Maximum independence
What challenge inspired this recipe? One of the long-term volunteers who’s project we coordinate shared how gaining a lot of independence within their project helped them to succeed in their tasks. They shared that when their host organization gave them the trust and independence, they felt valued and respected in their work as a volunteer. […]
Guidelines for trash separation
What challenge inspired this recipe? This topic was brought up by one of our long term volunteers, saying that the host organization didn’t explain enough how trash separation works in Finland. The trash separation systems in Europe vary a lot, hence it is important to consider the local conditions and give enough instructions regarding this […]
Reparation workshop
What challenge inspired this recipe? A workshop on repairing things can be incredibly beneficial for volunteers. Nowadays many broken items are often discarded rather than fixed, meaning that these workshops promote sustainability and self-sufficiency. Volunteers can also learn essential skills that empower them to repair everyday items, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This not […]
Tops to promote green travel
What challenge inspired this recipe? One of the tools for slowing climate change is lowering our carbon footprint. We can lower the footprint by choosing the type of transportation. Volunteers should be encouraged to choose more sustainable types of transportation to their projects. ✍️Allianssi Ingredients : Allianssi Youth Exchange’s web section on sustainable participation: https://www.nuorisovaihto.fi/allianssi-youth-exchanges/sustainable-participation/ […]
Saving food
What challenge inspired this recipe? Many people and companies are wasting food. Supermarkets or restaurants are throwing away food which will expire soon. However the dates of expiration are usually overestimated so the expired food is usually good. As ESC volunteers have quite a tight budget for groceries, they can use this to their advantage […]
Influencing Volunteers to buy second hand
What challenge inspired this recipe? With the rise of the low waste movement and environmental awareness we want to influence our volunteers to buy second hand as a way of sustainable lifestyle. Second-hand buying is a sustainable practice that reduces the demand for new manufacturing. By extending the lifespan of products, it helps minimize the […]
Updating the Youthpath regularly
What challenge inspired this recipe? One of our past volunteers in a project that we coordinate shared that for a long-term volunteer, the YouthPass often feels like something they will have to do in the distant future, but when the time to actually do it comes, they don’t know what to write in it to […]
Bureaucratic help for volunteers
What challenge inspired this recipe? The bureaucratic system in Finland often feels overwhelming for the volunteers as they enter the country. Hence, we provide support with these issues already before the volunteer comes to Finland and help them to book required appointments in different offices. Helping volunteers navigate bureaucracy in Finland can greatly improve their […]
Safe space for emotional support
What challenge inspired this recipe? It has happened that some volunteers may drop out of the project early due to their mental health problems. To reduce the drop-our rate and help volunteering projects to be successful, positive and enriching experiences, it is important to create a safe space for them to talk and share about […]
More info about health care and insurance
What challenge inspired this recipe? This topic was brought up by some long-term volunteers, who shared that they don’t know how the Finnish health system works and that more information about that upon arrival or while they arrived in Finland would have been very helpful. Hence, we added an info page about this topic to […]