Volunteering Team 2024
8 May – 8 June 2024
One month, 20 volunteers, and a festival built together in Kozani.
The 2024 volunteering team
Twenty volunteers joined GO Alive from 8 May to 8 June 2024. They stayed at Hotel Elimeia 3 in Eani, Greece, in double or triple rooms with bathrooms. The European Solidarity Corps project covered accommodation and full-board meals, and each participant received €192 in pocket money.
The project aimed to make a lasting difference
Organise Kozani Youth Festival 2024, promoting youth culture, arts, and non-formal education.
Encourage active citizenship and European solidarity among local youth.
Empower young people by developing skills and fostering confidence.
Promote cultural exchange and celebrate diversity.
Enhance social inclusion, focusing on those facing challenges.
Support environmental sustainability efforts.
Advocate for youth work in citizenship and policy-making.
Equip youth with skills for Kozani’s green and digital transition.
Bringing the festival to life
Our festival was a success thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers. Over 30 days, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help organise and prepare for the three-day celebration. From logistics to event management, their commitment helped everything run smoothly. We are deeply grateful for their hard work, which made this unforgettable event possible.
Learning, sharing, taking part
Dances, quick breakfasts, and last-minute preparations marked the start of the first day. Maria and Marcos, founders of GO Alive, joined international volunteers to welcome participants and officially open the festival.
The programme brought young people together through practical workshops and group activities:
- Greek volunteers introduced the history of voting and European elections, followed by an improvised vote.
- KETHEA led a workshop about addiction and active citizenship.
- Participants explored fake news, learned how to recognise it, and created their own surprisingly believable stories.
- A session covered CV writing, job searching, and current career trends.
- Five teams competed in an EU-themed scavenger hunt. Congratulations to Group 3!
- Participants learned about internships with European organisations, stress management, and teamwork through Olympic Games. The day ended with the launch of a 48-hour project management hackathon.
Workshops for a stronger community
With the European Parliament elections just weeks away, the festival focused on citizenship and democratic participation. Activities reflected European Solidarity Corps values of solidarity, human dignity, and mutual understanding. Volunteers were paired with Greek buddies, while local organisations helped create an equal and inclusive space.
- Street Art: ARSIS invited participants to imagine ways to improve Kozani’s public spaces.
- Speed Dating: Participants got to know international volunteers through quick conversations.
- Leadership and Teamwork: ESN explored leadership and team-building skills.
- Human Rights: UOWM assigned roles to help participants explore different perspectives.
- Green Skills: IEK VOLTEROS discussed green skills and job opportunities.
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship: CluBE introduced sustainable business practices.
- First Aid: The Hellenic Rescue Team shared life-saving skills.
- Hackathon: Teams presented project management solutions.
Supported by the European Solidarity Corps, INEDIVIM, and local partners.
Kozani Youth Fest videos
Watch moments from the festival directly on this page.
Party time
The Youth Party kicked off in Kozani’s main square. Our DJs set the perfect vibe, keeping everyone dancing until midnight. Thanks to our sponsors, free drinks added to the fun. Special thanks to Litsa Palama for hosting the event and to all the organisations that made it possible.
It was an unforgettable night, leaving everyone with great memories. We can’t wait to see you next year at Kozani Youth Fest 2025!
Our amazing volunteers helped bring the Kozani YOUTH Fest 2024 to life. “Without U it’s just Erope!”