ESN awarded the EESC prize

ESN’s flagship project SocialErasmus was awarded with the first prize of the Civil Society Prize 2011, granted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). For the 4th time this prize was awarded to innovative projects that give a valuable contribution to the well-being of our society. With the theme “Dialogue and participation fostering EU values: integration, diversity, solidarity and tolerance” it reinforces the values of the European integration process that are reflected in the winning youth projects.

The prize, of a total value of 30 000 € is awarded to three projects the EESC finds following the aim of the project,  promoting greater awareness of the contribution made by civil society organisations to creating a European identity and sense of citizenship, embodying the common values underpinning the European venture.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus program the SocialErasmus will be the flagship project of ESN 2012. The project aim is, “Enrichment of society through International Students” and promotes a social attitude among international students and facilitates their integration into the local community, exploring the added value that lies within the diversity in Europe.

In practice the local sections of ESN together with the international students organise events and activities for the good of the local communities. For example engaging in the education they take part in language or cultural lessons in in schools, but also environmental projects, planting trees and charity events - now that the Christmas holidays are approaching they organise local charity events raising money in order to help the less fortunate.

The second and third prize was awarded to European Alternatives for their project transeuropa festival and OBESSU for their, "Light on the Rights" Bus Tour project, encouraging school students to fight for their right.

This prestigious prize will be officially handed over at an award ceremony on the 7th of December.

Read more about the civil society prize on the website of EESC.