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Young Ukrainians in Lithuania have the opportunity to participate in European Solidarity Corps volunteering projects

To show solidarity with Ukrainians affected by the war, we invite Ukrainians aged 18-30 to participate in the EU’s “European Solidarity Corps” programme – volunteering projects.

The European Solidarity Corps volunteering programme is a European Union programme that has been operating since 2018 (formerly known as the “European Voluntary Service”), which aims to give 18-30-year olds the opportunity to volunteer abroad in solidarity with local communities. The programme shall ensure a safe environment to carry out volunteering activities and opportunity to develop general competences and learning from experience. The programme covers travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, as well as provides pocket money to the participants and ensures their training, mentorship and other costs related to the project. The possible duration of activities is up to one year.

Currently, we have 17 vacancies in Lithuania that organizations would be happy to offer for Ukrainians aged 18-30. Some of the projects are ready to welcome young mothers with young children. Participants would spend 30-38 hours a week volunteering. Activities would take place in youth centres, educational institutions, regional parks, non-governmental organizations, etc. Currently, spots are available in projects located in Vilnius, Kaunas, Telšiai and Ignalina district.

Victoria from Kherson shares her experience as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Rietavas, Lithuania

How does volunteering benefit you?

For me personally, volunteering is a form of non-formal education, a way to step out of comfort zone and challenge myself. The pandemic cancelled my plans for 2020: travelling, studying abroad (in Slovakia). For two years, I was afraid to go out of comfort zone, change my lifestyle or work, because I didn`t feel the stable. After graduating from university, I didn`t understand what to do in the future, what career I want to build and also I was annoyed by formal education. The one-year volunteering program seemed for me as a “GAP-year” – time for rest, personal reflection, travel and the opportunity to try new things, meet people, live in another country.

What did volunteering give me?

For sure, it gives a feeling that it has a power of changes. The changes in my private life, in society, in a world, because volunteering is always about sharing experience, gaining knowledge and analysing lifestyle, goals, values, priorities. Before volunteering, I didn`t have enough time and energy to think about these issues, because I had a lot of studying, work, daily routine. Important thing, that during volunteering I met people, that support me, help in personal reflection, lift me up to achieve my goals, inspired and motivated me.

What are you doing in your volunteering activities?

I`m volunteering in an Open Youth Center in Rietavas – non-formal organization, that work with young generation from different backgrounds. Together with young people we play games (billiards, table tennis, table football, “Uno” and other), support and help youngsters to organize workshops, events, culinary activities, also we drink some tea and speak on topics, that concern them. The conception of “Open Youth Work” is to accept person without judgment, social labels, to be “on the same level” with youngsters, respect them and teach how to follow some agreements (no alcohol, no smoking, no bad words, clean after yourself, no bulling, fights and other). Such kind of youth work (mentoring) help young people to build respectful relationships in their life, to understand what they want from life, which future they see for themselves.

Why did you decide to participate?

The idea of “Open Youth Work” is completely new to me, because there are no organization with similar principles of work in Ukraine. I hope I received knowledge and experience will be useful to change “youth policy” in my country, perhaps for the creation of the first “Open Youth Center”. I decided to participate, because in my school years there was a person next to me, that motivated me in personal development. Despite difficult life situations and thanks to this support, I have achieved a lot, so I also want to help others. If you are thinking about volunteering program – just choose what you like. Do you love animals? A volunteer program at dog/horse/cat shelters will give you a knowledge, how to take care of them. Do you like reading books? Many volunteer programs are available in libraries. Do you like to help people? Try your hand at working with refugees. Do you like to teach/organizing activities for children? Then we invite you to volunteer in schools / kindergartens. I wish you a pleasant time and good luck, guys!

How to get involved?

We invite you to share this information with Ukrainians in your surroundings. In the table below, we present information about organizations and projects that are ready to accept Ukrainians for volunteering. We invite you to review the information provided about the activities and contact the specified contacts.