The biggest and most awaited event of the Erasmus Student Network gathered the volunteers of the Network this Thursday, in the picturesque town of Platja d’Aro, in the heart of the Costa Brava. This is the third AGM organised in Spain, a country in the top list of sending and receiving students through the Erasmus+ Programme. During the next three days, ESNers will explore the opportunities that change can bring into the Network, elect the international board, share their cultures and help building the future.
“Erasmus has created the first generation of young Europeans. The Erasmus idea should be compulsory – not just for students, but also for taxi drivers or plumbers” - Silvia llach University of Girona quotes Umberto Eco as a welcome message to #AGMcostabrava participants!
— ESN International (@ESN_Int) March 15, 2018
If the night before the big event felt too long, when the moment arrives and the event finally starts, the butterflies in your stomach start fluttering. Almost a thousand eager faces, representing countries from around the continent, are ready to meet new people, learn and make memories and friends that will last for a lifetime.
The preparations for the Flag Parade start with reunions and hugs that feel like a homecoming. Representing not only 40 countries, but a European voice and identity, we embrace the colours of our nations, raise up our flags and occupy the streets. With the smile up to our ears we dance our way to the opening ceremony. Songs and slogans are spreading, creating waves; we feel the dynamic excitement, the feeling that nothing can stop us. The harmonious blend of colours brings us together, united in diversity.
“We are wearing colours that symbolise our background, our different cultures. Despite those different colours, when you look into the eyes of the person next to you, even if perhaps you have not met this person, you kind of know that person already. You know this person because all of us joined ESN as we believe in it, because we share a set of common values, a common set of rules of the society.” said João Pinto, President of ESN AISBL, during the Opening Ceremony.
Together with the superheroes that made this event possible, representatives of the European Commission, of the local community, guests and partners shared their input about active citizenship, the values we share and represent, the potential of youth. Words with a powerful impact proved us that volunteering, the power of passion can make a change in the society.
Furthermore, it is the assumed responsibility of ESN to ensure high-quality mobility for Erasmus students. We are striving to make mobility inclusive, for everyone to become an active part of the society. We work towards the utopian idea of unity, helping to forge an EU identity, building individuals that will build the future of Europe.
“Our organisation had been helping the Erasmus Student Network organise accessible events and adopt the principle of universal design to include people with disability. This is a way to win for everyone” - José María Velarde, @ONCE_oficial foundation @ExchangeAbility pic.twitter.com/rSEvilCjdP
— ESN International (@ESN_Int) March 15, 2018
2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage - an opportunity to celebrate, share, embrace, and shape culture. Through our daily events and activities organised on the local, national and international levels, we, the dedicated volunteers, are shaping the cultural heritage we will leave for our children. We are the ones to step into the roles of global leaders. We have to fully realise the power of our potential.
Welcome to AGM Costa Brava, keep an eye on us, we’re just at the beginning!
