The project aimed to develop the European cooperation of volunteer instructors and their current service and guidance capacities, to compile a common material/programme to support guidance, and to strengthen expert cooperation and network for the development of responsible, inclusive and multicultural volunteering in the project countries. The aim was to improve the instructors' ability to support young people in international activities, work and study, cooperation and life management.
Volunteer-activities have been a significant part of the activities of the Finnish Seamen's Church and Die Finnische Seemannsmission in Hamburg (Die Finnische Seemannskirche) for years; young people from Finland have moved from Finland to volunteer for churches in Germany and other countries, and international volunteers have come to Finnish churches. Changes in the international operating environment, various crises, the challenges and opportunities brought about by multiculturalism, as well as many phenomena, risks and factors affecting young people's lives, create a need to develop new skills and capabilities of the actors guiding and supporting young people and volunteers. There is an increasing need to understand different cultures and to know the network that serves young people in different countries. For many young people, volunteering is a unique opportunity in life; with the right guidance young people can be well prepared to find their place in society, integrate into a new country, and act in a European and Finnish community. The project developing joint guidance capacities and material, as well as strengthening cooperation of Europeans experts, will improve the network's ability to support young people in their life.