First three training courses for European Solidarity Corps volunteers in Spain completed 

The Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action (IECAH) completed at the end of April the first three editions of the training course for candidates to volunteer in humanitarian aid of the European Solidarity Corps. 

These are the first three editions of the course, which aims to prepare candidates for the various vacancies that various European NGOs participating in the programme regularly publish on the European Solidarity Corps’ online platform. To date, more than 60 candidates have acquired the necessary training to apply for these vacancies in Spain. 

The trainings have taken place in different institutions located in San Lorenzo del Escorial, an idyllic setting for these courses, as many of the participants reported. Over the course of a week, experts in the humanitarian sector shared their knowledge on topics such as the project cycle, teamwork, intercultural issues, security and prevention of risky behaviour. IECAH staff also contributed by supporting the development of the case study and sharing the whole week with the participants as mentors. 

Participants have made a very positive assessment of these first three editions, as reflected in some of their comments: 

“The training has been quite good, I am very happy with both the trainers and the organisation of the course, and all the information I now have about the humanitarian sector.”  

“Without a doubt, the communication skills and the generosity of the trainers in sharing experiences are what stand out the most, as well as the patience and friendliness of our dear mentor, Alvaro.”  

“I am very grateful to have been accepted for this training. The accommodation is an idyllic place to live with other future aid workers and humanitarians and to learn from the wonderful trainers.”  

During 2023, IECAH will carry out five more training courses to prepare future aid workers and humanitarian professionals for this European programme. The consortium, which comprises IECAH together with Lattanzio Kibs, Punto Sud, Bioforce and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), aims to train up to 1,000 candidates over the course of this year.