APY takes much attention to EVS project as we think that EVS is the best way of mutual cooperation and understanding. Now APY implements conculting activity and spread information about various EVS projects to Armenian youth. APY cooperates with “Ayrudzi” NGO on EVS sphere.
Here is some more information about EVS.
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) provides young people with the unique chance to express their personal commitment through unpaid and full-time voluntary activities in a foreign country within or outside the EU. In this way, it seeks to develop solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people, thus contributing to reinforcing social cohesion in the European Union and to promoting young people’s active citizenship. Open to all young people aged 18 to 30, EVS is a true ‘learning service’. Beyond benefiting the local communities, by participating in voluntary activities, young volunteers can develop new skills and, therefore, improve their personal, educational and professional development. Volunteers can benefit from specific training throughout the activity and agree on their expected learning outcomes, processes and methods in advance. Their learning experience is formally recognized through a Youthpass. Participation is free for the volunteers who also get board and lodging, insurance cover and an allowance for the duration of the project. Special conditions apply to encourage the participation of young people with fewer opportunities. For the volunteer as well as for the hosting organization it is an opportunity to gain lots of new experiences and knowledges, to get to know other culture, the way of life, language and habits.
A successful EVS project requires close co-operation among at least three key players: a sending organization, a host organization and the volunteer. One of the organizations involved in this partnership also plays the role of coordinating organization and applies for an EU grant on behalf of the partnership. Organizations perform a number of roles: they identify volunteering opportunities and develop projects that benefit the local community. They also recruit and prepare the volunteers, host them, and ensure follow-up.
EVS activities can be carried out both individually or in group.
An important target group under EVS is young people with fewer opportunities, who due to socio-economic, health or geographic reasons would normally not have the possibility to participate in transnational voluntary activities.
The European Voluntary Service enables young people to carry out voluntary service for up to 12 months in a country other than their country of residence. It fosters solidarity among young people and is a true ‘learning service’. Beyond benefiting local communities, volunteers learn new skills and languages, and discover other cultures.
An EVS project has three phases:
- planning and preparation
- implementation of the Activity
- evaluation (including reflection on a possible follow-up).
Non-formal learning principles and practice are reflected throughout the project. Within the European Voluntary Service (EVS) program, young people can spend up to 12 months abroad as European volunteers helping in local projects in various fields. Volunteers in EVS projects participate in activities in different fields (like: environment, arts and culture, activities with children, young people or elderly, heritage, sports, etc.) which comply with the following general principles:Activities must:• Take place in a country other than where the volunteer lives; • Be non-profit-making and unpaid; • Bring an added value to the host organization and the local community; • Not involve job substitution, nor be a substitute for military service or alternative service formulas; • Last for a limited period, normally between 2 and 12 months.
Activities should:
• Promote universal peace, dialogue, tolerance and solidarity;
• Contribute to building long-lasting and solid partnerships;
• Include exchange of youth work expertise and know-how;
• Give participants a better understanding of their own situations and cultures and help them explore their identities;
• Contribute to developing the voluntary sector and civil society.
At the end of the service, every volunteer is entitled to an EVS certificate in order to facilitate the recognition of his/her experience. EVS volunteers receive food and accommodation, insurance cover and an allowance (pocket money) whose level depends on the host country (200 Euro in average). EVS is recognized as a high quality standard, notably because it ensures that every single volunteer receives adequate training, including linguistic one, and personal support throughout the project.
