ESC: GROWTH THROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND FRIENDSHIP

Volda kyrkjelege fellesråd is the joint parish council for the six parishes belonging to the Norwegian Church in Volda municipal. The six parishes are Austefjord, Hornindal, Dalsfjord. Kilsfjord, Storfjorden and Volda. The joint parish council is responsible for facilitating cooperation between the parishes, manage the economy and properties and take formal care of the employees in a way that serves the parishes. We have been running volunteer projects under the Erasmus+ EVS from 2013 to 2020 hosting 19 volunteers from 6 different countries. The experiences with the volunteers are good. We feel that we are supplied with both labor and new fresh input to the organization. Our capacity are increasing and we given us possibilities to developed and try new activities and working methods. The volunteers also add a European dimension. We learn about the culture and ways of working in other European countries and becoming more aware that we are part of Europe. Education and activities for children and youths are an important part of the parishes’ activities. The catechist is leader of these education and activities and does the work together with other employees and volunteers from the parishes. ESC volunteers will be a part of this team and join the work among children and youths. Education and activities for children and youths are an important area for the ESC-project in our organisation. But also music, culture, social work and green projects are parts of our activities that the ESC volunteers should be involved in, depending on their interests and skills We have a close cooperation with the local YMCA organisation and their work for children and youths, as Children Choir, Scouts and Ten Sing Youth Group. It is also an natural area for ESC volunteers to join as co-workers depending on the needs in the YMCA and the volunteers interests and skills. This autumn we will restart a meeting place for people of all ages, "Middag på Uppheim". A cafe with dining where young people, families and singles can meet some days each month. We will also continue the “Green Fingers Project” that started as a Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Project using organic gardening as a tool in integration. Now it is an important meeting place for international students. This will be natural places for the ESC volunteers to contribute. After doing the “Green Fingers Project” and hosting the “Greenability” International training course we are involved in the project “Make Erasmus Greener”. We want to develop new green projects, both locally and international. The ESC volunteers will be important in planning and implementing such projects that also may included Erasmus+ projects as Youth exchanges and International training courses.