International Youth Work
International Group - IG
The YWU co-ordinates an International Group which meets 3 times each year, in February, June and October. The main purpose of the group is to promote and support international opportunities for young people. The group is open to anyone in the region who is interested in international youth work. Meetings include regular presentations and current international youth work, e.g. Rotherham's anti-fascist project and visit to Poland, Kirklees' link with a blind school in India and Rotherham's work in Tanzania and Nepal. The current Chair is Roger Simmons from Sheffield Futures who is also a Board Director/Trustee of the YWU.
The YWU also has a small contract with the British Council, the UK National Agency (NA), for the European Youth in Action (YiA) programme. The Unit operates as an Information Point for the YiA programme, giving information and advice about the programme, and applications and referring people to the NA in London.
The Youth in Action programme replaced the European Youth Programme in 2007 and runs until 2013. Support is available for a variety of activities including youth exchanges, youth initiatives, youth democracy projects, European Voluntary Service (EVS), as well as training and contact making events.
APPLICATION FORMS are available from the European Commission website link and from the NA British Council website. Guidance documents are also available. The deadlines below apply:
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Forms must be received by the NA before the deadline to be considered, and activty must not be due to start until 3 months later.
The International Group and the YWU also work in partnership with Everything's Possible a national organisation based in the region specialising in EVS. Everything's Possible spcialise in both long and short term placements but specifically are keen to support young peope who would not normally travel and work abroad by making short term placements of 3-6 weeks available. Young people or workers interested in EVS are encouraged to get in touch with Everything's Possible.
http://www.everythingspossible.org
Each year the International Group organises promotional and training events which will be advertised on the website. The National Agency also offers training in the UK and beyond. These opportunities are circulated across the region via the IG.
For information, application forms and guidance on the Youth in Action Programme click link below:
www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth
Youth in Action regional contact: Miriam Jackson miriamjackson@youthworkunit.com