The European Solidarity Corps is one of the largest projects of the Erasmus+ program, supported by the European Commission. Foundation Ukraine has actively participated in the ESC project for years, enabling volunteers to develop their skills in various areas of activity. Throughout several editions of the project, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with 14 exceptional young individuals from Ukraine, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Sakartvelo. Being a volunteer at the Foundation is an opportunity for teamwork, learning from experienced members of the organization, obtaining certificates, and participating in international conferences.
The ESC project allows young people to engage in local initiatives and participate in volunteer programs that support communities across Europe. This initiative is aimed not only at young people but also at companies, organizations, and institutions operating in the solidarity sector.
Project Goal:
The main goal of the ESC project is to support young people aged 18-30 in their personal and professional development through participation in international volunteering. The project creates a space for active involvement in the socio-cultural activities of the Foundation Ukraine, where volunteers gain valuable experience working in a non-governmental organization, organize integration events, and support initiatives for migrants and refugees. Participation in the ESC allows volunteers to develop skills in working within international teams, project management, and building networks.
Key activities within the project include:
- Engaging 4 volunteers from Türkiye, Spain, France, and Sakartvelo to support the socio-cultural initiatives of the Foundation Ukraine.
- Exchanging experiences and good practices between the Foundation’s staff and volunteers.
- Training volunteers in working within non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with a particular emphasis on supporting migrants and refugees.
- Organizing adaptive and integration meetings for adults and children, with active participation from volunteers involved in the project.
Expected project outcomes:
- Enabling young people to gain practical skills through their engagement in social and volunteer activities.
- Strengthening the solidarity sector through active participation of companies, organizations, and institutions in the project.
- Developing key competencies of volunteers, especially in supporting migrants and refugees.
- Creating and implementing social initiatives that bring tangible benefits to local communities across Europe.
- Expanding the knowledge and skills of the staff of the Foundation Ukraine and volunteers working with NGOs.
- Building social bonds and organizing adaptive and integration events that foster mutual understanding and cooperation between generations.
Meet our team of volunteers for this year’s edition of the European Solidarity Corps!
In this year’s edition of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project, we are pleased to introduce four inspiring young individuals who have recently joined and actively participate in the activities of the Foundation Ukraine, bringing their passion, talent, and commitment to the team of our Ukrainian Center of Culture and Development.
Umut Utku AKÇA (Türkiye)
Umut is not only a traveler, translator, and photographer, but he also actively works with youth, demonstrating leadership qualities. He says he is always open to exploration, learning, development, travel, and having fun. He believes he can achieve great things through his work at the Foundation. In the ESC project, he focuses on building community, creating creative content, and supporting other volunteers. His energy and positive attitude are the driving force behind many of our activities.
Carmen Benítez Suárez (Spain)
Carmen loves music, coffee, and meeting people. She values kindness and friendliness, which translates into her work at the Foundation. She organizes the Spanish Speaking Club, carries out multicultural events at CUKR, and actively participates in moderating the English Speaking Club. Thanks to her, our participants have the opportunity to develop in a friendly atmosphere and learn about diverse cultures.
Monika Beraia (Sakartvelo)
Monika is a fan of metal music and festivals, and she appreciates adventure and a sense of humor. She believes that life should always have a bit of unpredictability. At the Foundation, she designs graphics for CUKR’s social media and promotional materials, and leads the English Speaking Club. Monika brings original and engaging ideas to the activities at CUKR with her energy and talent.
Chloé Syre (France)
Chloé is a humanitarian volunteer focused on providing psychosocial support to refugees, particularly women and children. She is passionate about travel, discovering new cultures, and learning languages, with a priority on continuous knowledge acquisition and building deep interpersonal relationships. As part of the project, Chloé conducts training sessions and thematic meetings for migrant children, teaches foreign languages, supports CUKR in organizing multicultural events, and develops the concept of a French Speaking Club, which will soon be available in our offerings.
Follow our social media to stay updated on the projects of the Foundation Ukraine and the inspiring initiatives of our international volunteers! There, you will find the latest updates as well as invitations to participate in interesting events organized by our team:
This project is funded by the EU. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union and EACEA are not responsible for them.
