Volunteering is more than just giving back; it’s about building bridges, sharing knowledge, and creating lasting change. The LoCa Project, supported by the ESC HumAid Volunteering Programme, embodies this spirit by empowering local communities in regions like Odisha, India. Through educational outreach and community engagement, this initiative has been transformative for both volunteers and the communities they serve.

A Day at Artatran Kartikeswar Bidyapitha High School

Recently, volunteers Jacopo and Michele visited Artatran Kartikeswar Bidyapitha High School in Nuagaon, Odisha, to conduct an awareness session focused on a critical issue facing rural areas—snake bites. This hazard, common in many parts of India, poses a significant risk, particularly to children. Over a two-hour educational session, they equipped students with potentially life-saving knowledge, teaching essential do's and don'ts in case of snake bites.

Their approach was hands-on, ensuring that students understood how to react swiftly and safely in an emergency. “The warm and welcoming atmosphere from both the staff and children was heartwarming,” Michele shared. The session concluded with games and activities that kept the energy high and left the students with unforgettable memories.

Beyond Education: The Joy of Community Connection

The visit wasn’t just about serious lessons—it was also a day of joy. Michele fondly recalled how the children’s enthusiasm lit up the room and how playing with them felt like reliving childhood on the other side of the world. These personal connections are at the heart of what makes volunteering rewarding, showcasing the profound impact volunteers can have while gaining invaluable experiences themselves.

The LoCa Project's Broader Goals

The LoCa Project extends beyond Odisha. It’s part of a larger mission focusing on building local capacities and supporting sustainable community development across Ecuador, India, and Vietnam. By 2025, the project aims to send 12 volunteers—eight from KERIC and four from ADICE—to assist in educational activities, project management, and youth empowerment initiatives that prioritize inclusion, environmental awareness, and human rights.

Why Join the Mission?

If you’re inspired by stories of positive change and are looking to contribute meaningfully, consider volunteering with KERIC or joining the ESC HumAid Volunteering Programme. We are proud to have the quality label to guide and support volunteers through their journey. To learn more about current opportunities, join our monthly webinar, where we’ll cover everything from the application process to what you can expect during your time abroad.

Read the information about the open project positions

To volunteer for ESC HumAid you must:

• be registeredin the Youth Portal of the European Solidarity Corps, https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/

• You have indicated in your profile that I am interested in taking part in humanitarian aid volunteering
• you are 18 to  35 years old
• you are resident in an EU Member State or in a country associated to the programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Northern Macedonia, Turkey)
• and have attended the 25-hour EU Academy training in the online training section. https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/dashboard/training-humanitarian-aid_en
• after the training you participated in a face-to-face 5-day training somewhere in Europe in groups of approximately 25 candidates

NOTICE, you will not be able to apply for the project until you have completed the training and the 5-day training somewhere in Europe.