YWCA-Beirut was accredited in 2015 as a receiving and sending organization within the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Program. We are certified as an organisation taking part in the Corps to provide the necessary conditions for young people to participate in solidarity activities. This entitles us to get involved in the mobility project in charge of sending young people and youth workers abroad or in hosting them.
Young volunteers (18 – 30 years old) participating in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) can choose to work in a wide range of fields: culture – sports – education – environment heritage… and benefit from learning the culture and language of the host country.
Implementation of “Be Brave: Express Yourself” Training course in line with the YWCA objective to strengthen freedom of expression and dissemination of
the culture of inter-community dialogue among young women and youth, the YWCA-Beirut initiated a training course under the title of “Be Brave: Express Yourself”. The Contracting Authority was the Ministry of Youth and Sports and it was funded by the European Union. Twenty young leaders from Egypt, Italy, Hungary and from 8 different associations in Lebanon gathered here, to receive training on the freedom of expression.
The training was not lecture structured but rather an interactive and dynamic learning experience using non-formal educational methods, where all the participants discussed their ideas freely.
Since 2014, the YWCA-Beirut partnered in several workshops all over Europe:
Finland, Italy, Latvia, U.K, Hungary, Jordan, Turkey, Georgia, and Spain.
Anna, Italian volunteer, at the YWCA-Beirut Technical College
“YWCA is a sparkling association, coloured with an amazing community of women and young people. In a country where women rights are still difficult to achieve, YWCA-Beirut never gives up and they are very active in the community they are part of. By talking to them and observing them I have learnt that women’s life can take different twists, but you should always be steady for yourself and for other girls who need your example in their future. I wish this association to keep on being so lively and to remain loyal to its values regardless from the results. I would encourage without doubts other young volunteers to take part in YWCA activities because I am sure it would be an enriching and educational experience as it was for me. Last but not the least, they have been able to be for me a point of reference for anything I would need in Lebanon, and this is very important when you are travelling alone. I hope to see all of them soon and a warmest thank for everything!” Anna
Aga and Milena, Polish volunteers, at the YWCA-Beirut Technical College
“(Dis) advantaged – equalizing opportunities”
“The first months has been enjoyable and a challenging at the same time. In contrary to what I though, it was quite easy to adjust to a new place and culture. This is probably because of all friendly people both in YWCA Beirut and it the city in general. Our new colleagues, not only the teachers of the Technical College, but also the employees of the administration and the hostel, seem like they are friends, which contributes to a relaxed, family atmosphere. One of the greatest things to have done in November was starting to learn Arabic” Milena
Joelle Khayyat shares her experience in participating in the Gender upon a Time (GUAT) 3 seminar in Italy 
where she represented YWCA-Beirut 
as a youth worker. In the seminar which aims to promote gender equity and develop the skills of youth workers in facilitating all genders’ roles and inclusion in decision making processes, Joelle gained major insight and was able to improve her skills as well as see the similarities and differences between her and other youth workers around the world with whom she decided to work with towards outputs in efforts to create a global community.
“After my first month in Lebanon, what left the strongest impression on me was how welcoming and friendly its people are. Since day one, everyone I have come across has been helpful, weather it was finding the way, recommending places to eat or shop, or with crossing the street. Another thing that really has to be mentioned is the food. Lebanese people, regardless of their background, are very proud of their cuisine and you can often hear them call it the best food in the world. Well, I can honestly say that there is a lot of truth in that statement. My favorite new place that I visited in December was Tripoli, where I made friends and met very kind people” Aga
Garine Topouskanian during her 6-month volunteering experience in Poland:
“My role as an office worker, social media coordinator, coupled with cultural workshops, youth exchange initiatives, high school workshops, and informal English teaching, provided me with a well-rounded volunteering experience. These activities not only benefited the organisation and its volunteers but also allowed me to develop personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful projects and believe that the impact will resonate positively within the community for years to come.”
YWCA Youth Volunteer Jinan Zaaiter began her one-year volunteering experience through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Spain with the goal of developing social, personal, and cultural skills as part of the Erasmus Plus program.
Empowering Youth
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