EVS Project: “Promote diversity, promote human rights”

The European Foundation of Human Rights (EFHR) is currently hosting two volunteers who were selected for the Erasmus+ and European Voluntary Service (EVS) project “Promote diversity, promote human rights”.

The volunteers, Aneta Maciejewska (from Poland) and Leah Nedahl (from the UK), will have the opportunity to develop professional skills, learn about a new culture and enhance their understanding of complex legal issues in the field of human rights, especially where minority groups are concerned.

Aneta is volunteering via the Polish sending organization Bona Fides while Leah’s sending organization is the English Law Students’ Association (ELSA). The venture began at the beginning of October and will last for 10 months, until July 2016. All costs related to the voluntary work are covered by the EU (travel, accommodation, living expenses, language course).

The “Promote diversity, promote human rights” project aims to improve awareness of human rights issues in Lithuania by encouraging community involvement, raising awareness at schools, universities and other associations and helping to spread the EFHR message. By involving international candidates it encourages the ideal of cultural diversity and tolerance.

EVS offers young people (from 18-30) the opportunity to volunteer for up to 12 months in another country within or outside of the EU. It affords volunteers the chance to make a strong contribution to the daily work of host country organizations and benefits local communities as well as being a terrific chance for volunteers to develop skills and experience life in a different country.

The previous Erasmus+ project at EFHR was titled “Youth for Human Rights” and involved volunteers from Poland and Hungary. This highly successful project, financed by the EU within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, came to an end in July of 2015.

To learn more visit: http://en.efhr.eu/2013/12/13/a-green-light-to-participate-in-the-european-voluntary-service-evs/

If you are interested in becoming an EVS or EFHR volunteer get in touch with us.

ELSA (the English Law Students’ Association), formed in 2005, is an independent, non-profit association of London law students. The organization welcomes undergraduates, postgraduates, UK and international, full-time and part-time students. ELSA believes strongly in the protection of human rights and encourages law students to become proactive in this field by undertaking pro-bono or voluntary placements with human rights NGOs.

Bona Fides is a non-profit NGO with a focus on the development of civil society and improving quality of life in Poland. Based in Katowice, the organization is dedicated to providing education on human rights, monitoring the political sphere and encouraging government transparency. Bona Fides also provides legal aid to NGOs and works to increase access to public information.