Since the end of the first step of the MOViE project, a week has already passed and Young European Reformists (YER) wishes -at this point- to underline two important aspects of it. Firstly, it is worth to underline what has been done and secondly it is of value to recognize how the project fostered the affirmation of a new european conscience on one side, and the establishment of new collaborations among European NGOs, on the other side.
The aim of the MOViE Mobility of Volunteers in Europe – financed by “Europe for Citizens” Programme Action 1– is twofold. First, it promotes the discussion on volunteerism issues and second, it encourages the exchange of good practice among the involved european volunteers. On these bases the main purpose is to raise awareness on active citizens’ participation in Europe.
The project was planned to take place in three European countries (Greece, Bulgaria and Romania) involving 68 volunteers from april 20nd until the 3rd of June. YER took part in the first phase of the project. We spent 10 days in Thessaloniki (Greece) and from the 1st till the 7th of May, we were in Razlog (Bulgaria). Working on team, with all the participants of the first phase, we simulated the NGOs’ work and we dealt with the NGO’s image in the society and we learned how to plan a social campaign.
The Antigone’s and International Initiatives for Cooperation IIC’s organisatios -the local NGO’s managers of the project – structured the daily meeting using the no-formal learning approach. Moreover, they respectively helped us in discovering the traditions and views of the two hosting European countries.
In both Thessaloniki and Razlog, we had the chance to keep in touch with several NGOs dealing with problematic issues of the society (immigration and disability). Moreover, we spoke with the persons in charge and they explained us both of the difficulties and the successes of their volunteering work.
At the end of the project, we do believe that it was a really important experience for us. Firstly because having the possibility to collaborate and face with people with different cultures and backgrounds, it was the best way for sharing our experiences on volunteerism and increase our knowledge on it. Secondly, this collaboration will be fundamental for planning new future projects.
In conclusion, this project – in line with all the others on youth exchange financed by the European Union- is one way to foster the affirmation of a better Europe. An Europe beyond crisis and institutions, not only a rhetorical one made of flag and coin, but rather an Europe made of ACTIVE CITIZENS!!!!
So LET’S MOViE EUROPE!!!!
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