The National Youth Foundation (FNT) has officially opened applications for its long-term volunteering project, "Youth Centres for Young People," funded by the European Union. Based in Bucharest, Romania, this European Solidarity Corps (ESC) initiative offers young people the chance to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment while driving community development and supporting local youth.
Project Overview and Core Responsibilities
The project is scheduled to run from July 20, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Selected volunteers will become part of a diverse, international team tasked with designing and implementing initiatives tailored to the needs of local youth aged 14 to 35 living in Bucharest.
Volunteers contribute to the inclusion and empowerment of young people, including young refugees, by working across four main activity areas:
- Non-formal education & facilitation: Preparing, delivering, evaluating, and reporting on events, workshops, and interactive activities, as well as providing information for social media.
- Volunteering & community engagement: Engaging in solidarity-based activities, organizing community events that promote participation, and encouraging active citizenship at local and European levels.
- Events Logistics: Preparing activity spaces, setting up equipment, compiling material lists, assisting with transportation, and maintaining an overview of the foundation's inventory.
- Outreach, communication & dissemination: Creating social media content, articles, and visuals to promote activities, organizing public awareness campaigns, and disseminating project results.
Covered Expenses and Benefits
The project covers essential living costs to ensure the opportunity is fully accessible:
- Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a cozy apartment in Bucharest featuring shared, same-gender bedrooms (two beds per room), a shared kitchen and bathroom, a common area, and high-speed internet.
- Food Allowance: A daily allowance of 5 EUR is provided, and volunteers are responsible for preparing their own meals using the equipped apartment kitchen.
- Pocket Money: A daily allowance of 4 EUR is provided via bank transfer in the local Romanian currency (RON).
- Travel Reimbursement: Travel costs to and from Bucharest are reimbursed based on the distance band calculator supported by the European Commission, with higher reimbursement caps available for green travel. Visa fees are not covered.
- Certification: Learning outcomes and volunteer work will be officially documented and showcased through a European YouthPass certificate.
Structured Training and Professional Growth
Participants do not need prior experience or specific expertise to apply, as motivation, curiosity, open-mindedness, and flexibility are the primary selection criteria. FNT provides a structured learning pathway, which includes:
- In-House On-Board Training: Internal training sessions covering non-formal education methodologies, facilitation techniques, human rights education, and safeguarding.
- Ongoing Workshops: Continuous learning opportunities throughout the project to deepen knowledge in youth work and NGO management.
Through these hands-on experiences, volunteers develop transferable skills in event planning, public speaking, digital media, creative problem-solving, and time management.
Applicant Profile and Recruitment Process
To eligible for the project, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, live in an ESC-eligible country, and speak English. Volunteers are expected to be understanding of diverse backgrounds, as discrimination, racism, sexism, or harassment are strictly not tolerated.
The recruitment process follows a clear timeline:
- Step 1 & 2 (Application): Candidates apply online via the official link, submitting their details along with a motivation statement detailing how they can contribute to the team.
- Step 3 (Interview): Shortlisted applicants will receive an email within approximately two weeks to schedule an online meet-up. PDF
- Step 4 (Selection): Final confirmations will be sent around the end of June. Due to the high volume of applications, individual rejection emails cannot be sent; if an applicant has not received a response by the end of November, they were likely not selected. PDF+ 1
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the European Youth Portal application link below:
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/52293_en
For detailed administrative inquiries regarding the application process, logistics, or project parameters, questions can be directed via email to the volunteer coordinator, Bianca Borcea, at [email protected].