CID has been a member of SCI’s SAVA working group since 2007. Jointly as a member of SAVA and SCI, CID will co-host a study visit to the Shopska region on the topic of inclusive volunteering and youth work opportunities. The aim of the visit is to explore the potentials of the volunteering associations and youth groups in the region to work together in developing common strategies to tackle the high inequality and lack of opportunities in the region.

The aim of the study visit is:

-To explore the roots and consequences of the lack ofopportunities for the youngsters in this underdeveloped Balkan region

-To understand the needs of young people in education, vocational training, volunteering for personal and professional development

– To introduce the Human Rights based approach to participants and local organizations when working with excluded youth

– To offer space for networking among international organizations and local movements which will lead to increasing opportunities for youth development in the area

Provisional programme includes visits to Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo. The participants will be accommodated for one night in Sofia and for the remaining of the visit near Kumanovo in Macedonia. The programme starts at 17:00 in Sofia (BG) on the 21 April 2013
The programme ends at 17:00 in Kumanovo (MK) on 26 April 2013. Participants are expected to buy either return tickets to/from Sofia (arriving 21st April and leaving on 27th April) or arriving in Sofia and leaving from Skopje or other arrangements which make sure you are available for the entire duration of the visit. The hosting organizations will support you in case visa is needed.

Financial conditions:
– 50% of the travel costs to the venue are covered (we encourage participants to use environmentally friendly transport)
– There is no participation fee for the study visit
To apply please use the form available here: http://bit.ly/14PtgMp

DEADLINE to apply: 21 February 2013

Photo by Vivien Vieth