19/11/2024
Italy
participants
The main aim of “ESN Italy Meets Italian Institutions” was to empower ESN volunteers by creating a platform for direct engagement with Italian institutions and key stakeholders. The initiative sought to enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities, enabling them to better support ESN’s mission of fostering mobility, cultural exchange, and youth engagement. By facilitating meaningful interactions with institutional stakeholders, the event aimed to foster dialogue and mutual understanding, ensuring that volunteers had a deeper grasp of the institutional processes and the roles these organizations play. This engagement was essential not only for providing a more comprehensive view of how national and international institutions operate but also for strengthening the volunteers’ connection with ESN Italy, helping them feel like active participants in its broader mission.
Additionally, the initiative aimed to strengthen collaborations between ESN and national institutions, creating sustainable opportunities for future cooperation. By bringing together key stakeholders and volunteers, the event highlighted the importance of partnerships in amplifying the voice of ESN, particularly when advocating for the rights of international students and promoting the values of international mobility.
The experience also played a critical role in inspiring volunteers to take active leadership roles in promoting mobility and ESN’s mission. Through this immersive experience, they gained a broader understanding of the impact of institutional relationships and advocacy. The initiative helped to increase their motivation and passion for the cause, while enriching their skillset and experience, ultimately enhancing their ability to contribute to ESN and its objectives at the local, national, and international levels.
“ESN Italy Meets Italian Institutions” is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between ESN local volunteers and key national stakeholders. This event offered participants a rare opportunity to interact directly with Italian and European institutions such as the Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE, the Quirinale, the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, the FAO, and the European Parliament, alongside ESN’s strategic partners like the National Youth Council (CNG), the Italian Red Cross (CRI), the Italian Secretariat of Medical Students (SISM), and Legambiente. Through a rich and immersive program, participants engaged in activities that fostered education, dialogue, and collaboration, while highlighting the strategic role of ESN in connecting youth with institutions.
The initiative aimed to empower ESN volunteers by immersing them in an environment where they could engage with institutional representatives, acquire new skills, and deepen their understanding of ESN Italy’s national and international partnerships. The activities were designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The February 2024 edition featured a talk with the staff of the European Parliament Office in Italy, a visit to the Quirinale, and meetings with key organizations such as the National Youth Council (CNG), the Italian Red Cross (CRI), the Italian Secretariat of Medical Students (SISM), and the Italian Youth Agency (AIG). Participants also attended a training session on EU project design and youth cooperation, visited the Senate, and engaged in discussions with the Italian Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE.
The November 2024 edition offered a similarly diverse program, including visits to the Quirinale, the Senate, the FAO, and the Chamber of Deputies. A highlight of this edition was the European Parliament role-playing simulation, which allowed participants to hone their skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and policymaking. Additional activities included a training session on environmental sustainability with Legambiente and a meeting with the Italian Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE.
This initiative stands out as the only event of its kind to offer such a comprehensive immersion into the workings of Italian and international institutions. Held twice in 2024, each edition provided an intensive program over three to four days. Participants, primarily local volunteers, not only visited key institutions but also received training and engaged in direct discussions with ESN Italy’s national stakeholders—an opportunity that would otherwise be unattainable.
The event profoundly impacted participants by helping them develop skills such as diplomacy, public speaking, and professional standing through the European Parliament simulation. It also enhanced their knowledge through training on EU project management, sustainability, and youth cooperation. Furthermore, it allowed participants to understand the purpose and strength of collaborations between ESN Italy and its institutional partners.
The event combined formal and informal learning, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to share their experiences and insights with their local Sections, spreading knowledge and inspiration. They could apply the skills and concepts learned to their roles as volunteers and to their academic or professional careers. Finally, this unique experience strengthened their CVs, preparing them for future opportunities in a globally connected environment.
In summary, “ESN Italy Meets Italian Institutions” exemplifies the transformative power of education, enabling young volunteers to connect with institutions, acquire new skills, and inspire change within their local communities.
