Portugal: ESC: 10th Edition of Generation XXI: ESC connecting Europe

About the local hosting organization

The municipality of Portimão is active in various priority areas of the European Solidarity Corps, we have several events and activities related to youth in various themes such as economic innovation, which includes entrepreneurship, employment and vocational training, inclusion, and social cohesion and, therefore, the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens and in the fight against youth unemployment, especially those with fewer opportunities. Algarve continues to be reported as one of the regions with low level of school success, and most young people prematurely drop out of school leading to unemployment and discouragement of our youth fabric. There are still few, young people from Portimão and Algarve who benefit from existing programmes and opportunities at European and international level, due to lack of knowledge and, or, passive, attitude. In this context, we believe that more can be done and that young people are not yet active as they could be, more involved in their municipality, more participatory. We want to develop policies in many fields, especially how to motivate young people from minorities, in the social life of the city. Thus, our main motivation to participate in the European Solidarity Corps is to be able to develop a new culture of participation in young people, so that they become more participatory and involved in our municipality. We want to give young people the opportunity and encourage them to participate in the life of their community, to make them more attentive and communicative citizens, more involved in activities, experiences, and structures, that allow them to develop their skills and see the results of their participation and efforts.

Presentation of the programme

Generation XXI responds to the need to empower young people to embrace change, explore new opportunities, and better understand local challenges while connecting them with the European and global context. We believe that active participation, volunteering, non-formal learning, training, and mobility foster personal and professional development, strengthen key competences, improve employability, and promote active citizenship. The project also contributes to the sustainable development of the local community. Activities are linked to our main areas of intervention: the Youth Information Centre, the Pedagogical Farm, the Museum, the Tourism Unit, Lugar do Rio – Portimão Youth Space, and the Veterinary Medical Services Division. The project will host three ESC volunteers: one at the Museum, one alternating between Tourism and Lugar do Rio, and one between the Pedagogical Farm and Veterinary Services.

About the accomodation

The Municipality of Portimão will provide volunteers with fully equipped accommodation that complies with health, safety, and quality standards. Internet access will be available to facilitate communication with their families, friends, and sending organisations. At the beginning of each month, we will transfer the amount of 310 euros for food allowance and pocket money.

About the leisure activities

Together with the sending partner organization, we agreed that all selected volunteers will need to have a pre-departure training. We will have an online meetings with the volunteer. In addition to this preparation process, we will have internally at least two interim training related to the volunteer project and several evaluation moments, as well as a final evaluation of the project. We also guarantee the participation of the volunteers in the training provided by the Portuguese National Agency, included in the training cycle.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We will give priority to volunteers with few opportunities or in situations of long-term unemployment, we will select the volunteers that are included in the list of volunteers registered in the European Solidarity Corps. The volunteer must be dynamic, motivated and enjoy working in an international and multicultural, responsible and friendly group. The project also aims to have and promote gender equality. Respecting the policy of gender equality. Our goal in this project is for volunteers to be motivated to participate in many other projects in their cities.Deadline: 31/08/2026 23:00