Nuorisokeskus Villa Elba

Kokkolan kaupunki / Nuorisopalvelut

Kokkola, Finland


โญ๏ธ Activity Title

Volunteering at Kokkola Youth Services


๐Ÿ“‹ Everything you need to know about applying for ESC volunteering โ€” all in one place. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is one of the most life-changing opportunities available to young people across Europe, yet many applicants walk in without a clear picture of what to expect. This complete guide covers how ESC works, who can apply, what costs are covered, what your daily life as a volunteer looks like, and how to strengthen your application from the start. Whether you're applying for the first time or exploring your options, this is the one resource you should read before anything else. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/15101/


๐Ÿ”ท Activity Details


Description

The volunteer will be part of the Kokkola Youth Services team and actively contribute to a wide range of youth work activities across the city. The volunteer will support the daily operations of different youth centres and youth houses, helping to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for young people. They will also assist in planning and implementing various events, workshops and recreational activities organised by Kokkola Youth Services throughout the year. Kokkola Youth Services provides young people with meaningful leisure-time activities, opportunities for participation, and safe meeting places that support their personal growth, well-being, independence, and active citizenship.


Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

The project is coordinated by Youth Centre Villa Elba, while the hosting and daily workplace is Kokkola City Youth Services. The volunteer will live at Youth Centre Villa Elba in shared room with other volunteers. The accommodation is 4 km from the city centre of Kokkola and the Youth Services facilities. A bicycle will be provided for the volunteer, and cycling will be the main means of transportation between the accommodation and the workplace. On working days, the volunteer will receive one warm meal at Villa Elba and the volunteer will receive food money monthly to organise other meals.


Training during the activity

Volunteer will be provided pre-departure training organised by the supporting organisation, national on-arrival training in September and mid-term meeting during spring 2027. Online language support is available and finnish language learning is supported. Volunteer will be supported to get to know the work and working environment during the project and will have a mentor and work leader/leaders.


Participant profile

We are looking for an open-minded and motivated volunteer who is interested in working with young people and participating in community activities. The volunteer should be comfortable living in shared accommodation and sharing a room with another volunteer. As cycling is the main mode of transportation between the accommodation and workplace throughout the year, the volunteer should be willing and able to use a bicycle regularly. We are looking for a young person who is interested in youth work, non-formal learning, and intercultural exchange and willing to actively participate in the daily activities of Kokkola Youth Services. No previous experience in youth work is required. However, an interest in working with young people, learning new skills, and contributing to community activities is important. The volunteer should be willing to work as part of a team, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and adapt to new situations. We welcome volunteers with different educational, social, and cultural backgrounds. The project is particularly suitable for young people who would like to gain experience in youth work, community engagement, event organisation, and intercultural learning. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own culture, ideas, hobbies, and talents with local young people and staff. Basic knowledge of English is needed to participate in the project and communicate with colleagues and other volunteers. Knowledge of Finnish is not required. The volunteer should be willing to live in shared accommodation with other volunteers and be comfortable cycling between the accommodation and workplace throughout the year. The project is open to all young people who are motivated to learn, contribute to the local community, and engage in a meaningful European Solidarity Corps experience. IMPORTANT: In your motivation letter, please describe how you would adapt to living in shared accommodation and cycling daily between the accommodation and workplace. We would also like to hear one idea or skill you would like to share with local young people during your volunteering project.


โœ… 10 practical tips to write a stronger Erasmus+ or ESC application and actually get selected. With growing competition for spots in Erasmus+ and ESC projects, a well-crafted application can genuinely make or break your chances. This guide shares 10 concrete, actionable tips based on what selection committees actually look for โ€” covering everything from how to frame your motivation to the common mistakes that get applications rejected. If you're serious about getting selected, take the time to read this before you hit submit. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/8396/


๐Ÿ”‘ Key Information

Activity dates

From 01/09/2026 to 30/06/2027

Activity location

Puutarhakatu 2B , Kokkola, Finland

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Looking for participants from

Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine

Activity topics
Deadline for applications

Application deadline: 30/06/2026 16:00

Project code

2026-1-FI01-ESC51-VTJ-000402102


๐Ÿ”— Official Project Page

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/52682_en


๏ปฟโœ๏ธ How to write a motivation letter for ESC volunteering that actually gets read โ€” and remembered.A motivation letter is often the single most important part of your ESC application, yet most people write them too generically or too formally to make an impact. This guide walks you through what to include, what to leave out, how to structure your letter, and how to express genuine motivation without sounding like everyone else. Whether you're writing your first letter or rewriting one that didn't work, this is the guide you need. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/6061/


๐Ÿค What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering โ€” and why does it matter for you? Most people know about sending and hosting organisations in ESC projects, but the role of the supporting organisation is far less understood โ€” and far more important than it appears. This article clearly explains what a supporting organisation does, how it fits into the structure of an ESC project, and how its involvement directly affects the volunteer's experience and support throughout the programme. A must-read if you want to fully understand how ESC is structured. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/6051/


๐Ÿ’ก What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes โ€” it's about showing the right combination of values, attitude, and genuine motivation. This article digs into the skills and personal qualities that make a real difference during the selection process, and explains why some candidates stand out while others don't. If you want to understand what a strong volunteer profile looks like before you apply, this is essential reading. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/13941/


๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? โ€” The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states โ€” but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants. ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youthworkshub.org/15124/


โš ๏ธ Important Notice

1๏ธโƒฃ Source of Information

This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the source.

2๏ธโƒฃ No Affiliation

YouthWorks Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the projects listed. All applications must be submitted directly to the project coordinator or hosting organisation through the original link, email, etc.

3๏ธโƒฃ Content May Change

The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy and details of the opportunity. Deadlines, eligible countries, activity dates, and other details may change, or the announcement may be withdrawn entirely, at any time after publication. Always check the original link before applying.

4๏ธโƒฃ Funding

All funding, travel reimbursements, and allowances are determined and provided by the project coordinator or National Agency. YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any payments or financial matters.

5๏ธโƒฃ External Links

Listings may contain links to third-party websites, forms, or documents (e.g. the ESC Portal, infopacks, application forms). YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of these external sources.

๐Ÿ’ก Final Note: All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.