NCU with the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label
The National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps Programme has awarded Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń the Quality Label for a leading, hosting and supporting organisation in international volunteering projects. The certificate enables our university to apply for European Solidarity Corps funds.
The Quality Label is a certificate that confirms an organisation meets all standards and provides young people with the opportunity to participate in high-quality volunteering projects with a strong solidarity dimension, in line with the values and objectives of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
ESC volunteering projects should respond to important social needs and contribute to strengthening local communities while enabling the volunteers to gain practical experience, develop competencies and grow personally, socially, civically and professionally.
The Quality Label is needed to implement ESC volunteering projects. Depending on the type of activities the organisation wants to engage in and its role in the project, it can apply for different types of Quality Label. NCU received this certificate as a leading, hosting and supporting organisation for group volunteering projects.
The rationale for the decision reads:
The management and coordination concept presented in the proposal is well thought out and demonstrates adequate preparation for the implementation of volunteering projects. The organisation has a lot of experience in international cooperation, as well as the right conditions, competencies and resources, which gives it a good chance to implement ESC projects of good quality.
The certificate is valid until the end of 2027. Future projects will be implemented by the Copernican Integration Centre in cooperation with the Department for International Partnerships and Educational Mobility, the Amicus Foundation and institutions from the university's social environment, as well as YUFE partner universities. The first ESC international and intergenerational volunteering project is being prepared for July 2025.
NCU is the second university in the country to hold the ESC Quality Label. Last year, the Quality Label for hosting and leading organisation was awarded to the University of Gdańsk.