ASOC INICIATIVA INTERNACIONAL JOVEN

Asociación Iniciativa Internacional Joven (Youth International Initiative Association) is an NGO from Málaga (Spain) created in 2003 from a group of youths who after participating in international programmes and activities, concluded that these experiences had been very important to change their life. Therefore, they decided to share them with other young people, collectives and associations, to enhance the interest in participating in international programs and exchanges, learning languages, realizing voluntary work, raising awareness, tolerance and respect for other cultures, etc. thereby contributing to personal and professional development of young people and adults. The main aims of the organization are: • Encourage the development of plans, programs and project that impact the benefit of youth and adults; • Improve the training of officials, technicians, youth and other people involved with the society, at local and international level; • Enhance integration and development of citizens at different levels: training, employment, social and cultural activities, health, sports, languages and intercultural learning; • Contribute to the development cooperation of the poorest countries and the poorest sectors of the population. To achieve these objectives, we carry out studies, researches and activities to improve adult employability, we cooperate with other public and private institutions to create youth projects and programs, we create training courses and guidance on areas of interest, especially in the field of intercultural knowledge and professional abilities. The headquarter of our organization is located in the Sociocultural Centre “El Cónsul” where we share place and activities with other organizations in order to create an intercultural and intergenerational space. Areas of intervention: -Participation and Volunteering; -Culture of Peace and Interculturality; -Gender Equality; -Art and Creativity; -Sport and Healthy Life; -Personal development and entrepreneurship. In order to achieve the main aims of our NGO, we carry out studies, researches, trainings and workshops to improve employability and to promote the development of key competences. We also cooperate with other public and private institutions to create youth projects and programs, we create training courses and guidance on areas of interest, especially in the field of interculturality, youth participation, art and methodologies based on non-formal education. Among our activities we can mention: • Info-Europa: it is a service whose purpose is to inform, advise and manage the programs that the European Union has created in the fields of education, training and youth. • Language learning: basic English workshop, English conversation classes, Italian language and culture, Spanish language and culture. • Career counseling and training courses about socio-professional abilities. • Workshops: computer classes, international cooking classes, recycling, dance, pilates, yoga, tailoring and dressmaking courses, environmental education workshops, etc. • Urban Art: we organized different local and international activities where we use urban art as a tool for inclusion, social transformation and entrepreneurship. All activities are framed within a strategic plan jointly written by the members of the entity (workers and managers). Our association and its members, since its beginning, has been directly involved in major projects both nationally and internationally, and we have extensive experience not only as participants but as applicants, coordinators and trainers in seminars, training courses and youth exchanges on the local and mainly international level. Since our establishment, we are accredited as sending, hosting and coordinating organization of EVS volunteers. We sent hundreds of volunteers, having a great success in most of the projects, and hosted more than 30 volunteers. Normally every year we hosted a group of volunteers for a long term project of 9 months and