Project "Children and youth in Ulriken YWCA-YMCA" Background: Our work is largely based on voluntary work and much of the reason why we want volunteers is that we see that we need impulses and additional contributions to the daily work in our units. As part of an international movement it felt natural for us to look at opportunities for volunteers who would like to contribute to our work. We as hosting organization offer experiences that are unique and that can give inputs that volunteers can take back and use in their further involvement. Objective: - To help ensure that children and youth can grow up in a safe environment - To help children and youth to take responsibility for the whole person with spirit, soul and body - To get incredible things happen by being an open Christian organization that works to develop Christian, brave and creative people - To provide meaningful meeting places for children and youth - To offer an open meeting with Jesus in a safe environment - To provide attractive and creative activities - To provide the opportunity to develop good leadership skills - To offer international engagement through the YWCA-YMCA - To provide initial help and relevant follow-up for the local Christian children and youth work. Number of participants and profile: We want two volunteers who have experience within the work with children and youth. Ulriken YMCA-YWCA looks for candidates who really like to work for and with children and adolescents. Interest in music and language is an advantage. Ten Sing backgrounds equally so. Christian view of life is of great importance since our work is within the Christian framework. Activity Description: Ulriken YMCA-YWCA runs several activities. Ten Sing is a program for youth who likes singing, dancing, music and drama. Ulriken YMCA-YWCA has currently three Ten Sing choirs. Youth Clubs have many activities for youth - playing games, discussing, music, art etc. The clubs are open to all sorts of youngsters and is meant to give young people a place were they can spend their spare time and create good associations between youth and church. Ulriken YMCA-YWCA has currently three youth clubs. Sporty is a youth sports club where it is possible to do different types of sports and physical activities. The main objective is to keep the youth active and having fun. Children Choirs is for children who likes singing, music and games. Open kindergarten is an pedagogical offer led by a kindergarten teacher. The offer is for children aged 0 to 6 years old, accompanied by parents. The program includes games, activities and interaction with other children. We offer information, advice and guidance when it comes to children's development. Method: An important method in UKM and YMCA-YWCA work is that youth can lead other youth, while receiving guidance from experienced adults. It is also important that they should get creative and try different tasks, such as taking responsibility and show initiative. Results and impact: For the volunteers, the goal is that they will gain practical experience and motivation for further involvement in working with children and youth in their future endeavors. For Ulriken YMCA-YWCA, the goal is to continue and further develop our work for children and youth. We also look at the project as an opportunity to learn from the volunteers experience and knowledge. The volunteers, who has been part of UKM earlier EVS-projects, has had a great impact on the people they meet in the various measures which they attend and leave a good impressions and experiences. The attitudes they bring with them are important in meeting with the children and youth. Our impression is that the good attitudes and experiences from another country who volunteers represent allows local youth to be more concerned and expresses an interest in new cultures and attitudes. Long-term effects: UKM have been part of EVS projects over many years, which gives us an awareness that we are part of the international YMCA-YWCA movement as well as creating awareness of us as part of the international community. Volunteers are helping to strengthen and develop our work for children and youth. Volunteers gain knowledge and experience of the Norwegian society and organizations. This experience and knowledge can enhance their inter-cultural understanding and comprehension.