Training course topic: (Un)mapped grounds organized by YOUTH CENTRE OF DRAVINJA VALLEY
Activity dates: 16.03.2020 – 24.03.2020
Number of participants: 2
Deadline: 24.01.2020
Location: Gorenje nad Zrečami, Slovenia
ABOUT YOUTH CENTRE OF DRAVINJA VALLEY
Youth centre of Dravinja valley was established in 2003 by Students club of Dravinja valley and is a private institute and social enterprise that is working with youth on local, regional, national and international level. Our vision is activation of young people, promotion of active citizenship, raising cultural competencies, increasing social responsibility, promoting youth mobility and non-formal education. Youth centre of Dravinja valley also provides space for the operation of a number of youth associations in the municipality, music groups, choirs and other organizations. In the local area we are perceived as an important player, we are achieving the highest ratings among youth centres on the national level, internationally we are among the most active youth organizations.
Our core activities are divided into 4 pillars: youth centre, cultural event centre Patriot, intergenerational centre and social incubator Kreaktor. In “youth centre” our main activities are youth mobility projects (organizing, hosting and sending), local volunteering promotion and activation, support to other organizations, intercultural dialogue activities, non-formal education
modules development, implementation of youth, sport and cultural events. In cultural event centre Patriot we take care of promotion of young unknown bands, organize concerts, performances, reading clubs, exhibitions etc. Intergenerational center is carrying out activities that connect generations (daily activities). Program pillar “Kreaktor” promotes social entrepreneurship, co-
working and carries out activities that gives youngsters knowledge and increases their employability.
More info about the organization on www.mcdd.si
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Youth centre of Dravinja Valley (MCDD) is a highly experienced organization in the field of youth work and a recognized player at the local, regional, national and international levels. During the years we have been noticing that the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation of youth workers is very hard, mostly because of unstable funding, which resulted in a rapid change of staff. The youth workers who form a permanent core of MCDD are therefore prone to burnout, occasional non-motivation and loss of contact with youth. That is why we have decided to establish a model of sustainable organizational development and staffing monitoring plan. The model takes into account various internal and external factors that affect the youth worker, organization and youth work as such. The establishment of a sustainable MCDD development plan was a systematic process. Due to good results within MCDD, we wish to share our model with partner organizations of the project.
Goals of the project:
• mapping out youth workers’ personal and professional characteristics and the impact of both on youth work and the development of the organization;
• who is the ‘’ideal’’ youth worker and how we want to get closer to that ideal;
• the circumstances and working conditions of the organizations in which youth workers operate and how to influence them;
• the challenges of youth work and how to address them through collaboration, the exchange of good practices and different methods;
• the traps of getting burnout at work and how to avoid it;
• the importance of an internal balance for effective communication and relationship with the outside world;
• identifying the challenges with which young people, youth workers and society in general in partner countries and other societies are facing;
• the importance and effectiveness of methods for building healthy societies, that are emotionally engaging and at the same time have sufficient space for critical reflection and judgment;
• the situation of marginalized, discriminated target groups who, due to various systemic and social barriers, do not have a real opportunity to access social goods;
• creative power of youth worker and the creative power of teamwork to address different social phenomena through youth work;
• the importance of a program such as E + for sustainable development of youth work,
• activation of youth workers and young people;
• to promote Erasmus+ program: Youth in action and opportunities offered by the program in the field of youth;
• to promote Youthpass as a tool that contributes to strengthening the social recognition of youth work.
Results of the project:
• providing participants with a tool for becoming aware of the state of different personal dimensions within themselves and definition of themselves and their own work;
• participants will learn/create/share new methods of work with young people for addressing the various and current needs of young people and encouraging their active participation;
• issuing an e-publication in which the methods and the identified challenges and possible solutions will be collected;
• increasing the visibility and importance of youth work.
PARTICIPANTS PROFILE
From each country we’re looking for:
• 2 youth workers/leaders;
• with a low or medium level of experience in youth work;
• between 18 and 35 years old;
• with at least basic English language skills;
• with an interest in gaining knowledge and skills for professional and personal development within youth work;
• with an interest in sharing methods and tools after the training course;
• fully motivated to participate in 100% of activities.
Additional VERY IMPORTANT notes:
Please find the cheapest way of travelling. You are eligible only to use public transfer. Costs of coming by car or car rental, taxi fares, … will not be reimbursed. Before booking you have to get approval from our side – Mladinski center Dravinjske doline!
The meeting point will be Youth centre of Dravinja Valley located at Žička cesta 4a, 3210 Slovenske Konjice. From there we will provide transport to the venue of the training course in Gorenje pri Zrečah. Due to that 5€ per person of reimbursement money will be deducted.
If participants spend more than the maximum reimbursement amount, it will be participants’ responsibility to cover the rest of the traveling cost. If participants spend less than maximum reimbursement amount, they will be only covered for the amount they spent.
The reimbursement will be done by bank transfer, only after we receive all original travel documents (receipts, ticket, boarding passes, …). We need all your original receipts, tickets and boarding passes so make sure you keep all your original travel documents for both ways!
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Organizers will provide accommodation and food during the whole period of the training course. There is no participation fee. The accommodation and food costs during the training course will be fully covered within the project. Due to the fact that we will provide transport from Slovenske Konjice to Gorenje 5€ per person of reimbursement money will be deducted.
VENUE OF THE TRAINING
Training course will take place at the inn Gostišče Smogavc, from 16. 3. until 24. 3. 2020.
Location: Gostišče Smogavc
Address: Gorenje nad Zrečami 27, 3214 Zreče, Slovenia
TRAVEL INFO
VENUE OF THE TRAINING COURSE
A few professional photos from the venue:
Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (marked with a project name) on advit_team@yahoo.com
Vanhamäki is an activity centre in Suonenjoki, which is a small rural town of some 7 500 inhabitants, situated in the central Finland. Vanhamäki provides different kinds of activities for visitors and it also runs organic farm, horse stables and a foster home. The centre produces organic berries and vegetables and the products are also sold in the little shop. Vanhamäki also has a lunch restaurant, serving 100-200 clients every weekday. It is very famous for its food, using organic and local ingredients as much as possible.
· Volunteering period: 1.4.–30.11.2020 (8 months)
· Number of volunteers: 3
· Location: Vanhamäki is sitatated in Suonenjoki, in the countryside surroundings, by a lake.
· Volunteer’s role, tasks and requirements: Volunteering tasks vary according to the season: in the summer time the volunteers work more in Vanhamäki and in the autumn and spring there is more cooperation with other local organizations, such as local folk academy, association of unemployed people and a school. At Vanhamäki the volunteers assist in different kinds of tasks, both outdoors and indoors. They take part in organic farming and maintenance work of the park area. Volunteers also assist in planning and carrying out events in Vanhamäki according to their skills and interests. The volunteers can also carry out tasks in the office and kitchen, as well as at the horse stables of the activity centre. It is important that the volunteer enjoys both practical and social work tasks. It is good to have an interest in organic farming and nature.
· Accommodation: The volunteers are accommodated in the Vanhamäki centre in a single room, shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner in the restaurant of Vanhamäki.
Theme: Citizenship and democratic participation; Education and training; Creativity and culture
Activity dates: 01/03/2020 to 28/02/2021.
Number of volunteers: 2
Place: CAGLIARI, Italy
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ESBAR (European Solidarity in Barbagia) is a project that, for a period of 12 months, will involve two young volunteers in supporting the Municipality of Ollolai in the planning and implementation of ordinary and extraordinary cultural, environmental and social initiatives.
The main tasks assigned to the volunteers will be:
– support in organizing recreational and cultural activities addressed to elderly people, children and youngsters;
– support in organizing all initiatives and events promoted by the Municipality of Ollolai and local associations;
– support to international mobility for work, volunteering and training abroad for young people with fewer geographical opportunities;
– promotion of the territory and local identity;
– meetings with schools, cultural associations, sports associations, institutions and youth councils.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Volunteers will be accommodated in a private house, identified by Malik Association. Participants will sleep in single rooms with shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom and living room). The house is equipped with heating and water heater. Volunteers will be given a monthly contribution of 300 euros to cover the expenses related to board and extra costs. Travel costs will be covered up to 275 euros
TRAINING DURING THE PROJECT
Malik Association ensures the participation of volunteers in the training activities carried out by the National Agency and in Italian language classed held on line (through the European Commission’s platform) twice a week.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
The ideal volunteer must be motivated, enthusiastic, sensitive, curious and loves nature, genuineness and authenticity of places. Must be prepared for interpersonal relationships and has capacity to adapt to new situations and aptitude for team works.
Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “ESC Sardinia”) by 31st of January on advit_team@yahoo.com
Activity dates: 1st of July 2020 until 31st of July 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
The project, Hertha, is a living community for mentally handicapped situated in a small village, Herskind, consisting of with families and singles, who integrate themselves into the lives and rhythm of the handicapped. It is integration, where normal people integrate into the lives of handicapped.
The living community consists of 2 houses with 19 mentally handicapped residents. The residents have different psychological and mental restrictions and some of them are also physically impaired, but all of them are able to walk. The level of function varies from nearly “normal” to few without any verbal language. Most are aged 18-30 years, but few are older.
In the village there are different workshops which are used in the project: Bakery, biodynamic market garden, biodynamic farm, dairy, weave shed, kitchen and laundry where the mentally handicapped work. In the workshops we produce products spent by the residents in the village and furthermore the bakery and dairy produce products to be sold in ecological shops to kindergartens and other institutions in the area.
Volunteer profile
non-smoker
punctual – the volunteer must show up on time to the agreed activities
tolerant, open, extrovert who can take part in our daily life with a positive attitude
calm personality, flexible and accepting of adjustments to plans since changes can occur with short warning
Volunteering at the project
the volunteer will live at the project
Herskind is a small but quite vivid community, there is a small grocery, a community house where cultural and social events are celebrated, a sports club, were they play soccer, handball and badminton and where the volunteer can join the activities.
the pedagogy at the project uses the Rudolf Steiner principles – these will not be taught explicitly, but are practised
supervision and instructions will be provided by pedagogues specialised in working with mentally handicapped
the main activity for the volunteer will be to support the disabled in the workshops according to interests and specific knowledge and experiences. The volunteer will support in the bakery and kitchen.
if the volunteer has a driving license, he/she will be in charge of being a chauffeur to different activities
being able to play an instrument would be relevant, but not essential
volunteers will only work with the less disabled and challenging disabled
THE INTERNATIONAL-A BOARDING SCHOOL IN VEDERSØ
Theme: Youth/education
Activity dates: 3th of August 2020. – 7th of July 2021.
Number of volunteers: 3
Description of the project
The International Academy and Boarding School of Denmark is the only 100% English speaking efterskole in Denmark, where students aged 14-17 can combine the unique experience of attending a Danish efterskole/boarding school, with its proven educational and personal development qualities, with an international education. The school is a part of the self-governing institution Vedersø Idrætsefterskole (Sports College), which is one of Denmark’s leading sports and gymnastic schools.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 22
preferably volunteers with a good level of english and university educated
motivated, adaptable and flexible
previous experience working with children
previous teaching experience is highly recommended
an interest for foreign languages
a passion for one of following activities: dance, media and communication, football or badminton are important, as these are core subjects at The International
prefered french, spanish or german speakers
Volunteering at the project
planned activities will vary depending on the participant’s individual skills, personal background and experience
our range of informal and formal activities will give the volunteer the chance to use of their skills – linguistically, artistically, socially, and physically
volunteers will assist in the classroom as both a guest teacher (and language assistant where relevant)
volunteers will be given the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the teaching profession and gain experience working with young people
a responsibility to contribute to social activities in weekends and evenings
volunteers will live at the school
Selection
interviews will take place in English in person or via Skype
FJORD&BÆLT
Theme: Animal/Environment
Activity dates: August 2020-August 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
Fjord&Bælt is a combined research and experience centre which communicates knowledge about marine life in the waters of Denmark. Fjord&Bælt is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to get close to marine animal life. At Fjord&Bælt we have a daily routines of training and feeding our three porpoises – Eigil, Freja and Sif – and our playful seals – Svante, Tulle and Naja. The animals live and swim in true-to-nature basins continuously supplied with fresh seawater from the fjord and strait. The centre is visited by aproximatly 60-55,000 guests each year.
Fjord&Bælt have approximately 12 full-time employees year round, not including the many interns, volunteers and part-time staff. The Research department consists of a team composed of a Danish department leader and two Swedish trainers. Danish and foreign interns and volunteers assist in all the daily tasks, such as observing, training, feeding and playing with the porpoises and seals.
We at Fjord og bælt have always had interns and volunteers from all over the world and think it is a nice way for people to learn about research, education, animal husbandry and training. We also think it is an important part of our work to give this opportunity for people who are interested. Other than this, we think that it is interesting to work with people from different cultures, both to teach them about our culture but also to learn about theirs. Additionally, we also make an effort to have a social life with interns and volunteers outside of work.
In the beginning the volunteer will learn all the daily tasks that are necessary for the daily routines, such as fish sorting, kitchen cleaning, assisting the trainers and maintenance of the facilities. After an individual period of time the volunteer will start feeding the animals and start to learn how to maintain a few basic behaviors with the animals.
Volunteering at the project
The role of the intern will be to help with the daily flow in the fish kitchen and in time participate in the feedings/training sessions of our animals. In the season where the center is open it is also important to help in giving the guests a great experience which means answering questions and so on.
To be a volunteer at Fjord&Bælt you will have the opportunity to learn about porpoises and seals. Both about their biology and how they live in nature. We do a lot of research especially with our porpoises and through this you will learn a lot about them as a species.
You will also have the opportunity to learn about their daily husbandry and care and also the basic rules of how to train animals.
There are also opportunities to learn about the animal life and ecosystems of the Danish waters.
Read Jaime’s – former volunteer at “Fjord&Bælt” – blog about his time in Denmark
VESTJYLLANDS HØJSKOLE
Theme: Youth/Education
Activity dates: 1st August of 2020 until 1st August 2021
Number of volunteers: 1
Description of the project
Vestjyllands Højskole is a Folk High Schools that offers non-formal adult education. Most students are between 18 and 26 years old. We have no academic requirements for admittance and there are no exams, but you get a diploma when you leave.
We have dance, ecology, theatre, singing, music, ceramics, painting ,writing, and cooking on the schedule.
We have an ecological profile and we are able to produce all the energy needed ourselves. We have a large ecological garden, which is maintained by local voluntaries.
As a volunteer, you will be working in the garden, but in your spare time you will have the opportunity to take part in the above mentioned as well.
Volunteer profile
interest in education and ecology
willing to engage in the practical work in the organic garden
flexible and mature
interest in sustainable gardening and permaculture
we look for a young male
Volunteering at the project
the volunteer will gain knowledge of ecological gardening and farming;
knowledge of plants and the diversity of the earth
how to make the earth fertile and fruitful
knowledge of coexistence between, man, animals, and plants
knowledge of the importance of plants in regards to our health
the volunteer will spend most of the time working in the garden and in that way he will contribute to the overall mission of the garden
the creation of new social and cultural networks between Danes and foreigners through ecological gardening and the use of those products in the kitchen
strengthen the knowledge in the local community about the importance of the food in relation to health and a healthy life
create an ecological research and demonstration garden that inspires to form the basis of a constructive community, which in the future will attract new citizens
Besides gardening, the volunteer will be faced with tasks of craftsmanship, especially carpentry and tasks such as bartending, management and cleaning
the volunteer will live at the school
LIMFJORDSSKOLEN
Theme: Disability
Activity dates: 1st September 2020. – 30th June 2021.
Number of volunteers: 2-3
Description of the project
Limfjordsskolen is a residential school for young disabled people between 17 and 20 years of age. The school offers a specially designed education based on the students individual competences and challenges and this education is given to all young people who cannot complete a normal youth education even with extra assistance and adapted curriculum.
At Limfjordsskolen we have 42 students, 11 teachers and 25 social workers and each student has a room of their own and lives in family groups of up till 13 other students. The young people who all have severe learning difficulties stay at the school for up till 3 years and come from all over the Northern part of Denmark.
The main purpose of the school is to equip and strengthen the students in becoming as independent and active in their own life as possible, and in spite of their handicap be an active citizen in the local community.
Limfjordsskolen is located in the town of Logstor which is beautifully situated at the banks of Limfjorden. The environment is very influenced by the fjord and the town is an old fishing town. Today the fishing trade has declined and it is now smaller industries and companies doing different kinds of services but in the summertime, Logstor is full of tourists, many sailboats and visitors are coming due to the lovely seaside.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 22
willing to be part of a learning community for disabled young people
willing to put in their skills and efforts in the daily life with them
ready to learn from the staff
Volunteering at the project
the main purpose of the school is to equip and strengthen the students in becoming as independent and active in their own life as possible
in addition to the basic curriculum the student can choose from different areas of interest; Nature, sport and health, art, music.
the school also has a protected workshop where 10 adults with severe learning difficulties works with arts, theatre, cooking and maintenance work
the volunteer will be involved in the social life of the students – play games, go to the cinema, go shopping, go to the café, go on trips and tours
MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTRE
Theme: Animal/Environment
Activity dates: 15th of August 2020. – 14th of August 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
The Marine Biological Research Centre in Kerteminde is part of the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark. Kerteminde is on the island Fyn, an island in the middle of Denmark. Any other part of the country is within easy reach by public transport.
The centre is internationally known and focuses on all aspects of marine research, both in the field and in the lab. The center has projects with focus on sponges, jellyfish, blue mussels and other filter feeding animals; as well as a bioacoustics labs where we house grey seals, cormorants and harbour porpoises.
Volunteer profile
people with a biology or psychology background, or people with animal experience.
all interested person will be openly considered with a special focus on motivation for learning and strong work ethic
Volunteering at the project
assisting in daily research sessions and training sessions with the 2 grey seals, 2 cormorants, and 2 turtles
assisting in the daily animal care and husbandry of the animals
cleaning and maintenance of the animal areas and facilities
the volunteers will be put through a training regime in learning animal behavior, behavior modification, and animal training
the volunteers will also learn about the bioacoustics, psychophysics, and testing paradigms
as a volunteer on this project, you will be living with a Danish host family.
BUSTRUP HOVEDGAARD
Theme: Youth/climate/organic farming
Activity dates: 1of August 2020 – 31 of July 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
Bustrup Dagskole (Bustrup Day School) is looking for volunteers for a duration of 6 – 9 months with a working time of 30-35 hours a week. We are situated in the countryside in a beautiful landscape and our volunteers should also like to live away from the city with outdoor activities every day as well as sports.
We are looking for people who are 18-30 years of age, speaking good English and have a genuine interest in climate and ecology questions. We are looking for people who like to share life and work with like-minded people, who are willing to take up challenges, working in after-school programs with youngsters with special needs, building up friendships and working with both mind and hands in our Garden Farming, husbandry and information work in the community.
Bustrup Dagskole is running a café in the Danish summer where lots of people visit every day. We imagine that volunteers coming in the summer should help running the café together with staff and students from our Day School. Bustrup Dagskole is also running a fitness centre and a gallery and here there will also be tasks together with students and teachers.
At our school centre we practice a strict no alcohol and no drugs policy. Our teenage students are vulnerable youngsters and come from various difficult backgrounds. We do not permit any alcohol or drugs at our school.
Bustrup School Center is looking for volunteers who want to take part in the “Change Generation”. People (18 – 30 year of age) who want to dedicate some of their time and life for learning and acting to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change. People, who enjoy being part of an international community and enjoy working with head and hands. People who want to improve their English skills and learn numerous other skills. People who want to learn about pedagogy and teaching in theory and practice.
Volunteer profiles
aged 18 to 30
a background as: youth workers, teachers, pedagogues, craftsmen and –women, builders, sports instructors, health and social workers, unemployed people, or students
strong interest in: dissemination of climate knowledge, hands-on work in an organic garden, supporting vulnerable young people
having a basic knowledge of English
Selection
interviews will be conducted via Skype
Accomodation
The volunteers live, learn and work together at Bustrup School Center. The volunteers have a mentor – or a teacher. Each module – mostly a week at a time – has its own headline, introduction, theory, and practice. Each module is evaluated by each participant and by the group as well. The mentor will call the volunteers for meetings to discuss and evaluate and guide the different challenges in the daily programs – formal as well as informal learning. The volunteer writes a midway report. The mentor writes a final report on each volunteer’s achievements.
Learning outcomes
Participants should be opopen-mindednd communicative from the beginning. The learning will be learning-by-doing. At Bustrup School Center, the volunteers will experience team work with international colleagues, networking skills, working with deadlines and reports, sharing life conditions and responsibilities and building Best Buddy relations with youngsters with special needs. Through the program the participants will improve and learn the following: written and spoken English, pedagogy skills, knowledge about the World, Knowledge about global warming and climate change, project management, skills like carpentry, building, cultivation, animal care, cooking, and cleaning, cooperation skills, learning to speak in front of many people, cultural skills like singing, playing theater, and painting posters, economy, and physical exercise.
The school has a strict no alcohol/no drugs policy.
AAGAARD EFTERSKOLE
Theme: Youth/Education
Activity dates: 11th of August 2020-30th of June 2021
Number of volunteers: 1
Description of the project
Aagaard Efterskole is a part of a network of schools in Denmark, known as “Efterskole”. “Efterskole” is a unique schooling concept found only in Denmark. Broadly speaking it is a private boarding school with government grants that provides Secondary School education for young people at the age of 15 to 17.
Each “Efterskole” chooses its own profile and an area on which it will focus its teaching, in addition to the compulsory subjects. Our school focuses on academic skills, traditional Danish gymnastics and optional subjects (music, creative, sport, and practical subjects).
Aagaard Efterskole’s founding values are based upon Grundtvig/Kold social-cultural values, whose general principles are general education, co-existence and enlightenment for life, emphasizing putting historical, political and cultural issues into context. Pupils’ participation in the cultural debate is also seen as an important part of the individual’s personal development.
The staff currently consists of 17 teachers and 6 other members of staff.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 20
a volunteer with interest in working with children and young people
interest in foreign languages and sharing knowledge about Europe and his own country, culture, and language
willing to engage in all aspects of the life on the school
hard-working and flexible
Volunteering at the school
a timetable will be provided every week, which will give the volunteer a chance to use all his skills; linguistically, artistically, athletically, and socially
it’s important to note that the school is technically open 24/7, though time will be given in lieu if the volunteer has been asked to contribute weekends
the volunteer will have the opportunity to work as a language assistant with co-operation with other teachers in the classroom
the volunteer will have the opportunity to contribute during musical activities, sport activities, skiing, and other optional lessons
participating in the daily tasks of the boarding school; monitoring of cleaning and mealtimes, planning evening activities, helping with homework etc.
Selection
Aagaard Efterskole would like to ensure that they receive the right candidate by carrying out interviews on Skype in German or English.
KONTAKT MELLEM MENNESKER
Theme: Children
Activity dates: 1st September 2020 – 30th June 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
Kontakt mellem Mennesker/Contact between People is a volunteer social association whose vision is a strong, visible and diverse civil society. The organization strives, through various areas of effort (Volunteer center, Self-help, Anonymous volunteer counseling, Community of interest projects and Charity shop) to promote a strong, visible and diverse civil society where anyone can make a volunteer contribution, seek help and support, and take part in meaningful communities – regardless of age, ethnicity, handicap and social status. Daily, Kontakt mellem Mennesker strives to enhance solidarity between people, while respecting their cultures and their traditions, and aim to build a community of shared responsibilities and mutual support – they believe that all people can make meaningful contributions to society e.g. through engaging in volunteer work or taking part in different communities.
Volunteer profile
Proactive and strong on taking initiative
Able to speak and write English
A keen interest in the areas with which Kontakt mellem Mennesker works: promoting volunteerism, community work, supporting other NGOs and the establishment of communities of interest
An open mind towards people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds
Knowledge of IT
Volunteering at the project
The Volunteer at Kontakt mellem Mennesker will work with their staff and ca. 100 volunteers to discuss and initiate activities for people who want a volunteer job or who need help to get on with their lives.
At this association they help many different types of people, both those experiencing a life crisis common to most, but also the marginalized and persons with a non-Danish ethnic background.
The volunteer will also contribute to the planning of activities, projects and running a large volunteer house for our city’s social associations.
The volunteer’s concrete tasks/projects will depend on their competences and interests.
Tasks could be, for example:
1.Reception function, where you greet people and associations needing help
2. Participation in marketing our programs (PR, distribution of materials, social media, trade fairs)
3. Participant or project leader on your own project/activity (for ex. party for volunteers, workshops for associations, international café)
4. Function as handyman/woman (for ex. preparation/arrangement of meeting rooms, meeting planning)
KATTEGATCENTRET
Theme: Animals/Environment
Activity dates: 1st of September 2020 – 30th June 2021
Number of volunteers: 1
Description of the project
The Kattegatcentre is a dynamic and exciting place where you can experience the ocean and its animal life. The visitors get a unique experience and obtain new knowledge about the ocean world and in our aquariums you can experience animals and fish from all over the World. Shoal fish from the Danish coasts, crabs and lobsters from the North Sea, sharks and rays from the tropical oceans, seals and even some freshwaterspecies.
In the school service we aim to support and deepen the teachings in biology at schools – ranging from primary schools to higher educational institutions. We have the second largest school service among Danish zoos and aquaria, and annually teach 13.000 children.
The Kattegatcenter is situated at the habour in Grenaa, 3,5 km from the center of the town. Grenaa is a town with 13.500 inhabitants and the Kattegatcenter is important to the town attracting many tourists to the area. The weather in Grenaa can be windy and rough during wintertime, but for perople interested in sea and nature the area has a lot to offer.
Volunteering at the project
the volunteer will learn about ocean animal life and ecosystems as well as maintaining an aquarium
the volunteer will learn to promote scientific knowledge to an audience
large variety of tasks: Construction of new aquaria, cleaning and maintenance of the existing aquaria, feeding and nursing of fish and the other marine animals, and any other activity which keeps the exhibits in order and well-functioning.
tasks and responsibilities will depend greatly of the volunteer’s age, interests, and qualifications
the volunteer must be aware that some of the animals are dangerous. We will of course provide the necessary supervision in order to avoid dangerous situations, but the volunteer must follow the given rules when dealing with the animals.
the volunteer will be living in a host family
RØNDE FRIE SKOVBØRNEHUS
Theme: Children
Activity dates: 1st September 2020 – 30th June 2021
Number of volunteers: 3
Description of the project
The Kindergarten and nursery “Rønde Frie Skovbørnehus” is beautifully located in the middle of a forest, only 5 min walk from the seaside. We have four groups of children aged 0-3, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 under the same roof with different outside activities and right now we have 50 children and 8 staff.
A town of Rønde is only three minutes away by car or bus. All necessary items can be bought in Rønde, which is located half an hour away from Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city.
The kindergarten activities follow the seasons very closely. Recently harvest took place and we had a celebration inviting the families. In the winter, we make bonfires to make food, such as soup, but also to keep warm. Sometimes when the weather gets rough we find shelter in the stables or do gymnastics/sports in the gym. However, every year we hope for a snowy winter because we love playing and sledging in the snow.
We also do a lot of singing and playing, storytelling, drawing, painting and many other activities and the volunteer is expected to take active part in the activities.
Volunteer profile
basic level of English
smoking is not allowed
good social skills and interest and motivation in working with children
no previous experience at working at kindergartens is required
Volunteering at the project
the kindergarden is specialized in daily outdoors living
we believe it is mentally and physically healthy for children to be outdoors for most of the day
a member of the staff will be a tutor and supervisor for the volunteer
the volunteer will be attached one of the groups and help the staff in the daily work
the volunteer is also expected to do activities with the children
Selection
interviews will take place in English via Skype
REJSBY EUROPEAN EFTERSKOLE
Theme: Youth/Education
Activity dates: 1st August 2020 – 30 of June 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
The school is located in the little village of Rejsby in Southern Denmark on the west coast of Jutland, just 5 km from Wadden Sea National Park and 45km from the German border.
Currently, the school has room for 139 students with a fairly equal balance between girls and boys. The students come from a variety of backgrounds both financially, socially and academically and all are welcome to apply to the school for the 9th or 10th grade. The students live and study at the school for one year only.
The students must understand that they will be living away from home for the best part of a year and are expected to participate in a small community, where teamwork is very important considering that the students live, work, clean and eat together at the school.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 20
motivated, adaptable and flexible
previous experience working with children
previous teaching experience is highly recommended
interest in foreign languages
in the effort to create an international enviroment for the students a volunteer from Spain or East Europe is preferred
Volunteering at the project
the volunteer is expected to play a vital role in the “efterskole” community and quickly develop a personal, yet professional relationship to the students
the school is built on openness, friendliness, tolerance and shared responsibility
the volunteer will be involved in the areas of the curriculum that are relevant to their key skills both linguistically, artistically, and socially
the volunteer will be offered the same learning possibilities of any trainee teaching with regards to pedagogy and didactics
any volunteer will be provided with constant support and advice
Selection
interviews will be conducted in English in person or via Skype
SOLBJERG PLEJEHJEM
Theme: Elderly
Activity dates: 1st September 2020 – For 12 months
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
Solbjerg Plejehjem is a nursing home for elderly people of Aarhus Kommune – the municipality of Aarhus. Next to the nursing home there is a community center with a health center and a café and rooms for meetings and activities for citizens from the local area.
Solbjerg is situated 15 km south of Aarhus – Denmark’s second largest city. You can take the bus to Solbjerg (from downtown Aarhus) in about 35 minutes.
The volunteers will be a part of the daily routines in the nursing home and community center. They will participate and be involved in many different tasks and activities involving seniors and elderly citizens from supporting and running different activities and meetings to contributing to different initiatives targeting elderly. The activities are based on the wishes and needs of the elderly but also on the interest and abilities of the volunteer. The volunteer will also participate in many cultural events as for instance Christmas and Easter and arrangements for their co-workers. Also the volunteer will be asked to arrange one or two cultural events related to their country and cultural and own interests. Also helping out in the kitchen is very much appreciated.
Volunteer profile
highly motivated to work with elderly people
highly motivated to work within the field of health and care
social, outgoing, creative, empathetic
willing and ready to take initiative
highly motivated to learn Danish in order to be able over timer to talk to staff and residents
if you play an instrument or sing it is very much appreciated
Volunteering at the project
easy office tasks
working in the café
social activities, for instance card or board games, cooking, baking, or enjoying a meal together
physical activities, for instance gardening, walking, dancing and sports/fitness (active ageing)
musical activities for and with the elderly people, such as music and singing
creative activities for instance knitting/embroidery, painting, drawing, and ceramics
supporting or even planning and organizing different activities and projects for the elderly, e.x. “Wine Club”, “Men’s Night”, “Biking Without Age” or “Value Stock”
participating in excursions with the elderly outside the nursing home/local community center
The volunteers will either live in a shared apartment or with a host family.
TRANBJERG PLEJEHJEM – AARHUS KOMMUNE
Theme: Elderly/Disabled
Activity dates: 1st September 2020 – For 12 months
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
Tranbjerg Plejehjem is a nursing home and community center for elderly people of Aarhus Kommune – the municipality of Aarhus. It is situated in Tranbjerg, 12km south of Aarhus – Denmark’s second largest city. Part of the nursing home is a café, a community center with rooms for meetings and activities, and a health center.
The volunteers will be a part of the daily routines in the nursing home and community center, and sometimes also the café. They will participate and be involved in many different tasks and activities involving seniors and elderly citizens from supporting and running different activities and meetings to contributing to different initiatives targeting elderly. The activities are based on the wishes and needs of the elderly.
Volunteer profile
interested or has knowledge in VR video
highly motivated to work with elderly people
highly motivated to work within the field of health and care
social, outgoing, creative, empathetic
willing and ready to take initiative
Volunteering at the project
easy office tasks
working in the café
social activities, for instance card or board games, cooking, baking, or enjoying a meal together
physical activities, for instance gardening, walking, dancing and sports/fitness (active ageing)
musical activities for and with the elderly people, such as music and singing
creative activities for instance knitting/embroidery, painting, drawing, and ceramics
supporting or even planning and organizing different activities and projects for the elderly, e.x. “Wine Club”, “Men’s Night”, “Biking Without Age” or “Value Stock”
participating in excursions with the elderly outside the nursing home/local community center
The volunteers will either live in a shared apartment or with a host family.
VANDEL EFTERSKOLE
Theme: Youth/Education
Activity dates: 1st of August 2020. – 30th of June 2021.
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
An “Efterskole” is a unique schooling concept found only in Denmark. It is a kind of a private boarding school with government grants that provides Secondary School education for young people, predominately between the ages of 14-17. The school is privately run, and this means that there is an annual fee for parents to send their child/children to the school, but families may apply for government funding depending on their financial status.
Vandel Efterskole is known for its high educational standards and pedagogical practices, but also the proven ability to develop our students both socially and academically. The majority of students continue into higher education.
The foundations of the community at the school are built upon openness, friendliness, tolerance and shared responsibility. Participation in this mini-society aims to build relationships as well as further awareness and understanding of others.
Vandel puts emphasis on quality education. Everybody should be able to acquire new skills and develop academically within a challenging learning environment.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 20
out-going, sociable and has a sense of humor
motivation, adaptability and flexibility are key factors
natural interest in working with children
an interest in foreign languages
previous teaching experience is recommended
participation in sports or coaching experience would also be beneficial
Danish law requires anyone working with children under the age of 16 to have a clean criminal record and have no previous convictions where children are involved
Volunteering at the project
volunteers will be living at the school
good opportunity to participate in all of the school’s activities during the week and at weekends
volunteers are expected to quickly develop a personal, yet professional relationship to the students
individual timetables will offer volunteers the chance to use all of their skills, linguistically, artistically, and socially
the volunteer will get the opportunity to contribute as both a language assistant and as a guest teacher
volunteers will be offered the same learning possibilities of any trainee teacher with regards to pedagogy and didactics
volunteers will be provided with constant support and advice
no smoking is allowed on school grounds and alcohol is not permitted on the premises
Selection
interviews will take place in English in person or via Skype
VOLUNTEER FESTIVAL OFFICE
Theme: Children/youth sports
Activity dates: 1st of September 2020 – 30th of June 2021
Number of volunteers: 2
Description of the project
In 2018 the city of Aarhus was announced European Volunteer Capital by the organization CEV – the European Volunteer Centre. In relation to the year as Volunteer Capital Aarhus hosted several European volunteers with great success.
One of the many outcomes of the year as European Volunteer Capital was the volunteering festival called ‘Folkets Møde’, where some of our volunteers contributed.
The volunteering festival was a celebration and recognition of the hard work that volunteers do every day all around us in our community. You can read an article written by one of our European volunteers regarding Folkets Møde here: https://frivillighovedstad.dk/english/news/what-remains-in-the-aftermath-of-folkets-moede/
As a part of the legacy from European Volunteer Capital 2018, the city of Aarhus has decided to host a new Folkets Møde in the end of 2019. This will be the main project assigned to the European volunteers – to be a part of the organizing team arranging Folkets Møde 2019 and to develop an international track for the program.
The volunteer festival office is a very small office with 4-5 people working on facilitation and marketing of the projects going on during the year. We are located at the City Hall of Aarhus as a part of the health department in the Municipality of Aarhus.
Besides the other members of the office, the volunteers will cooperate with a wide varity of organizations and volunteers from the city of Aarhus.
Tasks of the volunteer:
take part in the office arranging Folkets Møde 2019 and contribute to the planning and coordination of the festival.
Take part in developing international program of the volunteer festival
Help to build on the experiences of the volunteering festival – for example by developing new cooperations on volunteering with an international perspective.
Volunteering at the project
The volunteer will live in a shared apartment. Food allowance is covered by Dansk ICYE.
Learning outcomes:
By taking part in the planning, coordination and running of the volunteer festival the volunteers will learn a lot about volunteering in Denmark, about how it is to be a part of a team that arranges a large event and all the responsibilities and tasks that follows.
Also, the volunteers will learn a lot about Danish culture from talking to a lot of different people in order to motivate them to contribute to the festival.
ODSHERREDS EFTERSKOLE
Theme: Youth/Education
Activity dates: 1st of August 2020. – 30th of June 2021
Number of volunteers: 3
Description of the project
Odsherredes Efterskole is a Christian self-governing boarding school (efterskole) offering formal secondary education for 9th and 10th grade. It have are around 160 students between 15-17 year, which stay for one year at the school. The school is situated in the western part of Zealand in a small town named Faarevejle.
An “Efterskole” is a unique schooling concept found only in Denmark. It is a kind of a private boarding school with government grants that provides Secondary School education for young people, predominately between the ages of 14-17. The school is privately run, and this means that there is an annual fee for parents to send their child/children to the school, but families may apply for government funding depending on their financial status.
Volunteer profile
over the age of 20
out-going, sociable and has a sense of humor
good at English
Volunteering at the project
living at the school, there is the opportunity to participate in all of the school’s activities during the week and at weekends
you get your own room in a house that you will share with 2-4 other young people, who also work at the school
the school will provide a timetable for the volunteer, which will offer him/her the chance to use all of their skills, linguistically, artistically, in sports and socially
the volunteer will be involved in the areas of the curriculum that are relevant to his/her key skills
the volunteer would be offered the same learning possibilities of any trainee teaching with regards to pedagogy and didactics
the volunteer would be provided with constant support and advice
we expect the volunteer to engage in all aspects of the school’s life
ICYE DENMARK
Theme: Youth/Intercultural Learning
Activity dates: 15st of August 2020. – For 12 months
Number of volunteers: 1
Description of the project
Dansk ICYE is working on international exchange programmes. Working with us, the volunteer will have an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about international exchange programmes.
The volunteer will have an opportunity to participate in international meetings and take part in trainings that is arranged by Dansk ICYE.
The main focus will be on the incoming program of both the ESC and ICYE long term exchange programmes. The working language for the staff, coworkers and exchangees will be in English.
The volunteer will be engaged in a broad array of work areas such as external and internal communications, designing and planning activities for exchangees, preparing, coordinating and participating in various types of meetings with coworkers as well as ongoing administrative tasks in the office.
The general activitys will be to keep in touch with exchangees – in cooperation with Dansk ICYE’s co-workers – while they are doing their project in Denmark.
The volunteer will update exchangees on the social activities going on in the organization, and help explore ways to get involved locally and meet other young people in the area where their projects are located.
Finally, the volunteer will also be part of the daily routine at the office, helping out with various administrative tasks related to the ESC and ICYE incoming programs.
Working hours: 35 hours per week.
The volunteer will live with a hostfamily.
Volunteer profile
keen interest in an international organisation
fluent at written and spoken English is highly appreciated
The volunteer will be involved in marketing
PRÆSTØ PRIVATSKOLE
Theme: Children and Education
Activity dates: 1 September 2020 – For 10 months
Number of volunteers: 2-3
Description of the project
Præstø Privatskole is a private independent school receiving government subsidy, founded 3 years ago and located in Præstø 1 hour drive south from Copenhagen. We are located 100m from a fjord a few kilometers from the Baltic See. Only 12 minutes by bus to the train station. Præstø is surrounded by a very beautiful landscape.
The School has one class on every grade level, from pre-school class (5-6 years old) to the 9th grade (15-16 years-old).
There are 200 pupils and 14 teachers, 5 pedagogues, TAP staff and one headmaster. most of the pupils live locally.
The school is run as a private independent school for primary and lower secondary education under the Danish Act on Private Independent Schools (Friskoleloven). Præstø Privatskole is still a new school, searching for and developing our international profile, combined with a strong academic profile.
All our pupils are taught English (from 1st grade) and German and French (from 5th grade). We put great emphasis on language acquisition and learning foreign languages at as an early age as possible. We encourage our pupils to study and travel in other European countries.
Our staff are open-minded and well-prepared to work side by side with volunteers.
Two different forms of main activities are possible
A: The Volunteer engages in teaching as an assistent teacher in different subjects, languages, science and creative skills. The volunteer will assist small groups af pupils, encouraging them to speak english in order to improve their oral english skills. If the volunteer wishes he/she will be able to conduct some teaching on his/her own.
As for sciences the volunteer will participate in teaching natural sciences/biology depending on background and interests. This
involves assisting the teacher with small groups of pupils and being responsible for teaching the whole class if desired.
B: The volunteer will be placed on our after-school programme, where he/she will organize leisure activities for the pupils. We especially concentrate on activities that emphasis and develop the children’s social skills, fantasy og creativity. The volunteer can join in activities planned by others but will get a chance to plan activities on his/her own. A possible activity could be cooking with and for the children. Once a week we take on small trips with the pupils to the forest and playgrounds in the nature.
Volunteering at the project
activities will vary according to the volunteers background and experience
depending on their qualifications the volunteers can engage in our music/cultural activities, such as theater, concerts and a music festival
the volunteer will live with a host family in the area
no smoking or alcohol allowed on premises
a bicycle will be provided, though public transport operates efficiently
Project dates: 7th of January – 8th of March 2020 (2 months)
WIDER HORIZONS:
Would you like to live for two months a joyful and unique volunteering experience, thanks to which you can create new opportunities in your personal and professional life once back home? Wider Horizon is a short-term volunteering project of Olde Vechte Foundation, that takes place in Ommen, The Netherlands. By participating you have the opportunity to experience new aspects of life and of yourself: you will live together with other people from different countries, hosted by Olde Vechte Foundation; you will volunteer in a practical work place; you will take care of your bungalow and organize your own free time. In this information letter, you will find all the information you need in order to know what the project is about, and how to apply for it. Reading it carefully, you will get an idea of how it will be once you are here in The Netherlands.
ACTIVITIES IN THE PROJECT:
The working week is from Monday until Friday, in total 36 hours. The voluntary activities are practical tasks at various workplaces in and around Ommen. The program is diverse and one day it can be you volunteer in a horse stable and the other day in a camping. We have a 9- person minibus through which you will be brought to and picked up from your workplace. One of the activities is also to help out the community of Ommen, like to fix a pavement of a resident or to help the elderly in their garden. You will also have a bicycle for places which are closer to your bungalow and to use it to travel around for shopping and your free time.
Free time: You can spend your free time in many different ways: visiting cities, hanging out with new international friends, biking, joining karaoke evenings, singing songs around a camp fire, organizing movie nights, dancing, playing sports, going to the swimming pool, etc.
Guidance: During your stay as a volunteer, there will be a mentor who will help you with practical aspects, such as, to get
around in Ommen and to show you where are groceries shops, pharmacy, medical institutions, etc. This person will also be there to guide you and support you for any issue you might have.
Food and accommodation: During the two months you will be hosted in bungalows of 4-6 people at a holiday park in Ommen. The place is located approx. 10 minutes by bike from Olde Vechte and 15 minutes by bike from the centre of Ommen. In all bungalows there is a kitchen, shower and toilet. You will share a room with someone. You can see an example for a house here. Your house may differ from the one in photos, but it will be very similar. There will be washing machine available as well as wi-fi connection at the resort. As for the food: you have a kitchen in your house. Along with your pocket money, you get money for food, and you can arrange your own meals as you wish.
Pocket money and Traveling costs: as a volunteer you will receive 310 Eur pocket money in total. Food allowance AND pocket money will be issued in cash every week. The traveling costs (planes, trains, buses etc.) will be reimbursed up to the amount of 275 Eur.
Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “ESC Ommen”) by 29th of December on advit_team@yahoo.com
Trento is the capital city of the autonomous province of Trentino Alto-Adige, situated in the Adigeriver valley in North Italy. The city has a population of around 120.000 inhabitants excluding the periphery layouts and is a major educational, scientific and political centre with sheltering the University of Trento which is ranked among the best universities in Italy and in Europe. Having the advantage of being a university city, Trento enjoys a number of student oriented cultural activities also at an international level. Trento is well-connected to the neighbouring cities through railway, among others, Verona in about one hour, Bolzano in 40minutes and Vicenza in 1,5hours. Within easy commute, also, is located the Caldonazzo Lake and the famous Garda Lake which can be reached in about 1,5hours from Trento. The city has a picturesque Medieval and Renaissance historic centre, with typical ancient buildings and touristic attraction points such as the Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio.
SOME WORDS ABOUT THE RECEIVING ORGANIZATION:
Some words about the Receiving Organization InCo is a non-profit organization which has the mission of promoting the international exchange between young people, to increase and improve the level of contact among different cultures, stimulating intercultural sensibility and preventing and combating racism, prejudices and social exclusion.
The organization was created in 2004 by a group of enthusiastic former volunteers who decided to assist other peers in furthering their intercultural abilities and non-formal education. The organization kept on growing, and at the moment it counts on a staff of five people, all with wide international experiences.
The activities of the association are currently addressing mainly young people, but there are also opportunities even for people over 30 to join new exchanges programme. Since 2011 an independent volunteering exchange scheme was set up to allow the participation in international volunteering for people aged over 30.
The main activities of the organisation are the following:
> European Solidaity Corps (ESC) since 2004 as an accredited sending and coordinating organization
since 2006. Since then, InCo coordinated hosting projects for over 250 youngsters, and sent about 200 Italians abroad. Since 2013 InCo is also a hosting organization.From 2015, InCo is part of the Rete Italiana Volontariato Europeo (RIVE: Italian Network European Volunteering)
> Aupair: an opportunity offered to young people aged between 18 and 26 to travel to a foreign country, live with a host family, and gain experiences of life and culture within a different country. The au pair is included as an integral part in the life of the host family, by taking care of the children and assisting the family in light housework.
> Youth exchanges: InCo started organizing youth exchanges in 2015; since then we organize at least 3-4 youth exchanges in Trento every year (where our volunteers help us) and has taken part in different youth exchanges all over Europe
> Promotion of international volunteering activities: with personal informative meetings (info-day in Trento and other parts of the province), different means of communication, such as website, local and national newsletters, social networks and flyers distributed in libraries, community centres’ etc. InCo has also created the platform SCOPRIAMO IL MONDO in collaboration with several organizations of Trentino dealing with international mobility as well as with international cooperation where young people can find information about most of the opportunities to make an experience abroad offered by associations seated in Trentino.
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:
Office activities (communication and administration):
> Preparation of documents and materials (letters, newsletters, brochures, flyers, guidelines, spreadsheets, emails) especially in the framework of ESC and Youth Exchanges.
> Translation of news, writing articles for web and development of Social network (Facebook/Instagram). Provide it with appropriate photo, video, graphics and animation; Update website www.scopriamoilmondo.it. Develop the Blog of current volunteers (www.gogosocial.blogspot.com)
> Help the staff in coordinating the parallel activities of ESC
> Answer the office phone, check the post box, distribute the flyers in Trento/Rovereto
> Participate in infoday meetings in schools, conferences, events etc
> Participate in meetings of informaiton and orientation desk
Preparation and development of meetings with international volunteers:
> Blog monthly meetings
> On-arrival and midterm trainings
> Monitoring meetings
> Final evaluation meeting
Active participation in Youth exchanges
> Prepare infopacks, posters, videos, application forms, articles etc for web
> Search for the participans
> Communicate with local and internaitonal partners/participants
> Organize and participate in APV and in YE
> Support the staff in preparing practical and logistic matters for the project
> Support the staff during and after the project
Promotion and information activities about international mobility (EVS, MTV, Au Pair, Youth exchanges etc): Info- days, International Mobility Fair, information sessions at schools
FOOD AND ACCOMONDATION:
You will get free accommodation for the whole duration of your voluntary service. You will share a private apartment with other volunteers at about 5 minutes by bus from the city center of Trento. It is composed of two bedrooms (you will share the room with an other volunteers), a fully equipped kitchen, a living room and 2 bathrooms.
You will receive food allowance for each month, paid by InCo. So you will be able able to cook/prepare breakfasts, lunch and dinners in the apartment.
You will receive 150,00 € per month as pocket money.
There are two long term ESC projects in Finland with Maailmanvaihto – an organization with 60 years of experience.
1) Kårkulla samkommun / Dagtek community / Life skills activities
Dagtek serviceenhet (community) is a part of Kårkulla samkommun (federation of municipalities), which offers services for intellectually disabled persons with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders. The activities Dagtek offers are divided into several sections that all focus on different areas. The participants in the LO (Livsorienterad verksamhet in Swedish) life skills activities need a lot of guidance and support in their daily activities. The LO activities take place in small groups consisting of 2–4 people and are always planned according to the condition, interests and needs of the participants. About 20 people take part in the LO activities daily, some of them participating also in the activities of the arts & crafts workshop Dagtek facilitates. Dagtek’s daily activities consist of, for example, music, arts and crafts, painting, different games and going outside for walks. The goal is to encourage every participant to be active, get involved, make their own decisions and affect the content of their daily lives, taking into consideration every participant’s individual starting points.
Location: Dagtek is located in Ekenäs (Tammisaari in Finnish). Ekenäs is a small town of about 15 000 inhabitants and it is situated by the sea in the Southern Finland. The majority language is Swedish (81%) and only about 17% of the population speak Finnish. Ekenäs is a part of the Raseborg commune (28 000 inhabitants). Dagtek is located in the centre of the town.
Volunteer’s role and tasks: Through ESC volunteer cooperation, Dagtek wishes to offer its community members a possibility to build networks and get a wider perspective on the world around us. At the same time, we hope to have one more person to be present for our clients and assist in the daily activities and in social and practical situations during the day. The volunteer’s role in the LO activities is to support and give guidance, but also help in the clients’ daily activities related to meal times, going to the toilet and walks outside, as well as walking the clients to and from their car transportation when they arrive and leave Dagtek. According to their skills and interests, the volunteer can also organize activities for small groups or individually. Dagtek values different creative activities such as music, arts and dancing. Dagtek’s clients also appreciate, for example, having a possibility to bake together with the volunteer every now and then. The volunteer can also contribute in the production of pedagogic and photographic materials and the documentation of Dagtek’s activities through photographing, for example.
Volunteer’s requirements: It is important that the volunteer is socially active, flexible and motivated to participate in the community life as being there for the participants, being social, talking with the people, and bringing up their ideas to the colleagues and mentors. Dagtek hopes that they can receive a volunteer interested in working with adults (18–60-year-olds) who have developmental disorders. Dagtek also wishes that the volunteer has good social skills and is open to meeting new people. The voluntary workplace appreciates flexibility and a positive outlook on life and other people. It is also important that the volunteer is able to tolerate fast-changing situations. Experiences or skills in alternative communication methods are an advantage, but not a requirement. If you feel like you have the ability to motivate and encourage people and awaken their interest in participating and being active, you are a good match for Dagtek’s team! The working language of Dagtek is Swedish, so it is important that the volunteer is motivated to learn Swedish.
Accessibility: The workplace unfortunately does not have resources to offer support for volunteers with physical, sensory or other disabilities. If you feel you would be able to carry out the volunteering tasks rather independently but are unsure if the position would be suitable for you, please contact us for consultation before sending the application.
Accommodation and practical arrangements: The volunteer is accommodated in a host family. Lunch will be provided at Dagtek together with their participants and the team. Other meals are provided by the host family.
2) Helsingin lyhytaikaiskoti ja työpaja Lyhty ry / Lyhty B Housing Unit
Lyhty B housing unit is a part of a non-profit non-governmental association called “Lyhty ry”, which provides housing, education, and work activity services for adults with learning disabilities. Lyhty B is a home for 8 adults with learning disabilities.
Location: Lyhty B is situated in Helsinki in an area called Konala.
Volunteer’s role and tasks: The volunteer’s tasks include assisting the residents in free-time activities such as going outdoors, assisting them at the supermarket or pharmacy, going to movies, concerts, library etc. And also providing a clean and esthetic home for them: doing laundry, cleaning rooms and kitchen. Volunteers help all so preparing meals for residents. Participating in the community and activating people in it as well as other daily activities. Work includes morning and evening shifts, as well as weekend work shifts (five work days a week).
Volunteer’s requirements: Good social skills and motivation to work with people with special needs are important. The work can be dynamic at times and requires such mentality.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, the voluntary workplace cannot host a volunteer with physical, sensory or other disabilities.
Accommodation: Depending on the availability of host families, the volunteer stays either in a host family in the capital area or at one of the housing units of Lyhty. Flexibility and motivation to share the everyday life with host family and adapt to the family life are important. Lunch is provided by Lyhty and other meals by the host family. In case the volunteers lives in a housing unit of Lyhty, they get a food allowance for other meals than lunch.
Organisation: Kreisjugendwerk der AWO Karlsruhe-Stadt
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Deadline for application: ASAP
Start of project: October 2019
End of project: September/October 2020
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
The volunteer will live in a five-bedroom house which is on the same site as Tools for Self Reliance. The volunteer will have their own bedroom but will share communal areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and lounge with the other ESC volunteers. There are bicycles available for the volunteers to use. The volunteer will work Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.00 with a 30-minute tea break at 11.00 – 11.30- and one-hour lunch between 13.00 – 14.00. The allowance is £80 each week. (approx. €90).
Tools for Self Reliance is situated in Netley Marsh which is on the edge of the New Forest, approximately 11km from the main city of Southampton and 4km from Totton. For more information about Tools for Self Reliance and our work in the UK and Africa please visit www.tfsr.org .
Tools for Self Reliance is a UK based charity, established in 1980. Our mission is to contribute to poverty reduction in Africa by working with partner organisations and our supporters in the UK to empower people to build viable and sustainable livelihoods through the delivery of technical, business and life skills training and through the provision of tools for their trades.
From our headquarters in Southampton, we aim to send four to five shipments each year to our projects in Africa. We collect and refurbish hand tools, hand and electric sewing machines as well as some machinery. We raise funds in the UK to enable our partner organisations in Africa to deliver 12 months vocational, business and life skills training to the project participants. When the participants graduate from the training, they will receive a kit of tools to support them to develop a business.
We have 30 active refurbishing groups from as far afield as Aberdeen down to Devon and they support and contribute to our work in Africa. These refurbishing groups collect tools in their local area, refurbish them and either pack them in to kits or send the tools to Tools for Self Reliance headquarters in Southampton for inclusion in future kits.
The ESC volunteers will be based at the headquarters in Southampton, but they would have the opportunity to accompany the Group Support Officer on visits to some of the groups.
Tools for Self Reliance has a small staff team of six full time workers and four part time. We have around 700 volunteers in the UK, 130 of which are at Netley Marsh headquarters. They support our work in a variety of ways including tool refurbishing, giving talks to publicise our work, ebaying unsuitable tools as a fundraising initiative and attending events.
We are pleased to say that many of our daily volunteers have supported us in our work for more than 20 years.
VOLUNEER TASKS:
The principal activities will involve the volunteer supporting our charitable aims by contributing to practical tasks including learning about tools, industrial equipment and working practices in the workshop and warehouse and health and safety.
These tasks will necessitate working alongside retired people from the local community, people from other countries, and people from diverse backgrounds, occasionally young people from local schools and colleges and adults with learning difficulties. This will meet objectives regarding cultural and intergenerational diversity, understanding of learning styles, as well as gaining practical, problem solving and team working skills. The desired outcome for the volunteer will be to improve future employment, return to education and development prospects through the acquisition of skills and practical experience.
Tools for Self Reliance value the opportunity to offer as many different experiences and learning opportunities to the volunteer during their ESC project. We appreciate the flexibility to incorporate their skills and interests into their weekly activities.
In our experience, the volunteers who come to Tools for Self Reliance are young people with very little or no work experience and this experience may be the first time they are in a work environment. Through their volunteering, they will learn effective communication skills and safe practices. During the day to day work preparing shipments for Africa and learning refurbishing skills with the daily volunteers there will be occasions where the volunteer will work as part of a team or on their own. Both of these situations require different skill sets. When working independently on a task, the volunteer learns to problem solve, recognise when they need to ask for guidance and seeing a task through from beginning to end. When working in a team, they will learn or enhance skills such as listening to other people’s opinions, putting forward suggestions and task planning. All of these new skills lead to an increase in confidence and self-esteem as well as job satisfaction. They are also lifelong skills which will be beneficial to the volunteer in future further education, work and social settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Communication in a foreign language: Improving English language skills is very often cited by young volunteers as a reason for wanting to do ESC. Increased comprehension and expression of the English language will be achieved by daily contact with the daily volunteers and staff in the organisation. Staff and daily volunteers are committed to supporting the volunteers with their English language. The sharing of colloquial language is mutually enjoyed by the ESC and daily volunteers and in our experience, the volunteers enjoy learning about the history of saying and phrases which are frequently used. This is reciprocal as the daily volunteers have reported that they enjoy learning about the ESC volunteers local language and sayings. Sharing the house with other ESC volunteers from different nationalities to their own also enables them to practice with each other and improve their conversational skills.
Cultural awareness: Tools for Self Reliance is keen to provide opportunities that lead to a better understanding of each other’s cultures and demystify cultural behaviours and attitudes and therefore avoid potential misunderstandings. Tools for Self Reliance, including its daily volunteers, places a great deal of value on working in this European framework as it enables people to see life from a wide variety of viewpoints. The project will lend the opportunity to increase the ESC and daily volunteers’ cultural competencies and develop a greater understanding of cultural diversity and of their own culture.
Personal project: The volunteer will have the opportunity to develop a personal project which will take place from around month three. This is encouraged by Tools for Self Reliance, and time during the week as well as support will be allocated. The personal project will incorporate the volunteers’ skills and interests. It will give the volunteer the opportunity to use these, practice previously acquired skills and develop new ones. It will require the volunteer to use skills such as developing realistic ideas, task planning, using your initiative and problem solving. Staff and/or daily volunteers will be available to support the projects should it be wanted or required.
Flight and Visa costs reimbursed and assistance provided
Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “ESC Southampton”) by 4th of October on advit_team@yahoo.com
For any questions or clarification feel free to contact us
Bolzano-Bozen is an autonomous province situated in North Italy with having its borders to Austria and Switzerland. Together with Trento, it makes up the region of Trentino Alto Adige/Südtirol one of the five autonomous regions in Italy. Bolzano happens to be a unique example of cohabitation with hosting Austro-Hungarian origined inhabitants as majority of its population who speak an Austro-Bavarian dialect of German, about a quarter of the province is Italian-speaking and a small minority speaks Ladin as mother tongue, while both Italian and German are the official languages of Bolzano-Bozen. As a result of sheltering a multilingual and multicultural population, Bolzano happens to be one of the most important examples of ‘coexistence atmosphere’ in the territory of Italy. The province in total has more than 500.000 inhabitants and hosts the Free University of Bozen which makes it easier to find free time activities compared to the rest of the smaller Italian cities. Bolzano is also blessed with the luck of being situated among the Alps and the Dolomites which were declared as world heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The town of Bolzano is in easy commute to Trento, where InCo is :-), in about 40 minutes by train and in about 1,5 hours to Innsbruck, Austria.
CONTEXT OF THE ASSB:
The “Azienda Servizi Sociali di Bolzano” (ASSB) is a public institution, which coordinates and manages the social services offered in Bolzano’s territory. Volunteers may be involved in one of the following structures for elderlies:
> Villa Armonia
> Villa Europa and “Casa di riposo Don Bosco” ;
> Villa Serena
> Clinica Santa Maria
> Premstallerhof
> Day center for elderlies in Villa Europa
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:
Volunteers will collaborate with the staff of nursing homes mainly with recreational and entertainment activities planned for the elderly. In particular volunteers will be involved in the following activities:
organizing recreational activities for the elderly/handicapped people,
talking to them,
reading something,
participating in some excursions of one or more days,
making different kind of purchases (e.g. food, medicine for the guests),
support of the educators in the activities of assistance,
care and rehabilitation,
accompanying the elderly with walking difficulties,
participating in the evaluation meetings
and planning certain matters with the educators and social workers etc.
Moreover, volunteers will have the opportunity to be involved in parallel activities together with other volunteers hosted in other receiving organizations coordinated by InCo. The topic of the parallel activities will change according to the project. (Making games, organizing events, exhibitions, etc.)
FOOD AND ACCOMONDATION:
You will get free accommodation for the whole duration of your voluntary service. You will live in a single room with shared bathroom, laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen with cooking facilities. You will share the apartment with other volunteers, never with the elderly. Indeed, if the room is inside the nursing home “Villa Serena” (close to the city center and the Talvera river), it is at the last floor totally separated from the floors where elderlies are hosted and doing activities.
During working days, you will eat your lunch in the canteen of the elderly home/handicapped centre where you work together with the staff. The other meals and during the weekends (or free days if you decide to stay in Bolzano), you have the possibility to eat in the canteen of the nursing home where you live. In any case you will receive a food allowance to cover the expenses linked to meal for dinner, holidays and weekend.
Trento is the capital city of the autonomous province of Trentino Alto-Adige, situated in the Adigeriver valley in North Italy. The city has a population of around 120.000 inhabitants excluding the periphery layouts and is a major educational, scientific and political centre with sheltering the University of Trento which is ranked among the best universities in Italy and in Europe. Having the advantage of being a university city, Trento enjoys a number of student oriented cultural activities also at an international level. Trento is well-connected to the neighbouring cities through railway, among others, Verona in about one hour, Bolzano in 40minutes and Vicenza in 1,5hours. Within easy commute, also, is located the Caldonazzo Lake and the famous Garda Lake which can be reached in about 1,5hours from Trento. The city has a picturesque Medieval and Renaissance historic centre, with typical ancient buildings and touristic attraction points such as the Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio.
ABOUT ISTITUTO COMPRENSIVO COMENIUS (school):
The Comprehensive School “J. A. Comenius” is composed of 3 primary schools, a middle school and a school with special teaching. Pupils are 1003, 134 teachers, secretaries 9, a computer technician and 15 school collaborators. The Institute is particularly attentive to multilingualism: since 2005 there is a Memorandum of Understanding with the Land Tirol (Austria) that provides native teachers from Innsbruck (AT) for the creation of eight classes with several subjects taught in Geman. Since last year, subjects are taught in German also in other 4 classes of the primary school. The Trilingualism Plan promoted by the Autonomous Province of Trento foresees an extension of the CLIL offer to the primary and middle school of the province The majority of the students of the middle school obtained the language certificates in English and/or German (FIT2 and KET, level A2 and DSD1 – certificate of the German Ministry. In the frame of the Twinning project betweend the Autonomous Province of Trenti and the Land Tirol the institue promotes the following activities:
– Language training (German and English) for teachers of Non linguistic subject of the middle school who wish to continue the path started in CLIL at the primary school
– Linguistic and methodological training for CLIL teachers (for the English and German languages) of primary and secondary schools, to strengthen their skills in multilingual teaching and to promote the inclusion of all pupils
– Methodological training in relation to ICT and innovative teaching approaches for the development of the basic and trasversal skills of students developing also their creativity
The teachers are available to innovations and experiments, especially regarding linguistic and methodological aspects, promoting an experimental teaching methodology aimed at the development of students’ competences and abilities necessaru in an international educational and professional context.
The Institute “J.A: Comenius” promotes school inclusion by:
giving value to cultural differences present in the Institute through intercultural trainings;
offering workshops in small groups for students facing learning difficulties;
offering workshop of “making” giving value to students’ abilities and skills to avoid
drop-outs and early school leaving favouring students’ creativity and entrepreneurship through the participation in projects such as “Trentino Young scientist Challenge”.
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS:
Middle school
Organization of specific events such as Christmas Party or the End of Year Party
Support for computer workshops
Activities with the students inside the optional units such as chess tournaments
Participation in art workshops as well as in carpentry, music, tailoring, cooking workshops
Participation in planning meetings with teachers
Primary school
support in the organization of special events such as: Festival of trees, spring games, Christmas party)
support in the organization of activities between the bilingual classes of the Institute and their twinned classes
support for pupils with special educational needs or for students with disabilities.
support in the performance of duties during the optional afternoons
implementation of recreational activities in the afternoon and the optional Giocastudiamo.
Participation in meetings with class representatives
The two volunteers will participate in:
Different tours: visits to museums, monuments and cities
Realization of cultural and linguistic workshops
Participate in the lessons of English and German and interact in one of two languages to show the importance for students to learn a foreign language.
Involvement in coordination activities to promote continuity between kindergarten and primary school and between primary school and secondary school
Communication and promotion activities: update the website of the school, prepare flyers for specific events
An Italian language course
Participation in the InCo monitoring meetings
FOOD AND ACCOMONDATION:
The volunteers are hosted according to ESC standards. The volunteer will live in a flat with other volunteers, sharing a double room with another volunteer of the same gender. The flat is situated close to the city center, in a nice area next to the river. It has a spacious kitchen, a common area, two bathrooms and all necessary facilities. As for the food, the volunteers will go to lunch at the school canteen and will receive an allowance for the evening, weekends and holidays. Volunteers will receive a transport card from Trentino Trasporti allowing them to travel free throughout the Province of Trento.
Volunteers will receive 150,00 € per month as pocket money.