European Solidarity Corps
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a unique opportunity that brings together young people from across Europe to contribute to positive change, both in their own lives and within the communities they support. ESC is open to young people aged 18–30 from EU and partner countries, welcoming participants of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Project Summary
Project period: November 2021 – December 2027
Accreditation: European Solidarity Corps – Quality Label
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an EU initiative that gives young people aged 18 to 30 the chance to volunteer and work on projects that benefit communities across Europe and beyond.
At Fryshuset, we hold the ESC Quality Label, which allows us to send and host volunteers while guaranteeing that every project meets the highest standards of solidarity, inclusion, and youth development.
Context and Challenges
Young people across Europe want to contribute to society but often face barriers such as limited mobility, lack of resources, or few structured opportunities.
The European Solidarity Corps gives young people the opportunity to volunteer abroad or participate in projects in their own country, while providing full support throughout their activities.
In this way, ESC fosters solidarity, active citizenship, and mutual understanding—while helping volunteers develop practical and personal skills.
Activities
Fryshuset sends and hosts volunteers from various countries, as well as national volunteers, mostly through three types of volunteering:
1. Individual Volunteering
• Duration: 2 weeks to 12 months
• Commitment: Full-time (30–35 hours per week)
• Volunteering: Solo, though often alongside other volunteers
2. Team Volunteering
• Duration: 2 weeks to 2 months
• Commitment: Full-time (30–38 hours per week)
• Volunteering: In groups with people from different countries (minimum 5 volunteers from 2 or more countries)
• Focus: Supports activities addressing common European challenges in high policy areas defined annually by the EU
3. Solidarity Projects
If you want to make a positive change in your local community, you can join forces with friends to create a Solidarity Project.
This opportunity allows young people to tackle challenges and causes that matter to them—starting from their neighbourhood or extending to regional or national issues—by creating and running their own projects.
Participants receive financial support to cover project management and implementation costs.
Projects demonstrate European values such as inclusion, climate action, democratic engagement, active citizenship, or gender equality, and can last between 2 and 12 months, with a mainly part-time commitment.
For more details and guidance on Solidarity Projects, see Fryshuset’s guide: Solidarity Projects Guide.
Fryshuset is accredited with the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label, which confirms our commitment and capacity to host and support young people in projects across Europe. To read more about our accreditations, visit: Fryshuset Accreditations.
Impact
For Volunteers: Personal growth and development in intercultural understanding, leadership, and practical skills, while contributing to real community change.
For Communities: Strengthened social cohesion, innovative youth-led initiatives, and long-term cross-border partnerships.
For Europe: A stronger culture of solidarity, democracy, and respect for human rights, where young people—even those with little experience—have the opportunity to explore fields they are passionate about, develop new skills, and actively contribute to meaningful societal change.
Updates & Reports
|
|
Contact
📧 For more information or to get involved, contact us at: esc@fryshuset.se
📲 Follow our journey on Instagram — @fryshusetglobal & @fryshusetyouthmobility