Volunteering and International Mobility: Empowering Young People with Fewer Opportunities

Volunteering and international mobility are life-changing non-formal educational experiences, providing valuable opportunities to engage with others, develop social skills, and foster personal development. They have always been vital tools for inclusion, growth, and training, particularly for young people facing social challenges.

For nearly 25 years, InformaGiovani ETS has offered volunteering opportunities to young people dealing with various social issues, including those in conflict with the law, on probation, incarcerated, or participating in other social programs implemented by Juvenile Justice Authorities.

These activities, which have often turned into transformative educational experiences, were made possible through collaboration with social workers from Juvenile Services and juvenile detention facilities across Italy, volunteer organizations, and most importantly, the young individuals willing to embrace these opportunities.

Partnership Building Activity (PBA)

To strengthen existing partnerships and establish new ones both regionally and internationally, InformaGiovani is organizing a Partnership Building Activity (PBA). This event will bring together representatives from restorative and juvenile justice offices, social and youth workers, educators, and representatives of organizations utilizing Erasmus+, ESC, and other EU programs for social inclusion.

Goal and Objectives

The main goal of this PBA is to create collaborations and partnerships to offer mobility opportunities (domestic or international) for young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those in conflict with the law (whether on probation, incarcerated, or undergoing other forms of social rehabilitation).

Supported by the Erasmus+ program, the event will take place in Italy from 26th to 31st May 2025, gathering 30 professionals from Italy and abroad. This activity aims to encourage cross-border collaboration, share best practices in social inclusion, and explore opportunities for implementing Erasmus+, ESC, and other programs for young people (aged 18-30 years). The event will also explore potential cooperation for large-scale projects involving NGOs, Juvenile Justice representatives, public institutions, schools, youth workers, and social workers.

The objectives of the activity are to:

  • Build and strengthen international partnerships among organizations working with young people with fewer opportunities, with a focus on those in conflict with the law.
  • Support the participation of young people in probation or other social programs in volunteering and educational experiences.
  • Provide social workers with knowledge of European programs, helping them access these resources for professional development and to implement activities for their beneficiaries.
  • Create a network of professionals and organizations to foster future collaborations on projects involving young people with fewer opportunities.

Language: The activity will be conducted in English.

Participant Profile

To participate in this PBA, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be active members (staff, volunteers, or activists) of an organization implementing Erasmus+ or ESC projects, or another EU-funded initiative promoting social inclusion for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Previous experience working with youth in conflict with the law is an advantage.
  • Be aware of the current and potential future work of the sending organization and be willing to share methodologies and practices with other participants.
  • Be committed to actively participating in all aspects of the agenda, including presenting your organization’s social inclusion activities.
  • Be fluent in English.

Financial Conditions

This activity is funded by the Erasmus+ Program (KA153-YOU).

  • Board and lodging are covered for the duration of the activity (from dinner on 26/05 to breakfast on 31/05).
  • Travel costs will be reimbursed according to Erasmus+ rules, based on the official European Commission distance calculator.

Travel Reimbursement:

  • 10 – 99 km: 28 EUR
  • 100 – 499 km: 211 EUR
  • 500 – 1999 km: 309 EUR
  • 2000 – 2999 km: 395 EUR

Event Details:

  • Location: Palermo, Italy
  • Arrival: 26th May 2025
  • Departure: 31st May 2025
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel, shared double or triple rooms (separated by gender).

How to Apply

This project is open to participants from EU Member States and third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme. If you’re interested, please fill out the application form by 21st March 2025. Candidates will be notified by 30th March 2025 with further details.

For more information, contact Monica at: monic@informa-giovani.net

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