Volunteering

This new initiative is helping disaster-affected communities

Kimberley Evans

3 August Aug 2016 1001 03 August 2016

People's lives across the planet are increasingly disrupted by disaster. From manmade to natural disasters, the planet is seeing more conflict and global warming. This is why the European Commission have launched a new initiative: EU Aid Volunteers.

From Turkey to Cambodia, Ecuador to Tunisia, the risk of people's lives being disrupted by disaster is high. Humanitarian aid is more necessary than ever, and local capacity and resilience requires strengthening.

The new initiative of the European Commission, EU Aid Volunteers, is now open for applications to do just that. Bringing together volunteers and organisations from different countries, the initiative will provide practical support to humanitarian aid projects, and contribute to the strengthening the local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities.

"I am very pleased to announce that we will soon see our EU Aid volunteers on the ground, working together with local communities to better prepare for disasters. The EU Aid Volunteers initiative puts European solidarity into action to help people affected by disasters worldwide," stated European Commissioner for Humanitarian aid and Crisis management Christos Stylianides.

The first vacancies for the European Union's EU Aid Volunteers initiative are now , with more to follow over the course of the summer. The first deployment of volunteers to disaster-affected regions worldwide will begin at the end of 2016 following thorough training.

The initiative is open for EU citizens and offers opportunities for junior and senior volunteers from the age of 18. Volunteers will not be placed in acute emergency situations but will work with local communities to provide practical support to humanitarian projects.

Volunteers with diverse qualifications and skills are sought in areas such as political science, engineering, economics, social sciences, accounting and education.

For more information on the EU Aid Volunteers initiative click here

To learn more about an EU Aid volunteer's firsthand experience, watch the video below:

Photo credits: Getty Images/Feng Li

More

Vita Editore

Company

Services

European Year of Rail 2021 – Rail can make a big contribution to smart and sustainable mobility

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held an event promoting the European year dedicated to rail and explaining its potential to become a fully sustainable and competitive transport option, thereby helping to achieve the Green Deal targets

AI in Europe: not all decisions can be reduced to ones and zeros, says the EESC

In two reports on draft EU legislation on artificial intelligence, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for an all-out ban on social scoring in the EU and for a complaint and redress mechanism for people who have suffered harm from an AI system.

Broad participation by civil society is key to a strong recovery in Europe

CARE commits $130M to work towards SDG5: gender equality

EU Commission proposes coordinated measures for the safe reopening of the cultural sector

This new initiative is helping disaster-affected communities

People's lives across the planet are increasingly disrupted by disaster. From manmade to natural disasters, the planet is seeing more conflict and global warming. This is why the European Commission have launched a new initiative: EU Aid Volunteers.

Related news

Social enterprises are more than just businesses

Takeaways, data, insights, bets practices form the "First European Day of Social Economy Enterprises. From Words to Actions"conference.

Aiesec and Cittalia partner for refugees

AIESEC and Cittalia have launched a cooperation to promote the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Italy

Over 600 leaders from philanthropy, politics and business tackle global challenges

The 27th European Foundation Centre annual general assembly and conference ‘Imagining and Investing in our Future’ will take place in Amsterdam from 26-28 May.

Poverty is a threat to the European project

Over 300 people from across Europe will gather in Lourdes at the end of May for a 4-day Caritas Europa conference to contribute to the building of the European project.

The doctor who meets every single refugee who arrives in Lampedusa

Pietro Bartolo, an Italian gynaecologist who cared for hundreds of thousands of immigrants and refugees on the Italian island Lampedusa, is giant low profile hero whose merits and tireless efforts have been recognized and morally awarded by the docu-film Fire at Sea.

Civil Society on Greece: NGOs and Athens are working together

"If we are 1000 to march, the borders will have to open"

Nawal Soufi at the European Parliament: "We need human corridors now"

The 28 year old Italian-Moroccan volunteer was invited yesterday morning to Brussels, after having spent 4 consecutive months assisting refugees arriving in boats on the Greek islands. Here is the video of her brief but intense speech.

Different. Just like you

A handbook designed for professionals and volunteers who engage with persons with disabilities in their work. A guidance in planning and implementing activities in relation to psychosocial support and inclusion.

Reports of Balkan border closures very worrying, says UNHCR head Filippo Grandi

Such decision will lead to further chaos and confusion and it will increase the burden on Greece. «We are worried that these closings are happening and that there are no corresponding openings through relocation and resettlement» warns the Head of the UN Refugee agency.

Migration can benefit the world. This is how we at the UN plan to help

Uber dealt blow after EU court classifies it as transport service

Britain is the most individualistic country in the EU, Europe-wide survey finds

Eu says Brexit transition to end by 31 December 2020