+358 50 329 4547 | sales.elba@villaelba.fi
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The youth centre Villa Elba has been awarded a total of 416,141 € in funding from Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) to implement international youth work in Central Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia and nearby regions.
With this funding, international opportunities will be provided to over 260 young people and youth workers during 2026–2027. The initiative strengthens the capacity of young people and youth professionals in the region to participate, engage and be part of international communities.
The funding will support, among other things, a youth exchange next autumn in cooperation with the Central Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county youth council. Partner groups will come from Austria and Germany. In addition, two separate youth exchanges will be organised for young people whose opportunities to participate need particular support.
Youth exchanges offer young people the chance to meet peers from different countries, learn new skills and strengthen their sense of inclusion in a safe and encouraging environment.
For youth work professionals, Villa Elba will organise, for example, a partner-finding seminar in the autumn, enabling the planning of new international cooperation projects. In collaboration with the regional youth work coordination, a planning process for a study visit to Europe will begin in June. Youth work actors from nearby regions are welcome to join.
Mobility opportunities for youth workers open up new possibilities for municipalities and other youth sector actors to develop their work and strengthen international cooperation.
As part of the European Solidarity Corps, Villa Elba coordinates international volunteers to Kokkola and surrounding areas. Volunteers work in various organisations as well as in support of municipalities. Hosting volunteers requires a quality label, and Villa Elba provides support in applying for it when needed, while also coordinating volunteers to municipalities that already hold the label.
Within the European Solidarity Corps, Villa Elba was the largest beneficiary in this funding round. A significant share of the funding is allocated to inclusion support, enabling young people with fewer opportunities to participate in international activities.
This funding further strengthens Villa Elba’s role as an enabler of international youth work and brings new opportunities to Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia to enhance youth participation, foster international cooperation, and develop youth work.
Villa Elba’s international team is happy to support municipalities, organisations and other actors working with young people in joining activities or developing their own projects.
Emilia Eteläaho emilia.etelaho@villaelba.fi
European Solidarity Corps team projects.
Ashten Gray ashten.gray@villaelba.fi
Youth exchanges and International Club activities