The main aim of “Communicating Human Rights in Diversity” has been to develop sustainable strategies to assist youth and volunteering NGOs to infuse a culture of human rights in their diverse local contexts. The project is based on a learner-centred educational approach that acknowledges the value of personal action and personal change taking into account the social context in which learners are situated. This took place through a human rights in diversity training (henceforth termed HRE approach) that laid emphasis on interpersonal, intercultural communication, a key factor for conflicts in the fast-paced globalized world we inhabit. A culture of human rights in diversity was infused in volunteering NGOs by examining instances when the human rights of vulnerable groups, e.g. people with disability, LGBT, women, street children, etc. are not respected. This awareness became the basis for change in practices supported by HRE modules and methods developed in this project. This served to build capacity of youth and social workers, volunteers and organisations changing perceptions and practices within their organisations and in their diverse local communities. With 19 participating countries - Austria, Finland, Iceland, France, UK, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, India, Vietnam and Indonesia - this project comprised the following components: a) Taskforce meeting to plan process and structureb) 'Training for HRE Multipliers' building capacity of 21 youth workers in human rights and qualitative researchc) Eight-month EVS for 14 volunteers - 9 from EU and 4 from non-EU countriesd) HRE modules implemented by HRE multipliers with volunteers and/or host organisations to infuse a culture of human rights in diversity within local NGOs (minimum 50 direct beneficiaries)e) Qualitative study testing socio-cultural and personal impact of volunteering and the human rights in diversity approach on the 14 EVS volunteers f) Taskforce meeting to discuss results of the study and plan the evaluation conferenceg) 'Gauging Impact Conference' with 21 HRE multipliers evaluating the entire project, discussing follow-up, dissemination and usage of project outcomes and productsThe learner-centred HRE approach built capacity by improving intercultural learning, communication and transversal skills of youth and host and coordinating organisations. Through the exchange of experiences and good practice, the project served to strengthen cooperation and improve capacity, management and support systems of youth and volunteering organisations. The qualitative study enabled the assessment of the capacity building of youth workers indirectly, i.e through the project's impact on volunteers' socio-cultural and personal development. The study filled gaps in knowledge about practices that lead to the maximising of volunteers’ learning outcomes with the aim of enabling future volunteers to reach their full potential.

Global socio-cultural trends and the pressure of economic competitiveness have created their own learning needs that require the reinforcement of links between formal and non-formal education. Non-formal learning is about the liberating potential of new forms of learning that are learner-centred, motivating, experiential, and inspiring. Bringing the two streams of education together results in education that stimulates motivation for learning as it focuses on the needs and aspirations of each student. The project aimed at making learning an interactive and collaborative process to inspire young people, in particular youth with fewer opportunities, to partake in learning and acquire knowledge. The majority of young volunteers worldwide were engaged in formal education, and thus this project sought to strengthen their contributions and that of all stakeholders in formal education host projects worldwide.The non-formal approach in this capacity building project was based on experiential learning - ‘learn by experience’ involving emotional, intuitive and imaginative learning through practical, interactive exercises. Such learning has the potential to provide a range of skills and competencies (communication, problem-solving, critical thinking skills, etc.) and can instil knowledge, attitudes and values. EVS volunteers played a key role in introducing and using the new methodology in the classroom to infuse elements of civic education, diversity and intercultural dialogue, and to improve delivery of formal educational content. With 15 participating countries - Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Iceland, Finland, UK, Denmark, Colombia, Bolivia, Mexico, India, Nepal, Ghana and South Africa - the project comprised the activities: a) Taskforce meeting that planned process and structureb) Training of 23 Multipliers: Youth volunteering organisations and teachers / educators from host projects involved in education in 12 countries worldwidec) Eight-month EVS for 14 volunteers - 8 from EU and 6 from non-EU countriesd) Local non-formal education trainings by multipliers for EVS and ICYE volunteers and/or formal education host projects (minimum 50 direct and 500 indirect beneficiaries). e) 14 EVS volunteers supported teaching staff in using non-formal tools in the classroom. Teachers and volunteers gave written feedback on the process, achievements and lessons learned. f) Taskforce Final Evaluation meeting assessed feedback from volunteers and teachers, and finalised the publication and dissemination of non-formal education toolkit for formal education. The project's objective was to improve the delivery of formal education content and simultaneously to strengthen the work of young people volunteering in formal education projects, providing them invaluable skills and competences, and maximising learning outcomes and experiences.

This innovative project seeks to go to the heart of the debate around decolonisation. We bring together 15 International Volunteering Services (IVS) organisations (5 associated partners) to improve the quality of transnational cooperation by jointly developing tools, policies, and guidelines to transform power structures, processes, and mindsets among 6 of the most prominent networks in the field.Objectives:Set up and efficiently manage a consortium of partners with the necessary diversity and expertise to guarantee a high-quality implementation of the projectCreate a dialogue and research space for the partners on how to tackle neo-colonial and racist structures in long-term international volunteeringSupport IVS organisations to examine and deconstruct colonial power structures and climate colonialism within their structures, programmes and partnershipsDevelop and implement a participatory advocacy plan to address and transform existing inequalities in international volunteering and to make sure the results of the project are widely disseminatedActivities: 3 Steering Committee meetings, 24 online meetings, 4 Think Tank meetings, 8 online dialogues, 2 online workshops, 6 in-person workshops/trainingsOutputs: 1 Self-Assessment Tool, 1 online course, 8 videos, 3 Policy Papers, 3 social media campaigns, 1 Knowledge Platform, long-term advocacy strategyDirectly benefiting: 400 youth workers, 250 young volunteers, 15 IVS organisations, 20 young activists, 23 peer researchers, 10 policy makers, 6 external expertsIndirectly benefiting: 10,000 young volunteers, 500 youth workers, 188 IVS organisations, hosting communities in 96 countriesBy promoting structural change, we ensure that IVS contributes to global solidarity and builds reciprocal relationships. The resulting conceptual framework and up-scalable outputs produced will help us transform our organisations and societies to become more inclusive, diverse, and environmentally sustainable.

Political and financial instability, the rise of nationalism, war and terrorism have led large numbers of people to flee their countries and make their way to neighbouring countries and beyond. Fear and resentment fuelled by political rhetoric on asylum seekers and refugees is leading to minorities being targeted. This critical global situation calls for urgent action: to challenge populist narratives that make asylum seekers and refugees a danger to society and work toward diverse, inclusive societies. Aims-Raise awareness of the situation of refugees in Europe, Africa and Latin America-Counter discriminatory and racist attitudes among young people and in local communities-Foster inclusion, solidarity, and more respectful and welcoming communities Objectives-Build capacity of partners through training and tools to tackle racism and nationalism and strengthen trainer competences in anti-racism education-Share best practice on counter arguments to populist discourses and hate speech-Focus on networking and establishing cross-sectoral partnerships for the campaigns -Create awareness through trainings and campaigns of the impact of racism on the situation of asylum seekers and refugees -Empower young people to improve their level of competences and their ability to participate actively in society -Develop an Anti-racism Toolkit for International VolunteeringActivities1. Taskforce Meeting, 7 participants2. Youth Work Can Unite: International Anti-Racism Training, 23 participants3. 8-month volunteering activities, 12 young people4. Local anti-racism trainings for volunteers and host organisations in 12 countries: Austria, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa5. Campaigns addressing racism and supporting refugees in 12 countries6. Final Evaluation Meeting, 6 participantsTangible resultsa) Capacity building of youth NGOs to address racism, hate speech and support asylum seekers and refugees b) Professionalisation of youth workers in anti-racism education in 12 countries c) Greater understanding of the situation of refugees and asylum seekers on 3 continentsd) Anti-Racism Toolkit for youth, volunteers and youth NGOs to multiply learninge) Strengthened international youth cooperation, new cross-sectoral partnerships and with NGOs addressing racism and supporting refugeesImpact on youth, volunteers, civil society, partners and local communities a) Youth workers and trainers competent in anti-racism educationb) Enhanced level of competences and holistic development of youth and volunteers through anti-racism training, campaigning, hands-on experience, improving employability and ability to actively participate in society, particularly relevant for youth with fewer opportunitiesc) Cultural exchange at local and international levels will foster inclusion, solidarity and positive change for partners and communities, particularly refugee and immigrant populations

Economic instability has exposed youth to unemployment, socio-economic inequalities and exclusion, negatively impacting on their autonomy, well-being and access to rights. This creates precarious lives and erodes social cohesion and peace. Social entrepreneurship (SE), particularly in youth voluntary work, has the potential to drive young people to creativity and leadership and to engage with the local community for their own holistic development and the collective growth of the community. Young people in this project will develop and lead campaigns and actions that run beside mainstream economy, creating economic opportunities and alternative approaches to employability. Aims-Build capacity and share best practice among volunteering and host organisations to promote social entrepreneurship for/by volunteers and young beneficiaries in host projects, e.g. community development, social cohesion projects for the disabled, refugees and migrants, advocacy and activism, youth initiatives in disadvantaged areas...-Promote creativity and leadership skills for social entrepreneurship among volunteers, young people and local communities-Build social cohesion and solidarity among partners and within local communities across continents Activities-Young Leaders for Social Change Taskforce Meeting-Young Leaders for Social Change: Entrepreneurship International Multiplier Workshop-12 young people participated in 8-month volunteering activities -Entrepreneurship Workshops held for volunteers and host projects in 12 countries: UK, Finland, Austria, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Argentina, Honduras, Ecuador, Vietnam, Philippines, South Africa-Volunteer campaigns or projects took place in 10 countries-Online Social Entrepreneurial Final Evaluation MeetingTangible resultsa) Global network of SE multipliers (youth workers, social workers and volunteers) from 6 European, 3 Latin American, 2 African, and 2 Asian countries develop SE tools and support processes for entrepreneurship b) International multiplier workshop for 20 SE participantsc) 12 SE local workshops for volunteers and host projectsc) SE campaigns or projects in 12 countries by/with volunteers, local youth and host organisationsd) Handbook for Social Entrepreneurship through Volunteering for volunteers, IVS and host organisations e) Strengthened partnerships, new cooperation with NGOs and likeminded organisations. Impact on youth, volunteers, civil society, partners and local communities:-Creativity, leadership and motivation for social entrepreneurship among volunteers, IVS and host organisations, and local communities-Cultural exchange at local and international levels fostered social cohesion, solidarity, sustainable change and development for partners and local communities-SE workshops and hands-on experiences maximised volunteers’ learning outcomes, opened up new economic opportunities and new initiatives in social economy, particularly for youth with fewer opportunities-Greater visibility and recognition of volunteering