
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.
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
- Petra van Nierop
- Helen Metcalfe