Between 27 November and 10 December 2017, all sections of the Erasmus Student Network were encouraged to join the Social Inclusion Days - an initiative for a cause of social inclusion through volunteering. The two-weeks long initiative provided opportunities for international students to learn how they can contribute to improving society.

Two main focuses of this edition were: the importance of the social impact international volunteers have upon the local communities and inclusive events. Local associations in more than 30 countries hosted 669 events. Below are some of the highlights from the first and second week of activities:

ESN Košice joined the InfoUSA Košice for their ChatClub to talk about violence against women. 

Erasmus Student Network Hungary - ESN Hungary organized an “I stand for...” campaign.

ESN Technikum Wien spent the afternoon in the AIDS Help House of Vienna during the World AIDS Day.

Erasmus Student Network Porto - ESN Porto and the local organization "Just a Change" participated in restoring the house of an old lady Alice, who was asking for help with her crashing house. This activity was held during the International Human Rights Day and the main goal was to acknowledge that everyone has the right to proper housing and other necessary essentials.

One of Erasmus Student Network Turkey's local section Erasmus Student Network Trabzon-ESN Trabzon made an amazing Social Inclusion event which was named "RUN TO SHATTER THE OBSTACLES".

ISC MU Brno celebrated St Nicolaus with Erasmus students and children from foster home Vídenská.

ESN Rijeka organized an event called "Rich in Diversity" in collaboration with volunteers of the Red Cross Rijeka. The aim was to give change to Erasmus students to present their countries, discuss hot topics bothering their countries and to share some traditional food.

ESN in Athens with 6 international students was invited to a Greek high school where the guests presented their countries and their #ErasmusPlus experience.

 

“The first Social Inclusion Days were a complete success. Thanks to the work of lot of people we are making ESN more inclusive.”

- Eric Carmona, International SocialErasmus programme coordinator

The main mission of the Social Inclusion Days was to provide young citizens with the opportunity to do more with their mobility experience, to make a difference and create a positive social change through volunteering. While celebrating and enjoying their Erasmus+ experience, students and young people had the chance to take part in activities such as food drives and donations, fundraisers, clothes donations, animal shelter visits, educational workshops, conferences, and many more events that promote social inclusion.