As part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project No. 2025-1-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000346897, supported by the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by our association, we held an online introductory and preparatory meeting with our volunteers who will participate in long-term volunteering activities in Serbia.

Representatives of our host organization in Serbia, ADRA Srbija, also joined the meeting. During the session, our volunteers and representatives of the host organization had the opportunity to meet each other, share their expectations regarding the project, and discuss the key stages of the volunteering experience.

During the meeting, our volunteers were provided with general information about the project. We also discussed the activities to be carried out throughout the 178-day long-term volunteering period, the roles and responsibilities of the volunteers, the activities to be implemented in cooperation with the host organization, and other important aspects of the project process. Our volunteers introduced themselves and had the opportunity to communicate directly with the host organization representatives and ask questions about the topics they were curious about.

The meeting was highly productive in terms of getting to know one another, sharing expectations, and preparing our volunteers for a new country and working environment. Following the meeting, our preparations for the 178-day volunteering experience in Serbia are continuing.

Through the European Solidarity Corps, we remain committed to supporting young people in participating in international volunteering activities, discovering new cultures, developing their personal and professional skills, and actively contributing to social solidarity.

As the International Youth Search Association (UGARD), within the scope of our project No. 2025-1-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000346897, implemented under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and supported by the Turkish National Agency, we conducted a preparatory visit to our host organization in North Macedonia, which will welcome our volunteers.

During the visit, we discussed the project implementation process in detail, including the roles and responsibilities of our volunteers, working conditions, accommodation arrangements, and various aspects of daily life.

We also had the opportunity to become more familiar with our host organization and its areas of activity. Together, we reviewed the necessary preparations to ensure that our volunteers have a safe, inclusive, and productive experience throughout their mobility period.

This visit marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between our organizations and laying a solid foundation for future joint activities and partnerships.

As the International Youth Quest Association (UGARD), we successfully hosted our project partners in Türkiye for a project meeting within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA210 “Youth Work 2.0: Unlocking Potential with AI” project, funded by the German National Agency and coordinated by the East-West-East Association.

During the meeting, which brought together our project partners, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the project activities carried out so far. We reviewed the completed activities and results achieved and exchanged ideas regarding the next stages of the project.

One of the key items on the meeting agenda was the guide being developed for the effective, innovative, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in youth work. Project partners shared their views and suggestions regarding the content and final version of the guide. These discussions contributed to further developing the guide into a practical and useful resource that responds to the needs of youth workers.

The meeting held in Türkiye not only contributed to the progress of the project activities but also strengthened communication and cooperation among the partner organisations. Sharing different experiences, perspectives, and approaches provided a valuable opportunity to support the achievement of the project objectives and the development of high-quality project outcomes.

As we successfully complete another important stage of the “Youth Work 2.0: Unlocking Potential with AI” project, we continue to explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in youth work and develop innovative outputs through our strong partnership and international cooperation.

We would like to thank all our project partners for their participation, valuable contributions, experience sharing, and continued cooperation throughout the project.

As the International Young Search Association (UGARD), we carried out a preparatory visit to our host organisation in Serbia as part of our European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Volunteering Project, supported by the Turkish National Agency, Project No. 2025-1-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000346897.

During our visit, we discussed in detail the overall project process, the tasks and responsibilities of our volunteers, working conditions, accommodation arrangements, and various aspects of daily life.

We also had the opportunity to get to know our host organisation and its working environment more closely. Together with our partner, we planned the necessary preparations to ensure that our volunteers have a safe, inclusive, productive, and meaningful volunteering experience in Serbia.

This preparatory visit was also highly valuable in terms of strengthening the cooperation between our organisations and further developing our long-term partnership.

Now, the next step is to send our volunteers off to Serbia and open the doors to a brand-new international experience!

We participated in the Kick-off Meeting held in Germany within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA210 “Edu4All” Project, in which UGARD is a strategic partner and East-West-East Association serves as the coordinating organization.

During the project’s opening meeting, the project partners came together to discuss the project’s objectives, activity timeline, division of responsibilities, and cooperation mechanisms in detail. Throughout the sessions, participants exchanged ideas on strengthening inclusion and accessibility in youth work while finalizing the planning of the project’s upcoming activities.

The meeting, attended by organizations from different countries, established a strong foundation for international cooperation and contributed to the successful implementation of the project through joint planning and key strategic decisions.

The Edu4All Project aims to promote equal access to education and youth opportunities, foster inclusive practices, and encourage the development of accessible learning environments. Through its planned activities and expected outcomes, the project will support the active participation of young people with diverse needs in international youth initiatives.

At UGARD, we are proud to be part of Erasmus+ projects that promote equal participation in social life and international opportunities for young people. We remain committed to contributing to the development of more inclusive and accessible youth work across Europe.

Throughout the project, we will continue to share updates on training activities, international meetings, and project outcomes through our website and social media channels.

Within the scope of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Volunteering Project (Project No. 2024-2-TR01-ESC51-VTJ-000291047), funded by the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by UGARD as the applicant organization, three visually impaired volunteers, accompanied by their assistants, together with a total of eight volunteers, will participate in a 28-day volunteering activity in North Macedonia. In addition, one volunteer will take part in a 46-day volunteering placement.

During the project, our volunteers will work alongside young people from different cultural backgrounds in activities that promote social benefit. This experience will not only contribute to their personal and professional development but also provide them with the opportunity to experience the true spirit of international solidarity and intercultural cooperation.

This project represents much more than an international mobility activity. It is an important initiative aimed at strengthening inclusive volunteering in the field of disability. Enabling young people with diverse needs to participate in international programmes on equal terms reflects the core values of the European Solidarity Corps: solidarity, equality, inclusion, and active participation.

At UGARD, we believe that the true strength of international youth programmes lies in their ability to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for everyone. Every initiative that supports the active participation of persons with disabilities in international experiences contributes not only to individual development but also to the creation of a more inclusive society and a stronger civil society.

We wish all our volunteers a successful and rewarding experience in North Macedonia and are confident that the knowledge, skills, and experiences they gain will create lasting value for both themselves and their communities.