Something different from the usual holidays! A transformative experience, lived with peers from all over the world, that will lead them to discover new places, new cultures and acquire new skills.
You return home different, after taking part in a solidarity trip: because, as those who have already done it say, it is an experience that changes your life!
WHY Solidarity?
More and more children, especially adolescents, find themselves in vulnerable conditions in the summer for family, social, geographical or economic reasons. The opportunities of socialize qualitatively relevant from an educational point of view are limited in our country or difficult to find.
Solidarity holidays are a tool to combat the vulnerability of young people, allowing you to meet new people,experience humanitarian and supportive, expand their own horizonto discover new cultures.
WHAT ARE SOLIDARITY HOLIDAYS?
With solidarity holidays tourism and solidarity come togetherencouraging boys and girls to work together for the good of the community and helping to create their own a sense of belonging your community.
The solidarity holidays are organized by OdV-ETS IBO Italia, which has been organizing experiences like this in Italy, Europe and the world for over 70 years. Over the years he has trained thousands of young people through international volunteering experiences, with the aim of promoting social commitment, participation and responsibility.
Per in the summer of 2025thanks to your helpwe will recommend 30 teenagers the possibility of expressing lived experiences of solidarity and active citizenship.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE THEY DOING THIS CAMPAIGN?
Between February and May 2025 IBO Italia will organize a tour of 5 informative and training meetingsone in each province of Emilia-Romagna (Ferrara, Parma, Bologna, Modena and Piacenza), in collaboration with high schools, universities, youth centers, chambers, youth information centers to raise awareness of the proposed volunteering proposals for the summer of 2025. At the meetings there will be young testimonies that will be able to talk about this experience.
Thanks to the proceeds from this campaign, IBO Italia ODV-ETS will be able to create 3 proposals for solidarity trips in the Emilia Romagna area: among them all, the young participants will be able to contribute concretely as volunteers to support social reality. in the area, for example experience of active citizenship.
Through this campaign we will be able to:
- the information and training activities carried out by 2 qualified people who will organize the 5 meetings between February and May 2025 in the 5 provinces of Emilia Romagna (including logistics costs)
- production only brief guide Solidarity Holidays and print them in 100 copies
- the communication campaign
- a t-shirt for the young participants in the holidays, which will be distributed to them as a welcome kit together with the above-mentioned brief
- expert camp educators (Camp Leaders) rewards – 6 in total (2 for each of the three camps)
NOW GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO JOIN OUR JOURNEY! If you help us reach our goal, we will be able to benefit from EmilBanca Co-financing!!!
How can communities support youth participation in social development initiatives like solidarity holidays?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Alice Greco, Expert in Youth Social Development
Editor (E): Good day, Dr. Greco! Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the impactful initiative surrounding solidarity holidays for young people. Can you begin by explaining why this program is so vital, especially in today’s context?
Dr. Alice Greco (AG): Thank you for having me! This initiative is crucial for many reasons. Today, numerous adolescents face vulnerabilities due to family, social, or economic challenges. These circumstances can limit their opportunities for meaningful socialization, which is essential for their development. Solidarity holidays offer a transformative solution by immersing young participants in a supportive environment where they can connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
E: That’s enlightening. You mentioned transformation. What specific changes do participants typically experience after such trips?
AG: Participants often return home with a broadened perspective. They engage in humanitarian efforts, develop new skills, and cultivate a sense of empathy and belonging. Many come back with life-altering experiences that foster their sense of social responsibility and commitment to community service. They realize their capacity to effect change, which is incredibly empowering.
E: It sounds like a journey not only of exploration but also of self-discovery. What exactly do these solidarity holidays entail?
AG: Solidarity holidays are where tourism meets social responsibility. They involve hands-on activities aimed at benefiting local communities, such as environmental projects or working with underserved populations. Participants collaborate on these initiatives, forging bonds and formulating a collective sense of purpose. Organized by IBO Italia, these holidays have a strong track record, promoting social engagement and civic responsibility for over 70 years.
E: So, it’s about more than just travel; it’s about meaningful connections and contributions! What types of activities are planned for the upcoming summer?
AG: This summer, we’re planning a series of informative and training sessions across Emilia-Romagna. From February to May 2025, we’ll host meetings in provinces like Ferrara, Parma, and Bologna, aimed at preparing young people for their solidarity experiences. The focus will be on education, skill-building, and raising awareness about social issues.
E: This seems like a significant opportunity for the youth involved. How can young people and their families get involved?
AG: Families can learn more through our website and social media channels. Applications for participation will open soon! We’re also seeking support from local communities and organizations to help sponsor participants, ensuring a diverse group of young people can benefit from these experiences.
E: It’s evident that you’re creating pathways for youth development. what message would you like to leave our readers about the importance of solidarity trips?
AG: I would encourage readers to recognize the ripple effect of solidarity—when young people engage in these transformative experiences, they do not just change their own lives, but they also bring positivity and change back to their communities. By investing in our youth through programs like solidarity holidays, we’re cultivating tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers.
E: Thank you, Dr. Greco, for sharing these insights. It’s inspiring to see how solidarity can shape futures!
AG: Thank you for having me! Together, we can make a difference one trip at a time.