possibilities of cooperation with partner countries.



The last day was focused on the specific needs of the organisations, having parallel workshops and open space to exchange experiences and needs of the coordinators and their organisations.



European Solidarity Corps is an initiative by the European Commission, supporting volunteering and solidarity activities. The activities are a follow-up of the successful European Voluntary Service (EVS), and represent decentralised actions, coordinated by national agencies across Europe. In Slovenia, the activities are coordinated and supported by the National Agency Movit, responsible for youth.



EUSA recently launched a call for new round of ESC volunteers, with the application deadline December 15, for a 7-months service, starting in February (until August).