ICYE Europe-wide Project on Refugees: “Youth and European Solidarity”

EVS project in EU countries (Austria, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania)

12 long-term volunteer placements from September 2003 to June 2004

The project followed an initiative of youth NGO’s to promote European solidarity with marginalized and disadvantaged groups such as refugees and migrants. Involving refugee and migrant organizations as host organizations, the EVS project was a great opportunity for the volunteers to learn about and get involved in working with refugees, migrants and for the defense of human rights. The European and intercultural dimension and the spirit of young persons willing to share and participate brought an added value to the projects. At the same time the volunteers through practicing active citizenship proved that Europe can be an open house where refugees from all parts of the world are welcome.