Applications Open: Join GIOSEF Italy in Palermo for a 9-Month ESC Experience

Live, learn and create change in the heart of the Mediterranean

What does it mean to spend nine months in Palermo as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer?

It means becoming part of a community. It means discovering one of the most multicultural cities in Europe from the inside. It means learning through action, building meaningful relationships and contributing to projects that create a positive impact on local communities.

GIOSEF Italy is looking for three volunteers to join the new edition of “Volunteering in Palermo | Creating Cultural Crossroads with GIOSEF Italy”, a long-term European Solidarity Corps project running from October 2026 to July 2027.

A city where cultures meet

Palermo has always been a crossroads of peoples, languages and traditions. Located at the centre of the Mediterranean, the city tells stories of encounters and exchanges that continue to shape its identity today.

For ESC volunteers, Palermo becomes much more than a destination. It becomes a place to learn, contribute and grow alongside local communities, international participants and young people from different backgrounds.

Youth work, communication and community engagement

Throughout the project, volunteers will support the daily activities of GIOSEF Italy and gain practical experience in communication, podcast production, dissemination activities, public speaking and community work.

They will also have the opportunity to discover the world of non-formal education and international youth cooperation by supporting activities connected to Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges, Training Courses and local community initiatives.

The experience is designed for young people who want to develop new competences while contributing to projects focused on social inclusion, sustainability, active citizenship, anti-mafia education, youth participation and intercultural dialogue.

Working alongside local communities

One of the most valuable aspects of the project is the opportunity to connect with a wide network of organisations and community initiatives across Palermo.

Volunteers may support activities developed together with partners such as Ballarò Vipers, a mini-basketball project working with children in the historic Ballarò neighbourhood; WGSS Safe Space, which promotes inclusion and empowerment for girls and young women with migrant backgrounds; Fondazione Progetto Legalità, dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of the anti-mafia movement; Green Steps, an environmental and horticultural therapy initiative; and several schools, associations and public institutions active in the city.

These experiences allow volunteers to explore different approaches to youth work, community participation and social engagement while becoming active members of the local community.

An international team and a Euro-Mediterranean perspective

Dal 2010 GIOSEF Italy accoglie e accompagna giovani attraverso programmi europei di mobilità, promuovendo inclusione, solidarietà e cittadinanza attiva nello spazio euro-mediterraneo.

Since 2010, GIOSEF Italy has hosted and supported young people through European mobility programmes, promoting inclusion, solidarity and active citizenship across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to young people aged 18–30 from:

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Applicants should have a working knowledge of English, an interest in communication, youth work, podcast production, community engagement or non-formal education, and be available for the entire duration of the project.

What is included?

Selected volunteers will receive:

Accommodation in Palermo
Coverage of housing and utility costs
Travel reimbursement according to ESC rules
Monthly financial support (€360)
Ongoing mentoring and support
On-Arrival and Mid-Term ESC training
Opportunities for personal and professional development within an international environment