At ESN Poland’s December National Assembly, participants came together to make a difference. There is no better way to celebrate the holiday spirit than by making other people smile so we organised a collection of donations for the elderly residents of the Social Welfare Home in Nowa Huta, home to 45 elderly residents and 4 cats and we managed to collect over 160 gifts. Our volunteers went to their home, witnessed the residents’ big smiles and watched their nativity play! We believe that is what’s truly at the heart of ESN - spreading joy and smiles to everyone around us.

As a youth organisation supporting Global Mobility and promoting cultural understanding, we are aware of the difficulties that students from the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique S. Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste) face when they decide to follow their studies abroad, in Portugal. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment for these students is essential to ensure their academic success and personal well-being. Through "Orientações Lusófonas," we aim to provide practical support, cultural guidance, and a sense of belonging to help them navigate the challenges of studying abroad.

The Evento Nazionale di Primavera is a flagship initiative focused on cultural promotion, nature, and community engagement. Organised by ESN Messina, the 2024 edition highlights the Aeolian Islands, particularly Vulcano, a UNESCO site. Over four days, international students explored local nature, food, and traditions through immersive activities, such as trekking, kayaking, and cultural evenings, promoting Sicilian heritage. The event fostered sustainability, inclusion, and health awareness while revitalizing off-season tourism. Supported by institutions, NGOs, and businesses, it connected students, residents, and volunteers, creating memorable experiences, boosting local tourism, and building strong community ties, embodying ESN’s values of diversity and cultural appreciation.

Evaluation team:
• This award was selected by vote from the network

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ESN TalTech IC and ESN Tallinn have turned their past competition into a productive partnership, working together to organise events that bring international and local students closer. From cultural evenings to fun city tours, our activities are designed to connect people and create lasting memories. With shared support from stakeholders and the broader ESN network, this collaboration has drawn diverse audiences and strengthened relationships across the city and beyond. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our events and initiatives, ensuring students and residents feel welcome and included in Tallinn’s growing community.

The initiative aims to foster international dialogue, cultural exchange, and integration through networking among students from Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Its mission is to promote unity in diversity, peace, and mutual understanding, while enhancing skills and employability through training on project management, education, and cultural heritage. In 2024, two in-person section meetings were held in Vienna and Budapest, where participants explored local heritage, exchanged best practices, and strengthened international connections. The initiative enriches society by raising awareness of Central Europe’s cultural wealth and encouraging collaboration across borders.

Back in 2023, when volunteers and Erasmus students of ESN Córdoba and ESN Lisboa met during a trip to Lisbon, we started thinking about doing a cooperation involving both our beloved international students and the love for our city.

After several online meetings, we decided to do a series of humoristic interview videos. In the videos we asked international students specifics of Lisbon and Córdoba to spread knowledge about the cities and create a desire to discover them. The videos were published as collaborative posts on Instagram on May 6th, 2024.

EPFL and UNIL are two neighbouring universities in Lausanne. The collaboration between our two sections started in 2003 and has spawned significant achievements over the years. We are always working on improving and maintaining good communication between both sections. Our cooperation does not stop at the level of event organisation, but it extends to the friendship that has been formed between the different members of the two sections! Overall, this initiative allows all the participants to meet people from the other university as well as having more resources from both universities (e.g., logistics, funds, human resources, knowledge).

The "Noble Gift" project aimed to support a family in need during the holiday season through the collaboration of four ESN sections in Cracow—ESN PK Cracow, ESN UEK Cracow, ESN UJ Cracow, and ESN AGH Cracow together named as ESN UNITED. The initiative involved collecting essential items such as food, hygiene products, and furniture to ease the family's daily struggles. This cooperation strengthened relationships between local ESN sections and showcased the power of teamwork to create a positive impact. The project also emphasized the importance of community support and encouraged international students to engage in social responsibility during the festive period.

Evaluation team:
• Theodoros Markou, Network Committee ESN Awards Project Leader
• Olga Mizgajska, Network Committee of ESN
• Selim Enes Ünsal, Network Committee of ESN

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The light of the Olympic Flame unites the world and promotes universal values such as world peace, equality, unity in diversity, motivation, inspiration and fair play and has a history that begins many centuries ago. ESN Ioannina in collaboration with the University of Ioannina and the Hellenic Olympic Committee organised on the 24th of April 2024 a Lighting Ceremony to coincide with the Olympic Torch Relay and the 60th anniversary of the University of Ioannina. The Olympic Flame Day is among the greatest moments in the 31 years’ history of ESN Ioannina.

Spree Break is a national event of ESN Germany that unites over 1300 international students and ESN volunteers in Berlin – one of the most multicultural cities in Europe. It stands for intercultural understanding through cultural exchange, networking, and inclusivity-focused activities. The event shares ESN values and breaks cultural barriers. With a focus on creating meaningful connections, Spree Break seeks to strengthen the network, the community of international students and enhances participants' intercultural competencies.

The motto of Spree Break is “breaking down walls” which stands for not only the historical event of the Berlin Wall fall, but also promotes freedom, advocacy and mobility opportunities for youth.

Aarhus Culture Day is an annual celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, open to everyone new to the city (internationals and Danes). From the start, volunteers and staff mingle among the participants, forming small groups and setting off to discover some of Aarhus’ cultural gems. Where could they go? A museum, a hike, or even a hidden historical site – the destinations are kept as a surprise! The event is the perfect chance to get to know Aarhus while socializing in a relaxed, friendly, inclusive, and open-minded atmosphere./p>

On 01.11.24, participants visited an old cemetery in Vilnius, Lithuania, to experience All Saints' Day traditions. They lit candles on neglected graves, cleaned the area, and interacted with locals to honour those who had passed and learn about Lithuanian customs of remembrance and spirituality. The event fostered cultural understanding, empathy, and cross-cultural connections while promoting social responsibility and respect for heritage. Participants gained insights into the spiritual significance of the day and the reflective value of cemeteries. By beautifying the cemetery, the initiative left a lasting impact on both participants and the local community.

This initiative celebrated the diversity of Christmas and the holiday season across ESN countries by creating an interactive playlist of holiday songs, enriched with cultural stories. Participants could explore the songs through a Google Map and a Spotify playlist, with contributions from ESN Austria, ESN Belgium, ESN Denmark, ESN Hungary, and ESN Slovenia, alongside additional songs from other ESN countries. Launched on Christmas Day, the initiative promoted cultural exchange and engagement within the ESN network. It provided a unique way to experience global festive traditions, foster collaboration, and showcase ESN’s diverse community while offering an inclusive and enjoyable holiday experience for all volunteers.

Evaluation team:
• Matteo Ingrassia, NEP Regional Coordinator of ESN
• Laurie Albert Lermite, WEP Regional Coordinator of ESN
• Justin Racu, SEEP Regional Coordinator of ESN

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ESN Greece organised a series of events in cooperation with the National Agency for Higher Education to strengthen the cooperation between ESN sections, Universities and IROs. The first part dealt with the topic of inclusion and diversity in mobility. The event included workshops and discussions that allowed knowledge and best practice sharing and a better understanding of what ESN can do in collaboration with them. It is scheduled to continue with a second part about the development and stabilisation of cooperation and the reduction of mobility obstacles.

The goal of the project was to familiarise students with international exchange opportunities and promote intercultural integration. Various organisations, such as Erasmus+ InnHUB, Student Mobility Division and more, had the chance to set up their own stands, where they could share information about the programmes. Participants of the picnic enjoyed lively festivities, including a variety of games and competitions alongside delicious snacks. International students could simply enjoy the entertainments or prepare dishes from their countries, as well as engage in discussions about their traditions and customs with Polish students, thereby fostering cultural exchange and promoting mobility.

"Erasmus Journey With Dragomir" is a psychologist-approved resource, created entirely by ESN Nisantasi, that appeals to all age groups and introduces the values of the Erasmus programme and cultural diversity. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of students from different countries within the Erasmus programme, the book presents various cultures and lifestyles through fun and educational fairytales. Each story aims to instil universal values, empathy, and understanding in readers of all ages, from children to adults. Supported by psychologist-approved content, the book enhances individuals' cultural awareness while helping them understand different perspectives and strengthen societal bonds.

It's been 11 years since Switzerland left Erasmus+. Since then, many sectors were impacted by this event, but the most impacted by this were Swiss students. Erasmus is a big+ is the initiative of ESN Switzerland and the Swiss Students Union, the National Youth Council, Intermundo and y-e-s to push for Switzerland to rejoin Erasmus+. Through various activities, such as videos, meetings with the Secretary for Research and Education, strategic retreats, meetings and events in front of the Swiss Parliament, ESN Switzerland has been an active actor in pushing Switzerland back into Erasmus+.

The "Mobility in a Cup" event featured multiple rooms addressing mobility's various aspects. The first room offered presentations on mobility programs, encouraging in-depth discussions. The second room focused on active citizenship through workshops and discussions on sustainable mobility, highlighting the European Parliament's role and voting processes. The third room promoted collaboration and networking through interactive activities and a competition. Finally, a relaxed space allowed informal discussions. Bilingual presentations ensured accessibility, and the key messages were also made available online for an even larger audience. The event increased awareness about mobility opportunities, empowered active citizenship, and provided opportunities for community engagement.

Evaluation team:
• Konstantina Kyriakou, Liaison officer for Higher Education Cooperation
• Dominika Guzik, ICE Main Chair of ESN
• Gökay Bağrıyanık, Education Community Manager of ESN

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"Future in Mobility: Skills & Empowerment Webinars" was a national initiative organised by ESN Italy in collaboration with UNI Student Advisors. This five-part series tackled key themes of employability and international education, reaching over 100 students per session. Through expert guidance, students learned to navigate applications to top global universities, secure scholarships, and develop critical skills. The initiative strongly aligned with ESN’s mission of empowering youth through international mobility and contributed to the Skills & Employability Cause. Participants left equipped with knowledge and inspiration to pursue academic and career opportunities abroad.

The National Employability Strategy is an initiative by ESN Portugal that aims to enhance the career prospects of international students and Erasmus Alumni in Portugal. Its core idea is to position ESN Portugal as a trustworthy contact for employability, focusing on connecting international students with companies and facilitating their integration into the local job market.

The initiative focused on developing soft skills for successful career development through three interactive events: Interview, Language Learning and Debate Workshops. The goal was to boost employability by mastering communication skills, practicing interview performance and discovering efficient tactics of language learning. The workshops welcomed students from various backgrounds and offered them practical tips, mock interviews, language learning techniques and debating in teams. Over 40 participants gained more confidence in public speaking, improved oral communication and memorizing skills. The initiative was supported by local organizations, promoting mobility and social inclusion, while highlighting ESN mission to increase employability and foster global connections.

The Academic Job Fair (Akademickie Targi Pracy) is Poland's largest event of its kind, held in Łódź since 2006. It connects more than 130 companies with 17,000 students and graduates. The event offers free workshops on career skills, soft skills, and technical topics, led by professional coaches, together with inspirational lectures by celebrities. A dedicated advisory zone provides personalized CV and cover letter reviews by experts.The event is a collaboration of ESN-EYE Łódź and local career centers.

The LinkedIn Review Project empowers participants by enhancing their professional online presence. Through personalised feedback on their LinkedIn profiles, the project enables students, graduates, and professionals to optimise key sections such as their headline, summary, experience, and skills. With a focus on improving visibility to HR professionals, the initiative aligns with the Skills & Employability cause, helping participants make a strong first impression on recruiters. Accessible throughout the year, the project combines tailored advice with the flexibility to submit profiles anytime, fostering career development and professional branding.

Evaluation team:
• Rui Vinha, International Board Treasurer
• Gellert Szarvas, NEC Vice Chair for Network Engagement
• Laura Sophia Franke, HR Manager of ESN

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"Go Green" is ESN Portugal’s national project focused on Environmental Sustainability. In 2024, it tackled the issue of ESNcard waste by creating a partnership with a national company to recycle and repurpose ESNcards into urban furniture and to plant trees to offset plastic production carbon emissions. Thanks to “Go Green”, 18 kg of unwanted cards (mostly ESNcards) were collected during national and international level events from the volunteers of ESN Portugal, ESN Spain, ESN France and ESN Italy. This effort resulted in 12 native trees to be planted in 2025, which will absorb 60 kg of CO2 annually upon maturity.

ESN Poland’s Erasmus Forest initiative was a breath of fresh air for Erasmus students and local volunteers across six Polish cities. The initiative allowed them to plant trees and make a tangible impact on the environment while enjoying the outdoors together. Erasmus Forest did not just impact the planet, it also strengthened connections and encouraged students to lead a greener lifestyle. This unique opportunity helps the Erasmus Generation plant a greener future for our planet, one tree seedling at a time.

The "Paddle & Purify" project combined adventure and environmental action to promote sustainability and community engagement. Over three days in October 2024, 45 participants kayaked through the Vokė, Neris, and Vilnelė -three major rivers around Vilnius-collecting over 50 bags of trash. The initiative raised awareness about waste reduction, protected biodiversity, and showcased Lithuania’s natural beauty. By offering multiple difficulty levels, it was accessible to all skill levels, fostering inclusivity. The project successfully achieved its goals of environmental stewardship, physical and mental well-being, and community connection, leaving a lasting impact on participants and the environment while inspiring future actions.

The “Let’s Clean it Up!” initiative promoted environmental conservation through hands-on activities and education, addressing global challenges locally. It united international and local students, volunteers, NGOs, municipalities, and private entities to protect marine, forest, and river ecosystems. Activities included beach clean-ups, visits to a sea turtle rescue center, a forest clean-up in Hymettus, and a river clean-up in Kifissos. Over 32 tons of waste were removed, an injured sea turtle was adopted, and 200+ participants gained ecological awareness! With the help of our tireless volunteers and Erasmus students, we created wonderful memories we will cherish forever!

The Environmental Escape Room is an educational, interactive game designed to raise awareness about climate science and sustainability. Participants worked together to solve riddles inspired by the causes and solutions of the climate crisis, such as searching for planetary boundaries puzzle pieces, mapping climate refugee routes, and decoding hidden messages. Held over three days on campus, the event was fully booked and received positive feedback, fostering engagement with environmental issues in a playful and thought-provoking way. It provides a point of contact with environmental science and hopes to inspire people to include sustainability in their lives.

Evaluation team:
• Angeliki Drakaki, Network Committee Member of ESN
• Asia Gwiazdowicz, Network Committee Member of ESN
• Emilia Kinga Brzęk, Training & Activities Community Manager of ESN

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"Coffee for Victory" was a charity event aimed at raising funds for humanitarian aid for war victims in Ukraine and fostering intercultural understanding between the international students and Ukrainian expats. Held on November 9, 2024, in collaboration with local NGOs, it successfully raised over 500 EUR welcoming international youth, Ukrainian refugees and local residents for a cozy afternoon with games and snacks. Participants enjoyed homemade pastries, Ukrainian drinks, games and each other's company, creating a supportive environment for intercultural dialogue. The event encouraged community involvement and highlighted the role of ESN in promoting positive social change. Future analog events are planned to increase participation and strengthen collaborations among the NGOs in Tallinn.

The event fosters collaboration among international students, local students, ESN volunteers, and partners such as Banco Alimentare, supermarket chains, and NGOs. Its main goal is to tackle food insecurity while strengthening community engagement and promoting social inclusion. We achieved a significant collection of items, which were efficiently distributed to those in need, and encouraged greater understanding of poverty and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with ESN’s mission, vision, and values, promoting intercultural understanding and civic responsibility among participants and partners alike.

The United in Adversity project was a groundbreaking initiative by ESN Spain to support communities affected by the DANA disaster. Combining two online campaigns and a series of physical fundraising activities across Europe, it engaged the international community in unprecedented ways. The project provided the first donation platform tailored for international students in the context of the DANA, enabling them to give back to their host country. With the funds channelled transparently via PayPal and local donations (+12k euros), it demonstrated ESN’s values of unity, inclusion, and cooperation. This initiative highlighted the Erasmus Generation’s capacity to make a real impact in challenging times.

Get Crafty is a series of events focused on small gatherings that promote discussion of various topics, while engaging in crafty activities. The focus of these events are in taking part in the change by contributing to the donations that will later be made to organizations that have an impact helping our local community.

This "Pink Party" was a fundraising activity to help fight Breast Cancer. In ESN Santander we are aware that this is a problem that many women all over the world face, and even some of our volunteer's family members have been through it. This is why we decided to prepare a party where the international students could donate money and help the cause by just attending. It was a huge success and we aim to repeat and improve it in the future.

Evaluation team:
• Georgi Yotov, Business & Finance Community Manager of ESN
• Milano Hussein, Coordinator ESNcard Team of ESN
• Eilidh Hudson, Financial Auditor of the Audit Commission of ESN

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The Athens Universities Night Run brought together international students and ESN volunteers for an unforgettable experience promoting health, cultural integration, and intercultural exchange. Participants explored Athens' rich history, ran the iconic marathon route, and finished at the Panathenaic Stadium, a symbol of the Olympic Games. At the finish, they received a medal from SEGAS, commemorating their achievement. The event fostered a strong sense of community, inspired many to adopt running into their lives, and created lasting friendships. SEGAS supported the initiative by reopening registrations and offering a discounted group fee. Positive feedback highlighted the crowd’s support and the event’s impact.

Run for Friendship is a long-standing initiative promoting health, well-being, and intercultural connection among students and young professionals in Aarhus. Since 2013, it has combined regular running sessions, creative-themed runs, and social gatherings to foster a supportive and inclusive community. With activities tailored to all fitness levels, workshops led by physiotherapists, and events like Christmas dinners and half-marathon participation, the program goes beyond physical fitness to build lasting friendships and even families. Organized with the help of ESN volunteers, Run for Friendship embodies ESN’s values of unity, diversity, and well-being, creating a healthier, happier, and more connected community.

Our collaborative initiative for Health & Well-Being Week during ESN International’s Social Impact Days included events and a social media campaign across all the sections of ESN Denmark. Partnering with local organizations, we raised awareness about mental health and physical well-being, promoting preventive measures and self-care. Workshops, fitness sessions, and wellness talks emphasized destigmatizing mental health challenges and fostering community support. A unified social media campaign highlighted the importance of prioritizing well-being every day, not just during given weeks, engaging international and local students while fostering a culture of health consciousness and inclusion at both local and national levels.

Football is life so we gave the international students the possibility to play and grow in a healthy environment within football. From health and coaching expertst to grilling together different things that are typical from their own countries, students were able to develop and grow together to each other in their mulitculturality.

ESN Footers is an incredible program for those who feel alone and need to make friends, it is more than a team or sport, it is a community born and raised under the ESN values.

Our first National Erasmus Games, held in April 2024 at the University of Cyprus, brought together over 130 participants for a weekend of sports, healthy living and cultural exchange. Featuring sports such as Squash, Table Tennis, Futsal, Basketball and Beach Volleyball, the event promoted well-being, active lifestyle and social inclusion. Free participation, healthy snacks, hydration and sports equipment encouraged its long-term success and engagement that comes with fitness. With support from universities, student organisations, sports federations and commercial partners, the event successfully strengthened the sense of community and left a lasting impression on our participants.

Evaluation team:
• Carlos Robledo Martín, International Erasmus Games Coordinator of ESN
• Adam Pawleta, International Erasmus Games Community Manager of ESN
• Christina Michael, Social Impact Team Project Officer of ESN

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The Appreciation Duck is a gratitude program fostering positivity and strengthening the ESN-EYE Łódź volunteer community. Members express appreciation by writing short notes of gratitude, which are collected in a duck-shaped piggy bank in the office or submitted via an online form. Each month, the notes are read aloud during section meetings, celebrating acts of kindness and contributions. Recipients also receive a small treat from the HR Manager. This fun initiative has successfully built a supportive culture, with high engagement and the Duck becoming a beloved symbol of the association.

The initiative was a fully online training program designed to provide local boards and local managers with essential skills and knowledge for their mandates. Organised by ESN Portugal’s Training Coordinator, it addressed key topics like financial management, conflict resolution, project planning, and grants, identified through a needs assessment survey. Delivered by the Pool of Trainers, the sessions ensured practical, quality content tailored to participants' roles. Complementing the Local Boards Meeting (another training event), this initiative provided comprehensive preparation, fostering knowledge transfer, collaboration, and leadership development, while addressing common challenges in organisational transitions and empowering new boards for success.

ESN101 is a comprehensive national training event by ESN Türkiye, designed to equip participants with essential knowledge about ESN’s history, professional skills, social abilities, career advice, and mobility opportunities. Hosted in two cities, it engaged over 330 members, fostering networking, personal growth, and increased involvement in ESN. With diverse sessions, local and national partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, ESN101 has successfully motivated participants to take on leadership roles, furthering ESN Türkiye’s mission. By offering valuable content and promoting long-term engagement, ESN101 plays a pivotal role in empowering ESN members and strengthening the organisation’s impact.

The Thanksgiving Dinner was a meaningful event that strengthened unity, gratitude, and connection within our volunteer family. It seamlessly blended learning and fun, showcasing the invaluable contributions of each volunteer. Homemade dishes, thoughtfully prepared and brought by each volunteer, created a cozy, inclusive atmosphere, while engaging activities like Human Bingo and a lively Kahoot quiz fostered interaction. The introduction of "Thankcubes" allowed personalized, anonymous notes of appreciation, deepening relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. Volunteers abroad joined online, ensuring full inclusivity. This event truly embodied the spirit of ESN: a supportive family where every individual’s contributions are cherished and celebrated.

ESN Tallinn organised a Paint & Swap event during Mental Health Month, aiming to encourage self-reflection, creativity, and team bonding among volunteers. Participants painted quick associations with prompts related to ESN, then swapped canvases to express their feelings and share perspectives. The event fostered connection and motivation to volunteer and offered useful mental health practices. It successfully united members from various backgrounds, building a stronger sense of community. Each participant received a jointly painted canvas as a reminder of their shared experiences. The event was evaluated well and will be repeated in future semesters to maintain team spirit and engagement.

Evaluation team:
• Kaja Kaczkiełło, Vice President for Governance of ESN
• Pepe Přemysl Pilař, HR & Network Community Manager of ESN
• Andreia Raluca Ivan, NEC Committee Main Chair of ESN

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Polaris is a web application designed to organise and run scavenger hunts. Through this app, teams can see clue after clue, leading them towards the final destination. When reaching the next clue, the teams using the app scan a QR code placed there, and Polaris reveals the next clue they have to solve that leads to the next stop. The app creates an interactive experience to discover your city that promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration. The goal of the Polaris app is to make scavenger hunts much easier and organised, using an easy-to-use user interface.

Sardines Passport is a web application developed with the goal of improving the onboarding of new members and overall monitoring of the section's volunteers (aka Sardines). The platform centralizes all the important information for newcomers and keeps data about the volunteers and their performance during the semester. This makes it easier for heads and board to keep up with their members' activity and make better-informed choices about decisions involving the growth and volunteers' progression in the section (as well as making the whole process more transparent for the remaining members of the organization).

The ESN Porto Telegram Bot has improved event communication by automating notifications for new events published on the ESN Porto website. This user-friendly and efficient tool ensures that international students stay informed and engaged while reducing manual work for volunteers. By leveraging technology, the bot has increased event attendance, automated communication, and strengthened the sense of community. Aligning with ESN’s mission and values, the bot exemplifies innovation in service to the student experience. Future plans include feature enhancements and broader platform integration to maximize its impact.

The application automates the creation of participation certificates for events organised by ESN Tallinn and its partners. Built with Google Apps Script, it integrates Google Sheets, Slides, and Drive to generate personalized certificates as PDFs. Users input participant data into a spreadsheet, and the script customizes a template with names and event details. The certificates are then saved in a specified Drive folder. This tool simplifies recognition for event participants, ensures consistent branding, and provides evidence of participation for academic or professional use. It is easy to deploy, reusable, and adaptable for various events.

This initiative aims to provide new volunteers at ESN URJC with essential training and resources to integrate smoothly into the association. It offers clear, accessible information on ESN’s structure, activities, and roles, ensuring volunteers feel prepared and supported. Updated each semester, it maintains relevance and aligns with the evolving needs of the community. The initiative also serves as a quick resource for experienced volunteers, enhancing knowledge sharing. Through regular updates, interactive content, and community involvement, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging, encourages engagement, and strengthens volunteer commitment to ESN URJC's mission and activities.

Evaluation team:
• Darwyn Bruelemans, Web Project Administrator of ESN
• Ana Soares, IT Community Manager of ESN
• Mario Cosic, IT Committee Main Chair of ESN

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The Equal Voices: Gender Camp & School Action project promoted gender equality and inclusivity through education and advocacy. A two-day camp empowered university students with skills to address stereotypes, microaggressions, and inclusive communication, fostering intercultural dialogue and collaboration. Participants then delivered workshops to over 100 high school pupils in urban and rural areas, raising awareness and encouraging critical thinking about gender equality. The initiative emphasized inclusivity by engaging diverse groups, ensuring accessibility, and using inclusive language. By bridging education gaps and fostering a ripple effect of awareness, the project successfully created meaningful short- and long-term social impact.

“Gender in the Spotlight”, led by ESN Italy, is a groundbreaking initiative promoting gender inclusion, combating discrimination, and fostering a culture of respect within both local and international student communities. Through dynamic training, workshops, and partnerships with organizations like Arcigay, the project empowers volunteers to become advocates for equality. Rooted in ESN’s values, it creates lasting social change by raising awareness and encouraging active participation. This innovative approach drives both short- and long-term impact, positioning the initiative as a powerful model for advancing inclusion and safety in diverse communities.

Our initiative brought together Erasmus students, ESN volunteers, and people with Down syndrome in creative portrait-making, promoting inclusion and raising awareness about the competencies of persons with Down syndrome. Using materials recycled from recycling bins, each participant created shared artwork that brought together ecological concerns and creative expression. The event broke down stereotypes, highlighted the importance of diversity, and emphasized unity. It was an excellent opportunity for all participants to learn from each other, building relationships and strengthening bonds within the community. This initiative celebrated the value of inclusivity, creativity, and shared experiences, and will have left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Braille workshop by ESN Lisboa is an unique opportunity of unlocking a new way of communicating through people who have used braille their whole life. This initiative is a way of advocating for visually impaired people's rights and spreading the word regarding the importance of taking part in the change of society.

This event of ESN Thessaloniki combined two inclusive workshops, the Christmas Card Workshop and Easter Egg Painting Workshop, in collaboration with "Talking about Autism," a group supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other disabilities. The organisation’s volunteers buddy up with members for weekly outings, promoting social inclusion. These events united Erasmus+ students, ESN volunteers, and "Talking about Autism" participants through creative activities, fostering awareness, understanding, and cultural exchange. The activity exemplified ESN’s values of inclusivity and community building, creating lasting connections and demonstrating the impact of collaboration in fostering a diverse, supportive environment.

Evaluation team:
• Jhony Hajj, Social Impact Team Coordinator of ESN
• Aleksandra Dawlud, Social Impact Team Communication Officer of ESN
• Alessandro Stocco, Membership Team Member of ESN

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The #EUvote campaign by ESN Italy ignited the spirit of democracy, inspiring active participation in the European Elections (June 6-9, 2024). Celebrating the EU’s rich history, core values, and cultural diversity, the campaign showcased the Erasmus+ Program as a beacon of European identity and unity. With a practical edge, it empowered Italians abroad, foreign residents, and international students by offering clear voting guides. Its dynamic transmedia strategy—spanning social media, engaging podcasts, and local collaborations—created a vibrant platform for dialogue and awareness.

#EUvote wasn’t just about voting; it was about shaping Europe’s future with informed, conscious decisions.

The initiative "The Vote of the Erasmus Generation" implied a comprehensive communication campaign designed to mobilise young voters, particularly international students, for the 2024 European Elections. It aimed to raise awareness and drive action through a multi-channel approach, including social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Facebook), offline engagement at key events like the ESN Ibiza Trip, and partnerships with various organisations and relevant figures in the political field. The campaign focused on informing, sensitising, and encouraging voter participation among the youth.

The project created a series of events aimed at the social integration of newcomers into the Latvian population. During these 9 months we have created Riga a better and more inclusive place for locals and internationals.

Erasmus Unplugged by ESN TUC is a weekly 2-hour Radio Show aiming to make information on ESN and Mobility topics more accessible to our listeners. The show’s hosts varied from incoming students to the Head of the Department of Academic & Educational Mobility of our university, giving visibility to the Erasmus+ programme, the experiences of incoming students in our city and the work our Section does.

The collaboration between ESN Porto and Hey Porto aims to enhance ESN Porto’s visibility while enriching international students’ experiences in Porto. Every month, ESN Porto’s activities, including events, projects, and updates, are featured in Hey Porto, reaching 60,000 readers. The partnership includes offering ESNcard holders discounts at cultural and tourist sites and providing international students with printed copies of the newspaper as keepsakes, often showcasing their photos from events. Through this initiative, ESN Porto strengthens its presence, promotes cultural exchange, and connects international students to the city's culture, contributing to a memorable Erasmus experience.

Evaluation team:
• Anastasia Andreou, Communications Community Manager of ESN
• Diego Traver Larraz, Communications Committee Main Chair of ESN
• Patrycja Skalska, International Erasmus Games Communications Officer of ESN

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“Breaking New Ground: Training Youth against Discrimination” is a joint training initiative from ESN Belgium, ESN The Netherlands and ESN Germany. In two tracks, 40 participants from three different national organisations, learned through interactive workshops how to define, identify and speak up against racial and gender discrimination. Additionally, they gained valuable insights to foster inclusivity at ESN events and beyond. Intentionally the initiative took place in a house surrounded by nature where the participants could learn and grow in a safe environment.

The “Unpacking Microaggressions:Training for Change and Impact” initiative was a two-day training event that brought new and senior trainers of our country face to face with deep issues widespread in today’s society, such as stereotypes and microaggressions and invited them to actively be part of the solution, by creating material and tools to combat those phenomena. The content focused on the participants’ personal development in two basic pillars: how to be part of the solution to social inequalities and how to evolve skills and competencies around training and active citizenship.

ESN Upgrade is a new national event by ESN Denmark designed to strengthen connections and educate volunteers across the network. With two tracks for experienced and new members, workshops led by Eduk8 trainers, and engaging social activities, the event inspired the participants. Special for this training event, is the participant-led training that merges the tracks. It successfully bridged gaps between local and national engagement, enhanced understanding of ESN’s mission, and boosted volunteer motivation. The event’s inclusive atmosphere and high-quality organization set a strong foundation for future editions, making ESN Upgrade a vital initiative for building more united and informed network.

Stress is a common thing nowadays whether you are a student or work full time. Our training helped many people find different, some unusual even, ways of managing stress and brainstorm best practices of stress-management.

During the cabin trip, the ESN Chur team learned a lot about the organisation of events, the budgeting and also about ESN as an organisation. The event also helped to bond within the team because it lasted for a weekend and was not only a short event. Furthermore, the team learned about the new communication systems and how to use it within the community. The training was a big help for a lot of members since there were some insecurities about certain practices.

Evaluation team:
• Arnaud Buthey, Membership Team of ESN
• Ivalina Daneva, SEEP Regional Training Coordinator of ESN
• Andrea Amaranto, Eduk8 Team Programme Coordinator of ESN

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The "Safe House Project" was a pilot initiative launched during the Aarhus Culture Festival, aimed at creating a safe space for young people in need of support. In collaboration with The City of Aarhus, East Jutland Police, and the festival organisers, a pop-up house was set up where volunteers created a welcoming social environment, offering water, a quiet place to rest, emotional support, and assistance with an ambulance on standby for emergencies. Over 167 individuals were assisted, promoting safety, well-being, inclusivity, and responsible partying, laying the foundation for future safety-focused events in Aarhus.

The NFC Bracelet System is a safety measure developed by ESN Greece to ensure a secure environment for large-scale events. The system uses NFC bracelets to track participants in real-time, streamlining logistics, enhancing safety, and simplifying event management. Developed entirely by volunteers, it integrates with a custom-built Registration System, allowing Group Leaders and the Organising Committee to monitor attendees efficiently. The initiative reduced human errors, sped up processes like boarding and check-ins, and strengthened trust with collaborators. This project demonstrates ESN’s commitment to innovation, skill development, and creating inclusive, safe events.

The ESN Lausanne "SmartDrink" system is a recurring safety initiative designed to prevent excessive alcohol consumption at student events. Attendees are required to drink water after every two alcoholic beverages, ensuring responsible drinking and hydration. Implemented during 4-5 themed parties per semester, the system has significantly reduced extreme intoxication incidents, fostering a culture of care and safety. This initiative aligns with ESN’s mission of health and well-being while providing a secure, inclusive environment for international students to socialize. Its success reflects ESN Lausanne’s commitment to the safety and enjoyment of its members.

ESN Sakarya organised a disaster preparedness training at Sakarya University, led by expert Zeliha Akçe. The session focused on essential precautions and actions for before, during, and after natural disasters, enhancing safety and resilience among local and international students, as well as ESN volunteers. Participants gained practical knowledge and strategies for emergency situations, fostering awareness and a sense of responsibility. This initiative aligns with ESN's mission to ensure student safety and support personal growth.

The First Aid Workshop: Safety Training aimed to teach essential first aid skills to international and local students, as well as ESN volunteers, to enhance safety during their studies in Tallinn. Organised by ESN Tallinn and ESN EBS in collaboration with Tallinn Healthcare College, the event included both theoretical and practical training. It focused on equipping participants with life-saving techniques and basic first-aid tactics, which were later applied to improve the Safety Team’s effectiveness during the ESN parties. The workshop received positive feedback, and its impact was seen in the increased preparedness of volunteers.

Evaluation team:
• Clíodhna Peters, Arbitration Board Main Arbitrator of ESN
• Lise Benette Hovd, Regional Care Coordinator of ESN
• Nef Charalampous, NEC Commettee of ESN

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