From the 11th to the 24th of November 2024, sections from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) mobilised to organise the Social Impact Days 2024 autumn edition. During these two weeks, our Network highlights the positive impact that mobility students can have on society, and more specifically, how they can actively engage with local communities and promote inclusivity. This biannual initiative is symbolic of ESN’s mission to enrich society through international students. For this autumn edition, around 500 events were organised by ESN sections, according to the data available on activities.esn.org. These promoted the six different thematic areas in which we, as ESN, believe we can contribute to society through engagement with our international students. These are Health and Well-being, Skills and Employability, Culture, Environmental Sustainability, Social Inclusion and Education and Youth.
As a creativity booster for volunteers, a special edition of 'Activity in the Spotlight' was held. 'Activity in the Spotlight' selects outstanding events organised by ESN sections to promote the work of our volunteers and showcase the positive impact of these events. Usually, this initiative selects one event per month. However, Social Impact Days are the perfect opportunity to highlight innovative ways in which our volunteers make an impact. For the November edition, 6 events were selected - one for each thematic area. Discover them in the next paragraphs, along with testimonies from some of our volunteers who made them happen!
Health and Well-being: ESN Pécs, Hungary - 'Nutrition Day'
'Nutrition Day' was an interactive educational experience on nutrition, fitness and overall well-being for Erasmus and international students. For Mohammad Osama, Sports Coordinator, volunteering his time for this event 'enhanced [his] knowledge in the diet field like never before' and the event helped him 'realise there are other things [...] when it comes to having a proper nutritious diet.' When speaking about the attendance and the people who joined, Veydant Dinesh mentioned that it was impressive as 'seeing everyone engaged and learning about having a healthier diet made organising the event fruitful.'
More information on 'Nutrition Day' here.
Skills and Employability: ESN Yerevan, Armenia - 'Employability After Erasmus'
In this career development workshop, ESN Yerevan collaborated with industry experts to enhance career preparedness and participants’ confidence, provide professional tools and access to strategic partnerships. The aim: show the benefits of Erasmus+ in gaining international experience, adaptability and reaching a global network. Through this workshop, participants were able to learn how to optimise their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and prepare for job interviews while showcasing their international mobility experience and taking into consideration job market trends. For one of the organisers, these workshops 'are essential in highlighting the impact of global education on students' future. They broaden perspectives, shift mindsets and help individuals understand where they want to take their next career step—what truly aligns with their passion.'
Find out more about this event here.
Social Inclusion - ESN Aveiro, Portugal: 'Let's Paint But #SOCIALimpactDAYS'
After a presentation on painters with disabilities, participants took part in the 'Let's Paint But' art initiative Social Impact Days edition. Physical impediments were included in the painting exercise to raise awareness of inclusivity and the challenges faced by people with disabilities in making and experiencing art. From the organisers: 'Participants, mainly international students, found joy in a place where they could paint and be creative, doing so with their hands attached together, blindfolded or even with no hands at all, having to paint with their brush between their teeth, or stuck between their cheek and shoulder.'
More information here.
Culture - ESN Athens AUEB, ESN AUA Athens, ESN KAPA Athens, ESN NTUA Athens and ESN UniPi, Greece: ' Invisible Tours'
In Athens, participants had the opportunity to participate in 'Invisible Tours'. Hosted by former or current homeless citizens, this tour was an opportunity to learn and exchange directly with those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. A brilliant way to see the city in a different light and to promote ESN’s values of cultural exchange and active citizenship.
'One of the most unique and interesting events for someone to attend !! [...] it’s a pleasure as ESN to host those kind of events!' - Ronaldo, one of the organisers of 'Invisible Tours'.
Click here to read more about 'Invisible Tours'.
Environmental Sustainability - ESN NTUA Athens, Greece: 'Archelon Turtle Centre Visit and Beach Cleaning Event WS24 Vol2'
To raise awareness of marine and coastal pollution, this event combined a visit to the Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre with a beach clean-up. International students engaged with local actors to bring about improvements in the environment and marine life conservation. Students learned about the importance of taking care of the coastal spaces and were encouraged to volunteer at the Archelon Centre. For Alexandros Savvidis, the Events Manager and one of the organisers, the benefits of visiting Archelon are clear: 'We see the real impact of conservation efforts. Teaching students about sea turtles and actively maintaining clean beaches, benefits the environment and encourages sustainable practices for the future.'
More information on ESN NTUA Athens at Archelon here.
Education & Youth - ESN Ioannina, Greece: 'Building Careers through Mobility'
ESN Ioannina organised the first mobility fair of the University of Ioannina. This 3-day event focused on professional and skills development through workshops as well as practical career preparation through sessions on job applications and interviews. ESN volunteers, Erasmus and local students learned to recognise and market the skills they gained through mobility and ESN volunteering, all whilst networking throughout the event.
More about the Career Fair here.
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Feeling inspired by the events above and want to participate or get involved as a volunteer? The next edition of the Social Impact Days will take place from the 5th to the 18th of May 2025. For more information, keep an eye on the communication channels of your local ESN section!
Discover the activities that were held during the Social Impact Days and other activities organised by ESN here.
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