Rencontres du Volontariat International à Corte/ International Volunteer Day in Corte

Last Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, our Campus had the privilege of attending a day dedicated to the inspiring testimonies and practical insights of young international volunteers. This event, which took place in Corte, orchestrated in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as Campus, Fium'Altu, FALEP, and Solidarity Horizon, illuminated the transformative power of volunteering on both local and global scales. Under the gracious support of the Collectivity of Corsica and France Volontaires, this remarkable gathering unfolded, revealing the depth of human solidarity and collective action!

Morning Session: testimonies and collaboration

The morning started with poignant testimonies from young international volunteers representing diverse backgrounds and experiences whether it be Diana, from the Laetitia highschool and Latinita association, Yousra from Fium'Alta, Ayman from the FALEP of Porto-Vecchio or our beloved Adelaide! These narratives, shared with sincerity and passion, painted a vivid picture of the impact of volunteering across borders. From our own Campus to esteemed organizations like Fium'Altu, FALEP, and Solidarity Horizon, the voices of these volunteers resonated, illustrating the profound connections forged through service.

Throughout the session, it became evident that the success of these missions was rooted in collaboration. Various actors, including volunteers, organizers, and supporters, came together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. This collaborative ethos, fostered by the collective efforts of the Collectivity of Corsica and France Volontaires, underscored the importance of partnership in realizing the full potential of international volunteering.

Afternoon Workshops: empowering insights and practical guidance

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to practical insights and guidance aimed at navigating the complexities of international volunteering projects. Workshops, meticulously designed to cover essential aspects such as financing, preparation, partnership building, and post-project promotion, provided participants with invaluable knowledge and resources.

Led by Mrs. Atanaska, Deputy Director of France Volontaires, these workshops offered a comprehensive overview of the intricacies involved in both outbound and inbound mobility processes. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the logistical, financial, and organizational aspects inherent in international volunteering endeavors.

Uniting in solidarity

As the day drew to a close, one significant theme emerged: volunteering is a profoundly human endeavor that transcends barriers of nationality, language, and culture. It is a testament to a strong desire for connection and collective action that binds us all together. In the spirit of solidarity, we were reminded that volunteering is not simply an act of service but a profound expression of our shared humanity.

In retrospect, the day devoted to international volunteering served as a guide for inspiration, collaboration, and empowerment. It reaffirmed our commitment to fostering global citizenship and promoting social change through collective action. Moving forward, let us continue to embrace the boundless horizons of volunteering, knowing that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the world.

We also held a heartfelt thought for Pierre Revel, our main contact from France Volontaires and the head of the Southern territorial office. The latter was looking forward to joining us from Marseille but unfortunately found himself stranded at the Bastia port due to unforeseen circumstances with the Corsica Linea mariners'strike. Despite his physical absence, his spirit of solidarity and commitment resonated among us, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the cause of international volunteering.

Mercredi dernier, le 13 mars 2024, notre Campus a eu le privilège d'assister à une journée dédiée aux témoignages inspirants et aux conseils pratiques de jeunes volontaires internationaux. Cet événement, organisé à Corte en collaboration avec des organisations de longue date telles que Campus AgriCorsica, Fim'Altu, FALEP et Horizon Solidarité, a mis en lumière le pouvoir transformateur du volontariat à l'échelle locale et mondiale. Sous le généreux soutien de la Collectivité de Corse, représenté par Sébastienne Dellapina, par Mme Carlotti, et de France Volontaires, par Mme Guillaudeau, cette réunion remarquable a révélé la profondeur de la solidarité humaine et de l'action collective !

La matinée a débuté par des témoignages poignants de jeunes volontaires internationaux, tels que Diana (Lycée Laetitia/association Latinita), Ayman (FALEP de Porto-Vecchio), Yousra de l'association familiale Fium Altu ou encore notre bien-aimée Adelaide, tous représentant des milieux et des expériences diverses. Ces récits, partagés avec sincérité et passion, ont illustré l'impact du volontariat au-delà des frontières. Tout au long de la session, il est devenu évident que le succès de ces missions était enraciné dans la collaboration, soulignant l'importance du partenariat dans la réalisation du volontariat international.

L'après-midi a été consacrée à des ateliers pratiques visant à naviguer dans les complexités des projets de volontariat international. Sous la direction de Mme Guillaudeau Atanaska , Directrice Adjointe du Réseau régions de France Volontaires, ces ateliers ont offert un aperçu complet des intrications impliquées dans les processus de mobilité sortante et entrante. En fin de compte, cette journée dédiée au volontariat international a servi de catalyseur pour l'inspiration, la collaboration et l'autonomisation, renforçant notre engagement à promouvoir le changement social par l'action collective. En pensée, nous avons également exprimé notre sympathie à Pierre Revel, notre principal contact chez France Volontaires, qui, malgré son absence physique involontaire, témoigne d'un éternel dévouement à la cause du volontariat international.