European Youth Week 2021: Events, Activities and Competitions!

With European Youth Week fast approaching, we're delighted to hear from Eurodesk Ambassador, Maria Conte. Maria is currently volunteering as an in-country European Solidarity Corps volunteer with Voluntary Service International, where she manages VSI's social media accounts and communications channels as their Communications and Marketing Officer. Maria has gained some invaluable insights and the position has raised her awareness of social justice, intercultural understanding and active citizenship. Here she highlights the fantastic events and incredible supports available around Ireland for European Youth Week.


EYW
The Eurodesk Ireland Network is going to run a number of network activities for European Youth Week. This means there will be many exciting events and inspiring sessions taking place across Ireland between 24 and 30 May! Eurodesk is a network of youth information organisations, which are also part of the wider European network. They provide free information on opportunities for travelling, working, studying and volunteering in Europe for young people aged between 13 and 30.




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What Events and Activities are Happening in Ireland? 

There are so many exciting events and activities taking place across the country, both online and offline! These events are a great way to meet like-minded young people and make a change to the community, all while having a little craic! Visit the Léargas website for more information and any event announcements near you. If you fancy taking part in some European-level events during the week, visit the EU official website to search for events and activities.  


Youth Information Online Chat Service: 24 -30 May

As part of EYW, Youth Information Online Chat Service will be answering questions and offering support to anyone interested in finding out more about all the European Opportunities available to you, such as volunteering, education and employment, all through ‘YI Chat’! YI Chat is super easy to use and works just like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. The other handy thing about ‘YI Chat’ is that they will link you with your local Eurodesk Multiplier for additional local supports. The Chat Service is open to 16-25 year olds, parents and people who work with young people. You can access the chat service here. It will be live every day from 4pm to 8pm (Mon-Fri). But you can also leave a message at any time and receive a reply by email. For more information email Julie Kelleher or phone 0861301383. YI Chat is an online chat service, offered as part of a collaboration programme between Youth Work Ireland, YMCA Ireland, Crosscare and SpunOut.ie.

'Healthy Connections in a Disconnected World' Photography Competition: 24-30 May

As part of the joint collaboration between Youth Work Ireland,  Tipperary, Clare Youth Services, and Voluntary Service International (VSI), there will be a week-long online photography competition for young people aged between 13 and 30. The competition is called 'Healthy Connections in a Disconnected World' and focuses on Health and Recovery, with a link to young people’s mental health. They are inviting young people to take a photo that reflects how they stay connected, whether it be to themselves, to others, or to nature in today's crazy world. It's really easy to enter, just submit your photo here in this application form! All entries related to the theme will be accepted and exhibited in an online Padlet exhibition. The Padlet will take the form of a map of Ireland, so be sure to tell them where you took the photo so it can be put on the map! The six best entries will each win one €50 One4All voucher! Winners will be announced after the application closing date which is 5pm on 31 May. For more information, contact Maria or phone 083 024 6156.

Discover EU Workshops

Limerick Youth Service is organising a super helpful series of one-hour information sessions on EU-related themes, supports and opportunities such as volunteering, studying, training and working in the European Union. The workshops are open to all and are taking place in-person. The different sessions are running on: 

  • Monday, 24 May at 11:30am and 1:30pm
  • Tuesday, 25 May at 11:30am and 1:30pm 
  • Wednesday, 26 May at 1.00 pm
  • Friday, 28 May at 5:30pm

Register for the online session on 26 May. For more information contact Dermot or phone 083-1726898 or contact the youth information team or call/text 083-1726898.


Irish Eurodesk Ambassador European Mobility Workshop 

The Irish Eurodesk Ambassadors will host an interactive workshop on European Mobility and EU opportunities. They will share their own personal experiences and provide information and advice on what services and supports you can find and how to apply to different projects like Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps! They will also provide an overview of who/what Eurodesk is and what the Ambassadors themselves are about. Date and time to be confirmed. For more information contact Katarzyna or phone 085 250 9635 

‘Europe’ Poetry Competition

Limerick Youth Service is organising a poetry competition with ‘Europe’ as the theme. They are inviting young people to get creative and write a short poem about Europe and what it means to them. The competition will run throughout EYW. For more information contact Dermot or phone 083-1726898 or contact the youth information team or call/text 083-1726898.


Our Fair Planet 

Clare Youth Service is organising a community initiative as part of the Our Fair Planet programme. A group of young people will be encouraged to plan and carry out an initiative of their own choosing related to the themes of EYW. The event will run online with a possibility of an outdoor action. It is open to young people from Clare aged between 12 and 25. Date and time to be confirmed. For more information contact Rachel or phone 085 8726 293

 

European Youth Week Nights

Youth Work Ireland - Tipperary will host a fun quiz night for youth club members to learn about Europe. They will also host an event on the European Solidarity Corps with returned volunteer Natasha on the topic of volunteering abroad. There will be a wellness evening, a climate quiz via Zoom and a cooking class to make a dessert from Fair Trade ingredients. Date and time to be confirmed. For more information contact Pauline or phone 0877726777 

 

KDYS Citizen's Jury - Sustainable Fashion

If you’re interested in sustainable fashion and climate action, look no further! Kerry Diocesan Youth Service is organising this exciting event in collaboration with Limerick Youth Service, Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, among others. The event is styled as a citizens' jury with open conversations about the problems, solutions and resolutions associated with the fast fashion industry in relation to climate action. There will also be a sustainable fashion expert speaking about their personal experiences with sustainable fashion as well as the small steps we can all take to become more sustainable. This event is open to all young people aged between 16 and 25 and is taking place online on 26 May from 7pm to 8.30pm. For more information, contact Anne Murphy. 

Employment in Europe Resource

Have you ever considered living and working in another European country, but didn’t know where to start or what opportunities or supports were out there? If the answer is yes, make sure you check out this resource! There are so many job opportunities across Europe, it’s just a matter of finding one you like best! Download a guide about working in Europe, and find out who can support you in your job search. This ‘Work in Europe’ Resource was designed to encourage more young people to explore the options available to them. This Resource was designed by the Crosscare Youth Information team in conjunction with the launch of the European Employment Podcasts organised by The Europe Direct Centre at Blanchardstown Library which, provides information to the public about the EU as well as answering EU related queries.  

So, that’s the line-up for EYW! Be sure to check out all the events and connect with other young people all across Ireland. It’s a great opportunity, so make the most of it! To find out more about these events, contact Eurodesk

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