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The
European Volunteers Program (EVS) in action at the World
Youth Festival
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Some travelers are content partying their way around the
world. Some others are looking for a more substantial experience.
Volunteering provides young travelers with a purpose, an itinerary
and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. They share
their energy and time with the people, experience their culture
first hand and learn how to grow themselves. As part of its
contribution to the World Youth Festival that took place in
Barcelona on August 8-14, 2004, WAGGGS has selected 10 girls
from all over Europe to work as volunteers at the event in
the framework of the European Volunteers Program (EVS) run
by the European Commission. The Europe Region was widely represented:
Josefin Hellden, Alice Elinor Johansson and Lisa Hansson Bjork
from Sweden; Fridur Finna Sigurhadottir from Iceland; Anna
Magyar from Hungary; Lenka Kubikova, Andrea Dropcova and Maria
Dokupilova from Slovakia; Lorin Claire from France and Helen
Hodgson from the UK joined an international team of 60 volunteers,
coming from different sending organizations.
The volunteers program started on July 22nd with a training
day run by the sending organisations for their respective
members and followed by training sessions, Spanish and Catalan
language and culture lessons and leisure activities organised
by the National Preparatory Committee of the World Youth Festival.
During the Festival the volunteers worked together with youth
organisations from Catalonia in administering different aspects
of the Festival, like the campsite, the communication team,
the programme, etc.
They also provided assistance and support to the participants
at all times, and contributed to creating a positive atmosphere
of harmony and cohabitation within the campsite where some
6000 people were lodged. "I would certainly do it again"
said Fridur Finna, one of the leaders of the volunteers, "and
more and more Girl Guides and Girl Scouts should be encouraged
to get engaged in volunteering abroad. The best goal is to
challenge yourself everyday, test your patience, and open
your mind and heart."
You want to become an EVS volunteer?
If you are between 18 and 25 years old, willing to dedicate
6 to 12 months of your time contributing to a local a project
and gaining personal development, and if you are enthusiastic
and full of dynamism, you are the right candidate.
Or...
You are interested in EVS but due to your situation or background,
6 months are too much of a challenge? You might want to try
the EVS short-term projects.
Please click here for more information
http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth/program/sos/vh_evs_en.html
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