27/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 26-27 November, the European Voluntary Service (EVS) will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The EVS, the flagship measure of the “Youth” programme, is a Community initiative which encourages youth people aged between 18 and 25 to immerse themselves in a different culture abroad, carrying out a voluntary, charity or non-profit making activity. Since 1996, nearly 35,000 young people have carried out full-time unpaid voluntary service in another country. The EVS will continue as part of the new “Youth in action,” programme for the period 2007-2013. It will be for those aged between 18 and 30 and will offer a far greater geographical range. A special commemoration ceremony for the EVS will be held on 26-27 November in Brussels, in the presence of European Education Commissioner Jan Figel. For more information: http://www.celebrateEVS.eu (ol)