GEAI meets ESC
As well as hosting European volunteers, Good Energies Alliance Ireland acts as a supporting organisation for young people from Ireland who would like to go volunteering abroad as a part of European Solidarity Corps programme.
What is ESC?
The European Solidarity Corps (previously known as European Voluntary Service) is the European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer in long-term projects (2-12 months) – in their own country or abroad – that benefit communities and people around Europe.
Volunteer projects are an excellent opportunity to help where needed, learn new skills, spend time abroad, maybe learn a language – and definitely come back with unforgettable memories.
ESC is open to all young people aged 18 to 30. Beyond benefiting the local communities, by participating in voluntary activities, young volunteers can develop new skills and, therefore, improve their personal, educational and professional development.
Volunteers can benefit from specific training throughout the activity and agree on their expected learning outcomes, processes and methods in advance. Their learning experience is formally recognised through a Youthpass.
Among the things we do…
- Carry out our work through the cooperation of local volunteers and young Europeans who can benefit from the experience of working with the demands of our campaigns and projects, publicity and promotion activities;
- Manage our ESC project and to support our volunteers in their professional and personal development;
- We carry out research, educate ourselves and others, and raise awareness of climate crisis, renewable and efficient energy sources and uses;
- We were involved in the campaign against fracking in Ireland;
- We lobby and advise local, regional and national decision-makers on related policies;
- We develop and support community projects that implement sustainable and efficient energy uses.
Participation is free for the volunteers (except for a possible contribution of a maximum of 10% of the travel costs) who also get board and lodging, insurance cover and an allowance for the duration of the project. Special conditions apply to encourage the participation of young people with fewer opportunities. Further information can be found on the Léargas website.
The European Solidarity Corps spans a wide range of areas, such as environment, health, inclusion, digital technologies, culture, sport, etc. One thing all the activities have in common is a clear European and intercultural learning dimension. ESC is a mutually beneficial process, where everybody gains from getting to know the other’s culture.
Click on the button below for more information:
In the words of our volunteers
Take a look at a full description of our ESC project
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY AREAS: Volunteers focus on specific areas, based on their professional competencies. All our volunteers are technically competent. Internet-based work is carried out from the office in Ballinaglera.
A) Research and Technology
Research on renewable energy sources and uses, reports on research, work with the GEAI team assisting with the review of, and compilation of links to peer-reviewed articles and government publications. Updating of website (continuous). Technical training on website design delivered.
B) Media and Promotion
Social media, marketing and promotion. Work on the promotional aspects of GEAI, e.g. maintaining Facebook, Twitter, etc. functions of the GEAI website and upgrading these as required. Updating of contact database, media contacts, etc. Promotional drives and awareness-raising events.
All volunteers have an opportunity to make presentations about the work they are doing. They are also expected to promote Erasmus+ and to produce regular posts on the GEAI website about their ESC experience. And write articles for the monthly GEAI e-Newsletter.
C) Event Management
All volunteers: organization of events, projects, other GEAI activities in Ireland. These include seminars, meetings with local and national figures, and also collaborative activities with other environmental NGOs (as required). Assisting with the establishment of Ballinaglera Community Hall as a training hub organizing training in the area of climate change and renewable energy with local schools and colleges. Assisting with promotion and delivery of workshops.
D) Community Work
Assisting local groups and voluntary organizations that organize social events in the local area:
These include Festivals (summer), Music Sessions (weekends), Older people’s activities (weekly), Sports Day (June), BBQ (August), Junior Disco (monthly), Concerts (Christmas) etc. This will be good for their social integration into the community and experience of local culture.
E) Training and Networking
Leargas training: On-arrival training and midway training. Each volunteer attends an on-arrival training with Léargas shortly after arrival in Ireland. Midway training takes place between four and eight months after arrival. Each training is for five days, currently held on-line.
GEAI training: Training is delivered by external trainers as required, e.g. social media training, child protection and first aid training. Peer to peer training takes place between current volunteers.
Volunteers are facilitated to network with other volunteers and build friendships with Irish and international Youth in Action participants. In particular, a network of current and former volunteers has been established and former volunteers help out with technical or other issues when necessary.
F) Blog
All volunteers keep a blog to record their experiences.
G) Youthpass
All volunteers are encouraged and supported to do an individual project using their own initiative and to apply for Youthpass.
H) Erasmus+
Assisting with Erasmus+ projects organised or participated in by GEAI in conjunction with our partners. This includes future projects such as Strategic Partnerships project.
I) Young people
Liaising with young people, promoting the Good Energies project in schools and getting young people involved in initiatives around renewable energies and climate change.
J) Public participation
In conjunction with GEAI and People’s Charter on Energy, liaising with communities nationally to encourage participation in debate on renewable energies and getting the voice of the community heard.
Are you between 18 and 30 and willing to spend up to 12 months abroad as an ESC volunteer? Get in touch!
