Why doing the National Civil Service in an Arab country
Ever heard of the National Civil Service (Servizio Civile Nazionale)? It is a civil service endorsed by article 52 of the Italian Constitution. The National Civil Service has its roots in the protests by youngsters opposing the mandatory military service. In 1972 the Italian government passed the law granting the right to object due to moral, religious or philosophical reasons to the mandatory military service, therefore constituting the civil service as an alternative.
The purpose of the civil service is to enable youngsters to divulge the values of the Italian state and peoples as well as creating a mutual understanding among different countries. The National Civil Service was instituted by Act n.64 of 6th March 2001 and from 1st January 2005 is completely voluntary and open to women’s participation.
The National Civil Service offers the possibility of volunteering in the fields of civil protection, environmental care, artistic and cultural heritage, education and cultural promotion and civil service abroad. It is open for people from 18 to 28 years old who would like to commit themselves for 12 months to solidarity purposes, cultural discovery, and on-the-job training. It is a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to engage in activities contributing to the social, cultural and economic development of Italy and other countries involved, if any.
A period during which the volunteers get to experience first-hand how it is to get involved in a local community, participating in daily life activities of their interests and making an impact on the world. It is, above all, an outstanding chance for participants to become active citizens, which is key to promote peaceful dialogue and integration.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Servicepersons of the army and police are not eligible for the National Civil Service. Since 2015 it is not only open to Italian nationals but also for foreigners living legally in Italy. Applicants must comply with the following requirements:
Being an Italian citizen or a foreigner living legally in Italy
Being a citizen aged 18-28 years old at the closing date of the selection
The absence of any criminal record or pending criminal convictions greater than one year for non-culpable crimes.
Not having previously taken part in the National Civil Service.
Not having any permanent working relationship or a paid collaboration, in any form, (during the present year and the previous year for over 3 months) with the entity in charge of the project the applicant is applying for.
The duration of the project is 12 months, and it is a once in a lifetime experience. The weekly working hours will not be less than 30 hours per week. The first month of the project will be carried out in Italy (even for projects abroad) and consists of training activities to explain the volunteers the activities they will be performing and particularities of the project as well as of the Civil Service in general.
Why in an Arab country?
If doing the National Civil Service in Italy is a life-changing experience, imagine what is like to do so in a foreign country. Getting to live 12 months in an Arab country offers volunteers many advantages in the professional, personal and academic fields.
Arabic is the 5th most spoken language worldwide, nothing less than 22 countries in two continents have Arabic as an official language. More and more people decide to cross out the learning of Arabic from their bucket list every year, which makes Arabic an increasingly popular language. Being such a widespread language (and not so known by foreigners), by doing the National Civil Service in an Arab country, volunteers will learn Arabic first-hand.
Arabic is a fascinating and interesting language so much easier to learn when living in a country where it is spoken. Knowing Arabic and having an international experience is something companies are more and more looking for in candidates. So if you want to have a personalized curriculum and stand out above other aspirants when in the job market back in Italy, don’t have any doubt that having experience in an Arab country will make the difference and boost your professional career.
Some amazing countries such as Morocco, Egypt or Jordan, offer volunteers the opportunity to live a year full of new adventures, new friends and immersing deep into a new culture which will make them grow personally in ways they could have never imagined.
Eager to live new experiences and make an impact on society?
Do the National Civil Service in an Arab country