West Midlands European Network - Unlocking the door to European funding0121 683 8880 - European Funding Info Line
Training

Throughout 2008   West Midlands European Network provided   support  and guidance to  young people  and youth organisations wishing to submit applications to Action 1 of the EU Youth  in Action Programme Programme, and the Youth Training element of the programme  that supports the National Agencies for the Youth in Action Programme in developing quality in training strategies and training courses.
 
In the UK the Youth in Action Programme is managed by the British Council;  the ConnectYouth Programme Team is supporting WMEN to provide advice to applicants in the West Midlands. 
 

In addtion to the permanent priorities of the programme set out below:

  •  European citizenship 
  •  Participation of young people 
  •  Cultural diversity 
  •  Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities 

the Annual priorities for 2009 are:

  • European Year of Creativity and Innovation 
  • young people's active participation in the European Parliament elections 
  • combating violence against women 
  • sport as a tool to promote active citizenship and social inclusion of young people 
  • promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activities including sport 
  • promoting the inclusion of young people with disabilities 
  • awareness-raising to global challenges (such as sustainable development and climate change) 
  • young people's involvement in the revision of the European framework of cooperation in the field of youth policy 
  • intercultural dialogue
Please see below for details of Action 1.1 Youth Exchange. 

 

Action 1.1 Youth exchangeWeb Bug from cid:image002.gif@01C8B0E6.28B0EF30


 

Cultural exchanges for youth groupsWeb Bug from cid:image002.gif@01C8B0E6.28B0EF30


What is a youth exchange?
A youth exchange brings together groups of young people from different backgrounds from two, or several eligible countries, providing them with an opportunity to meet, discuss and confront various themes, whilst learning about each other's countries and cultures.

Why have a youth exchange?
Exchanges are intended to contribute to the personal development of the young participants. Youth exchanges are open to all young people from the
UK, regardless of their background, education or socio-economic status.

However, we are not able to provide funding if your exchange is based on the premise of:

  • Business meetings of youth organisations
  • Holiday travel
  • Language courses
  • School/Class exchanges
  • Study tours

What are the general project criteria?
Participants: Young people between the ages of thirteen and twenty-five who are legally resident in a programme country. Please note that Youth in Action Programme not only encourages good quality projects but also the active involvement of young people with less opportunities.

Group size: A minimum of sixteen (eight per country) and no more than sixty participants. Partners must be balanced in terms of their number of participants.

Duration: From six to twenty one days, excluding travel.

Group leaders: Each group should nominate group leaders and their task is to oversee the smooth running of the project. There is a maximum of two leaders per group.

What type of theme should our exchange have?
The exchange should have a thematic concept, which the groups wish to explore together. The chosen theme should, as far as possible, be translated into the concrete daily activities of the exchange.

What is the European dimension?
The impact of a youth exchange should also bring the concept of "
Europe" to the local community, raising and promoting positive awareness of other cultures.

Who are the partners in a youth exchange?
Each youth exchange has a host group and one or a number of sending groups. The first thing to do is to form a group, which will develop the project idea. The second step is to identify partners for future exchange.

WHAT IS A MULTILATERAL EXCHANGE?
They involve groups of young people from at least four programme countries. For multilateral exchanges the host organisation applies to their National Agency on behalf of all the partners for all costs.

How is a project financed?
The grant is calculated on the basis of real costs for travel and fixed rates for all related costs. The exact amounts are detailed in the application forms.

How do I apply?
Download a copy of the application form or contact us. Completed applications should be forwarded to the Connect Youth team at the British Council.

Project start date, between

Deadline for application

1 May and 30 September

1 February

1 July and 30 November

1 April

1 September and 31 January

1 June

1 December and 30 April

1 September

1 February and 30 June

1 November

All projects must have a detailed programme see explanation below
Please describe in which concrete daily activities the theme will be put into practice and which working methods you intend to use.

Please attach an estimated timetable (daily programme outlined in the format provided below) of the planned activities. Remember that the programme should be adapted to the needs and interests of the participants, and should reflect the theme and objectives of the project, and have clear identifiable learning outcomes (which need to be clearly listed).

Example

 

 

 

Overall aim:

Theme:

ACTIVITY

(What will we do?)

METHOD

(How will we do it?)

LEARNING

(Why are we doing it and how does it meet the project's objectives?)

Date:

Am:

 

 

 

Pm:

 

 

 

Evening:

 

 

 

 

WMEN are running seminars to explore the programme in more depth from 10am - 12.30pm on 23 March at the  Arch  in  Digbeth,  Birmingham.  There is no fee to attend but places MUST be pre booked using the form attached.  Atendees will not be admitted on the day without a confirmation of their place from WMEN.    WMENs seminars are not open to representatives of private sector organisations.  Should you wish to book please complete the booking form attached and return it asap as places are limited and we expect demand to be high.

 

For more information go to: http://www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth-programmes-youth-in-action.htm

 

 

 
West Midlands European Network, Unit F5, The Arch, 48-52 Floodgate Street, Digbeth, Birmingham. B5 5SL
T: 0121 683 8891   F: 0121 683 8892   E: sophie@wmeuronet.org
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