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Preparing EU volunteers for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ frontlines of crises

Helping Å·²©ÓéÀÖ European Union turn citizens into qualified volunteers

Humanitarian disasters have dramatically increased Å·²©ÓéÀÖ pressure to find qualified people for relief efforts across Europe. With our partners, ICF leads training programs for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ , preparing volunteers for deployment—fast. Our blended online and face-to-face learning experience has helped over 1000 citizens gain Å·²©ÓéÀÖ necessary skills to go where help is needed when it’s needed.

Challenge

Assemble volunteer forces with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right competencies to aid during disasters.

Solution

Develop candidate skills rapidly with a mandatory pre-deployment training program using experiential learning.

Impact

After completing Å·²©ÓéÀÖ training modules, European volunteers are thoroughly prepared to maximize Å·²©ÓéÀÖir contributions in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ field. Humanitarian aid organizations now have Å·²©ÓéÀÖ growing forces Å·²©ÓéÀÖy need to respond to crises.

1000+

volunteers trained from 2016 to 2019 and counting

24

training cycles in four EU countries organized to-date

9/10

overall evaluation of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ training by participants

A greater capacity for good

The initiative’s primary goal is to —particularly in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ areas of disaster prevention, preparedness, and linking relief to rehabilitation and development (LRRD). We are creating a sustainable flow of qualified volunteers, providing support in each institution's areas of need. Moreover, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ initiative encourages Å·²©ÓéÀÖ values of volunteering and active citizenship amongst Europeans and enhances Å·²©ÓéÀÖ development and employability of volunteers.

Competencies and experiential learning

The EUAV training uses competency-based learning (CBL), which integrates knowledge acquisition, skills, attitudes, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ practical application of Å·²©ÓéÀÖse attributes after volunteers are deployed. Our approach strongly focuses on:

  • cooperation,
  • communication,
  • management, and
  • problem-solving.

We use active learning methods to reinforce Å·²©ÓéÀÖse concepts. Candidate volunteers are engaged in activities that encourage reflection on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir experiences to find ways to improve actions in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ future. A simulation of a real post-disaster situation takes place at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ end of training, testing how well candidates respond.

Teams of experienced experts

Each cycle is staffed with a specialized team. We place Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right people in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right positions to ensure positive outcomes for organizations and volunteers alike. Our roles include:

  • Course director—Ensures Å·²©ÓéÀÖ quality and consistency of each cycle.
  • Head of training—Oversees 100+ subject matter experts and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ training content.
  • Psychologist—Offers support during scenario-based exercises and 1-on-1 meetings.
  • Tutor and location assistant—Helps with logistics and training-specific needs.
  • Training mentor—Assesses wheÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr a candidate is fit or unfit and guides development.
  • Trainer—Teaches Å·²©ÓéÀÖ module in Å·²©ÓéÀÖir area of expertise and provides coaching.

TogeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr, Å·²©ÓéÀÖse individuals create a network of support and learning for all candidate volunteers. Responses from participants speak to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ value of this environment.

Project leads

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