Category: News

A place to give up? The first impressions after arriving in Chisinau, Moldova by Fynn Manthey

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“A place to give up”, these were the words written in an article of a very well known German newspaper called “Die Welt” in 2011, describing the city of Chisinau. These were the first words I have read about the tiny Republic located in between Romania and Ukraine when I applied to my voluntary service in Chisinau. The article mentions its personal travel warning even right in the headline of the article. But these were also the first words that struck me very hard – not primarily because of the negative choice of words and the intended negative wow-effect, but especially because of their self-given right to display the Moldovan capital in
such a negative way, playing the superficial game of clickbaiting combined with ironic tone to the detriment of the citizens of “Europe’s little unknown”, words found to describe Moldova by Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

I have to admit that these words made me apply to the European Voluntary Service, having read them before my application. I simply could not believe the bias in the article’s description of Moldova, feeling a little deceived but also sad. Thus, I had to apply to make it a personal challenge to explore the little unknown, a country that surely has more to offer than the simple look of grew Soviet architecture and old Ladas. I did not care about the given lack of sight seeing attractions, what I did care about were the people and their stories. A country is so much more than easily written denunciations of a German author staying just for a weekend trip in Moldova. The daily life makes up the emotions and forms the identity, the people’s daily life stories will make you learn. It is a good balance to inform oneself by unbiased books and articles, adding the personal experience and daily life stories. As I got accepted, I felt grateful for this next chapter.

Of course, some of the negativity which is connected to Moldova does not come from scratch. It might be true that some problems (such as economic, social and political) combined might have a negative impact on Moldovan citizens’ everyday life. But what I want to support is a reification of the debate in such spheres – things have to be based on facts. A world put in easy words, that is not possible. Especially with regard to the processes going on in Moldova, be it politically, economically or socially, one needs to bring arguments without ignoring the another side or party or even hurting it. For example, in political movements with global impact, right-wing populism tries to put the world in easy phrases.That would simply not even work for a Republic “in between” the East and the West, with lots of historic influences and different political landscapes.

What also made me think a lot is that a lot of people I have spoken with before going to Moldova – apart from the fact some had to ask twice to just get the name of Chisinau right did not know a lot about Moldova. And when they brought little more interest once they got the pronunciation right, when I made them watch some pictures, the negative comments continued. But undoubtedly in the case of Germany, one has to go beyond this two-sentence dialogue. Because only a very few do know that Chisinau went through historically very hard times and that the Nazi regime in WWII in collaboration with the Romanian military fully destroyed Chisinau, “reduced” the Jewish population from 60,000 to 86 and created a Jewish ghetto that cannot be described in words as to its inhuman cruelties. By telling that, I would like to underline that with interest in its people, history and culture, instead of just pigeonholing whole of Moldova, by going beyond the headlines, Moldova might be even more interesting than well known tourist countries. And “beautiful” is not just optically, in this context, beautiful means to be allowed to learn about the little unknown.

Central Market of Chisinau

With this attitude in mind I arrived in Chisinau. Being impressed from the very beginning on, I can remember when Andrej picked me up at the airport and mentioning the good times he had in Moldova so far. Getting off the bus, when staring at the street scene, I felt somewhat like being in a museum, being full of gratitude and joy. I have already been to Minsk but this
was so different.

What is more is that I felt comfortable in Chisinau from the beginning on because of its compact infrastructure. Half a year ago, Amman was my home for over four months, which was chaos, chaos, and chaos. But the tranquillity and one-way Stefan Cel Mare Boulevard did not demand as much as Amman from me. This little chaos from the central market brought back the feeling of market culture, but nobody was screaming or even singing the prices to my surprise. Chisinau looked so green and marvellous, strolling along the Stefan-Cel-Mare Boulevard, passing several green parks. I liked the combination of different areas of neighbourhood, which combined in total, enriches the whole experience. The suburb I was living in was very authentic, no foreigners at all. Near the Botanica I was told a lot of students also like living there. In the supermarket even the staff (cashier and meat counter) asked me about where I am from. Buying the tickets in the trolleybus was also quite an experience, I still do not understand how the ticket inspector manages his/her way through the masses of bus passengers. Furthermore, I do still believe in underground seats of Marschrutkas observing endless amounts of people getting off.

Passing Botanica suburbs and the marvellous Stefan Cel Mare Boulevard, the chaotic central market of Chisinau offers a neighbourhood with tiny cafes and restaurants in direction to the university and OSCE Mission office. You pass the little streets and walk along the OSCE building and Moldova State University down the very long and newly built stairs to the Valea Morilor lake. After the first working day in the evening sun created a moment of perfection. After getting to know other volunteers that stayed in Moldova or Chisinau, too, I have come across the sentence “You won’t find too many Burger Kings or Mc Donalds” – a
fact I love. When you just order something randomly at local cantines such as Galbenus because you can’t pronounce the meal names in proper Russian yet, you get of course liver which you pretend to like eating.

But apart from these tiny obstacles my first impressions and moments in Chisinau were impressive, giving me a feeling that I have made the right decision, the feeling that I am ready to explore the “little unknown.”

Catedrala Nașterea Domnului (Nativity Cathedral)

“Fellowship of Volunteers” in Estonia

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Project: Fellowship of Volunteers
  • Coordination organization: Noored Ühiskonna Heaks
  • Location: various locations around Estonia
  • Deadline for application: 10th of July
  • Project start date: September 2020
  • Number of volunteers: 9

NÕO YOUTH CENTER

  • Duration: 11 months
  • Time: September 2020 – August 2021
  • Place: Nõo, Tartu county

Profile of the volunteer: “We are looking for a volunteer who has the desire to work with children and young people, is not afraid of rural areas and is willing to pass on his/her knowledge and skills and learn through it”
Main activities: We expect that volunteer will enrich youth center open area activities with her/his competences, skills and interests. Like carrying out open workshops in youth center and occasionally in village centers (Meeri village center, Laguja youth room) – cooking, handicraft and recycling workshops or something according to volunteer ́s skills, experience, interests. Activities that expand the image of the world for the youth. Also design new activities and opportunities in the youth center, develop the environment for the open youth work, support youth initiative projects and help to carry them out. One of the volunteer’s tasks can be also supporting active youth group – assisting them on planning and implementation of events. To ensure its continuity, help to recruit new members to the group.
We have some examples what we are expecting from volunteer, but the concrete tasks will be settled up with volunteer and tutor:
– language lessons in school or youth center (volunteer will teach her/his mother language to youngsters);
– intercultural learning activities (cultural evenings in youth center, other places nearby);
– organized activities in the youth center open area (workshops in different topics – film, art, craft, adventure games, IT, acting);
– short time projects in cooperation with kindergarten and school, also other youth centers in
the area;
– trainings for youngsters (project writing, project coordination etc.);
– youth camps on school breaks;
– as the youth center rooms are rented out for birthday parties, then there is a possibility to be a party leader.
Other opportunities in the area:
Health trails and events in nature – Vapramäe-Vellavere-Vitipalu SA (www.vvvs.ee)
Volunteering at different events organized by village centers, cultural house, observatory, school, kindergarten, music school etc.
Taking part in Youth organizations activities like Girl Guides and Scouts, Nõo Volunteer
Rescue Association for their prevention events.
Leading different activities and communicating with youngsters will develop also volunteer and she/he will get valuable experience.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/2201_en

SOS KEILA CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Time: September 2020 – September 2021
  • Place: Keila, Harjumaa

Profile of the volunteer: The volunteer we are looking for should be active and ready towork with children with special needs. We hope for the volunteer to speak good English but Russian language skill and driving license helps also. We hope the volunteer to be able to organize activities independently. Personality traits what we are looking for are open mindedness, patience, activeness and supportiveness.
Main activities: The volunteer will be working daily with children, doing all kinds of different activities. Our Children’s Village offers home for 58 children from the age of 4 to 18. The village consists of 13 houses and each house has around 4 kids. The family consists of children, SOS-mother and SOS-aunt. Our plan for the future is to move out of the village, that would mean that every family would move to their own private property and would become more independent like a real family. We are in the process of doing so but still we have families that have children with special needs that need extra care and the volunteers job would be to support the SOS-mothers and SOS-aunts. Most families won’t be moving out soon, so there is still a need to do activities with the children in the village. The families that move out will still be supported, but it would be more flexible work and not so often. During the summer vacation we have many common outdoor-activities and trips. Many of the trips will be organized by the social workers and volunteers job would be to participate and support the children throughout or propose any new activities. We encourage the volunteer to organize any activities independently. We have funds to organize different activities with
the kids, that the volunteer can use with the help of the tutor. The purpose of the volunteer would be to support the families and also give the kids a chance to explore different culture and practise English language skills. With the help of tutor the volunteer can organize English lessons, different hobby classes, activities dependent on the volunteers skills, experiences and knowledge. In the summertime the job would be more flexible and would mostly consist of outdoor-activities. The volunteer would be responsible for its own working schedule, since the work is flexible and changing to children’s needs. There are many
opportunities to create activities in the surrounding nature. We have many sports activity fields and going swimming is something children are very fond of during summertime.
Annual events in summertime we have are Children’s Village birthday, SOS Football cup, canoeing trip and many more.
During the school year the children will be busy with school and hobbies. So the activities should be more in the evenings and on the weekends. That’s the time when children need help with their English studies. English study and hobby class can be arranged during the week.
In the mornings it’s possible to help out in the nursery school. The educators in the nursery school need assistance with everyday things. Teaching children basic English words and playing games with them and for them to be in contact with someone foreign is a good practice to experience different culture. During the school year the schedule can change also, because we many times organize different events in in the weekends. If the vacation days will be interrupted then another free day will be organized on other days expense.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/2198_en

HOOLEKANDETEENUSED SA – support home for disabled people

  • Organization: Hoolekandeteenused Kodijärve Home
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Time: September 2020 – September 2021
  • Place: Kodijärve, Tartu County

Profile of the volunteer: looking for 2 volunteers! We expect that the volunteer is committed to the project, is independent and active, positive, open minded, flexible and willing to learn. Also active to support our clients in everyday activities, working activities, hobbies and also to be ready to give suggestions to improvement of our service. Some experience in work with people with special needs would be and advantage. Positive way of life, friendliness and sociability are the characteristics that describe a successful volunteer candidate. We also expect the candidate to be reliable, responsible and taking initiative.
Main activities: Volunteers have the opportunity to decide for themselves when planning their activities. For example, some Saturdays or Sundays may include scheduled activities with clients, sometimes the day may be longer than shown in the table above (for example, if clients are planning to travel out of home, visit a cinema with clients, and specific work assignments and detailed work schedules (including rest and entry times) and changing the
weekly schedule as appropriate.
We are expecting volunteer to:
● support and guide clients in their work assignments;
● support clients in using services in the local community (cinema, theater, public transportation etc.);
● organize and carry out gatherings and groups for clients (gardening, sports, handicraft, photography, cooking, movie nights, reading etc.);
● organize and help activity coordinators in arranging different functions and parties or spring bees, birthdays etc.;
● help activity coordinators in their everyday work;
● make suggestions in enhancing our services.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/22004_en

  • Organization: Hoolekandeteenused Viljandi Näituse Unit
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Time: September 2020 – September 2021
  • Place: Viljandi

Profile of the volunteer: We expect that the volunteer is committed to the project, is independent and active, positive, open minded, flexible and willing to learn. Also active to support our clients in everyday activities, working activities, hobbies and also to be ready to give suggestions to improvement of our service. Some experience in work with people with special needs would be and advantage. Positive way of life, friendliness and sociability are the characteristics that describe a successful volunteer candidate. We also expect the candidate to be reliable, responsible and taking initiative.
Main activities: We are expecting volunteer to:
● support and guide clients in their work assignments;
● support clients in using services in the local community (cinema, theatre, public transportation etc.);
● organize and carry out gatherings and groups for clients (gardening, sports, handicraft, photography, cooking, movie nights, reading etc.);
● organize and help activity coordinators in arranging different functions and parties or spring bees, birthdays etc.;
● help activity coordinators in their everyday work;
● make suggestions in enhancing our services.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/22000_en

 

TALLINNA LASTESÕIM HELLIK

  • Duration: 10 months
  • Time: September 2020-July 2021
  • Place: Tallinn

Profile of the volunteer: Hellik is looking for an enthusiastic young person, who would love to work with children in the age of 1,5-3 years. We are hoping to host a person who is motivated to do this work 7 hours a day and 5 days in a row.

Main activities: In Hellik Nursery the volunteer would be working alongside with class teacher and teaching assistant with children from different ethnic backgrounds between the age of 1,5 to 3 yrs.
Hellik Nursery has two different age groups: 1,5-2 years and 2-3 years. Volunteer would be asked to work in different age groups every week (where the help is most needed).
Some activities include:
– introduce his/her country of origin to the children of our kindergarten, their parents and staff through different events throughout the school year.
Eg. Photo exhibition or other display about his/her country of origin, food tasting, introduction
of games etc.
– accompany teachers and groups of up to 18 children going on mini trips to museums, exhibitions, libraries, nature etc.
– help the teacher in preparation of learning materials for everyday teaching activities (e.g. prepare worksheets, copy materials, taking out paints, pencils etc.).
– help the teacher and children during the everyday teaching activities and outside playtime (e.g. Art tasks, playing with children etc.).
– help to dress, look after and feed the younger children, support them in their daily activities as well as older children.
– organize sports activities for children (e.g. a weekly outdoor sports activity).
In addition to that, we have traditional events where volunteer can help us. You can see all the events here: https://www.tallinn.ee/est/hellik/
With these activities, volunteer will get a wide experience and knowledge of a child’s development and learning process, she/he will get to know pedagogical aspects/ways of teaching kids, developing his/her intercultural and interpersonal competencies, develop ways and competences to work with different stakeholders (for example parents). Besides that, volunteer will develop his/her team work and self-expression skills, cooperation and learn to analyze situations based on child’s perspective.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/5733_en

TALLINNA PLANEEDI MUDILA

  • Duration: 10 months
  • Time: September 2020 – July 2021
  • Place: Tallinn

Profile of the volunteer: an enthusiastic young person, who would love to work with children in the age of 1,5-3 years.
Main activities: In Planeedi Nursery the volunteer is working together with a class teacher for children between the age of 1,5 to 3 years. Volunteer’s tasks involve assisting the teacher with everyday activities: dressing, eating, playing. To help with the materials that the teacher uses for lessons. Also, the volunteer will have the chance to create new materials and bring new topics to the lessons. For example, to bring games and methods from the kindergartens of the country of origin. Also, using her/his own skills, the volunteer can teach new competences to the staff and the children. In addition, the volunteer will be organizing events for the families of the children, to get to know a new culture and other leisure time activities that would integrate the volunteer to the nursery and to have a contact with the parents for a more trustful relationship.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/5736_en

TALLINN KINDERGARTEN KIKAS

  • Duration: 9 months
  • Time: September 2020 – June 2021
  • Place: Tallinn

Profile of the volunteer: The volunteer who will join us for the school year must love children and playing with them. It could be very useful if she/he has previous experiences with young children. She/he must be a kind, friendly and courageous person who is willing to teach something new from him/herself. She/he must respect our culture and customs as well as be cooperative with other employees.
Main activities: The main task is to assist the teacher in the everyday work. But we strongly encourage our volunteer to bring something from her/him or hers/his home country to our activities. So when the volunteer is willing she/he can give a little art/sport/dance/ect. lesson to the children.
As we have children in different ages in our kindergarten, the volunteer can practice the work with a 3 year old and also older, 6-7 year old.
This year we have a very wonderful group of children in our group. We have 14 sweet girls and 4 curious boys. So if you are good in braiding hair and pretending to be a princess you are perfect for us 🙂
Main tasks are following:
– participate and help teachers in lessons or in games (playtime) with children,
– prepare lessons and materials for activities,
– help our music teacher in music lessons: she/he can bring songs, games and sometimes teach simple songs in her/his language,
– help to prepare festivals or holidays and exhibitions: teach songs, dances and drama
– make exhibitions about her/his country,
– could be organizing for teachers different events, such as culture clubs.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/21994_en

TALLINN LINNUPESA KINDERGARTEN

  • Duration: 11 months
  • Time: September 2020-August 2021
  • Place: Tallinn

Profile of the volunteer: “Our volunteers has to be open minded and ready to work with kids. This work needs calm and creative person. Our volunteer likes to try new things and not afraid of multimedia and robotics. Our volunteer has some extra value he/she wants to spread with us. Educational degree isn’t needed. Our volunteer has to have shiny eyes and singing heart. Hopefully he/she has a little child inside who wants to get out. Our volunteer is definitely ready to jump into the frozen sea”.
Main activities: Volunteer is working 5 days per week, approximately six hours a day. It depends our weekly plans (see the example below). Our expectations for volunteer are:
* Always there for the kids, playing games, coordinating activities, helping and guiding them while they are working individually or groups.
* Once a week will do morning circe (depending on the weeks theme, plan and organise everything for the circle and conduct it.
* Taking part in our meetings and in the beginning introducing himself/herself to our organisation personnel. Planning intercultural night for personnel.
* Taking part every day activity in our Sunbeams (Päikesekiired) group and helping teachers with artworks.
* Taking photos and videos in our daily activities and putting together a blog- with the help of teacher or assistants.
* Preparing worksheets if necessary
* Taking part in the study visits (expeditions), in outdoor education and in the movement activities Assisting the teachers in the preparation of the traditional house events – sports days, study visits, field trips, excursions, etc.
* Helps to decorate the rooms.
* Creates plan of action for robotics lessons. Every other week has robotics for the kids who want to participate.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/21999_en

Project “Maarjaküla for Solidarity”. Looking for 3 volunteers to Maarja Village homes for people with learning disability.
The aim is to create solidarity among young people towards people with fewer opportunities. It is about creating a dialogue between individuals in different stages of their life, to reinforce understanding, cooperation and once again, solidarity. All this comes with participants improving their skills and competences to assure better possibilities in the labor market and enhancing personal skills to become a more tolerant and exemplary citizen of Europe and the world. The activities of the project include supporting people with learning disabilities to take care of themselves and grow independency, making activities to stimulate their days and fill it with learning by doing moments. As well as, using the skills, interests and hobbies of the volunteers to teach, create and entertain.

FOUNDATION MAARJA VILLAGE

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Time: September 2020 – September 2021
  • Place: Maarjaküla, Tartu County

Profile of the volunteer: Looking for 2 volunteers! One of the principles of Maarja Village, is to have no discrimination towards gender or background of volunteers. As mentioned before, one of our main ideas why we welcome all candidates, regardless of their background, is to develop our organization by meeting different challenges and providing young people possibilities to be valued member of our foundation. Our experience shows, that it does not matter if the volunteer has had any previous contact with the area of special needs. We prefer volunteers, who are interested in our way of life.
Main activities: Foundation Maarja Village is a competence centre for people with learning disability. Our aim is to support people with learning disability to become equal members of Estonian society. Volunteers accompany inhabitants of Maarja village. Creating activities and workshops with them, assisting them with their daily activities etc. On Tuesdays, volunteers have reflection day, tutor and mentor meetings and time to create their own initiative projects. That day will also be used for learning experiences that might not have to be connected with Maarja village work activities: getting to know local community and participating activities there, getting to know Estonia and Estonian people.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/22008_en

FOUNDATION MAARJA VILLAGE – Tartu Home

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Time: September 2020 – September 2021
  • Place: Tartu

Profile of the volunteer: One of the principles of Maarja Village, is to have no discrimination towards gender or background of volunteers. As mentioned before, one of our main ideas why we welcome all candidates, regardless of their background, is to develop our organization by meeting different challenges and providing young people possibilities to be valued member of our foundation. Our experience shows, that it does not matter if the volunteer has had any previous contact with the area of special needs. We prefer volunteers, who are interested in our way of life.
Main activities: Foundation Maarja Village is a competence centre for people with learning disability. Our aim is to support people with learning disability to become equal members of Estonian society. Volunteers accompany inhabitants of Maarja village Tartu home. Creating activities and workshops with them, assisting them with their daily activities etc. On Tuesdays, volunteers have reflection day, tutor and mentor meetings and time to create their own initiative projects. That day will also be used for learning experiences that might not have to be connected with Maarja village work activities: getting to know local community
and participating activities there, getting to know Estonia and Estonian people.

Project in the Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/placement/22010_en

ACCOMMODATION:The accommodation costs are covered. Volunteer will live in a shared flat equipped with all the necessary utilities for comfortable living. The flat will be located not far from the activities place.
ALLOWANCE:Each month volunteer’s receive a total of 270€ pocket and food money.
TRANSPORT:The transportation from home country to Estonia and back will be covered according to the distance calculator of Erasmus+ program: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/distance-calculator_en

The local transport card or a bicycle will be provided.
INSURANCE:The volunteer will have Cigna Health insurance.
LANGUAGE SUPPORT: The volunteer will have access to the Online Language Support to learn Estonian.
TRAINING CYCLE: The volunteer will have an on-arrival and mid-term training provided by the Estonian National Agency.
GENERAL SUPPORT: The volunteer will have a mentor to help with any issue and support the learning process. Every 10 weeks a meeting with all the volunteers and coordinators will take place in different parts of Estonia to evaluate the progress of the volunteering projects, to set goals, socialize and discover new locations in Estonia.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email marked with a project name)  on advit_team@yahoo.com 

enquire for more infromation

Improve your communication skills between the generations in Latvia

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Organization: Rezekne pensioner social and health care center
  • Supporting organisation in Latvia: European Association “World-Our Home”
  • Location: Rezekne, Latvia
  • Deadline for application: 5th of July
  • Project dates: 1st of August 2020 – 1st of August 2021 (12 months)
  • Number of volunteers: 2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project objectives are the following: to give young people opportunities to learn new set of professional skills, gain experience in leadership, team building and communication, develop intercultural dialogue and cooperation between young people and local inhabitants for better employment opportunities in the future.
Through this project we want to promote solidarity between nations, to integrate and unite the European volunteers and local young people, promoting European cultures, languages and European Solidarity Corps programme, as well as to make changes in young people’s life and environment around them.

2 volunteers will work in Rezekne Pensioner Social and Health Care Center from 1st August 2020 – 1st August 2021. Their tasks will be to make the retirement age people’s life more interesting and active, help them to gain personal and social awareness. Volunteers and the staff working in the center will learn from each other, gain mutual understanding, will make the link between younger and older generation, as well between different nationalities. Volunteers will work also in the Pensioner Day Center, where they will promote the integration of pensioners and young people with disabilities into European society, raise their knowledge of the processes taking place in Europe, promote intercultural dialogue, understanding of the diversity of nations, languages, cultures, provide information on what is happening in their native country, and provide intercultural education. In the center there is a friendly pensioners’ group- active and joyful people who like to spend time together, celebrate the holidays, make handicraft etc. Volunteers will need to bring their enthusiasm and energy into events, sharing their culture and traditions.
Volunteers will give English, German, English, Spanish, French lessons (depending on their own native languages). They will organize informatics classes, cookery, sport lessons for seniors and young people with disabilities. Volunteers will be able to intensively practice Russian and Latvian in the center. Volunteers will gain non-formal learning while doing their work by communicating with their colleagues, other volunteers and local people.

The volunteer will have 7 working hours every working day. The volunteer will have two days off per week on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteer will participate in on-arrival and mid-term trainings organized by Latvian National Agency.
Volunteer will have access to the online Latvian language course.
Volunteer will be able to do other creative activities in the city, cooperate with other volunteers from different cities and organisations.

ACCOMMONDATION:

Volunteers will live in the flat together with other volunteers from different countries. Flat will be equipped with all necessary household appliances, facilities.

FINANCES:

Food allowance: 120 Eur per month

Pocket Money: 4 Eur per day

Travel costs: Reimbursed up till 275 Eur (both ways)

ABOUT European Association “World-Our Home”:

European Association “World-Our Home” is an NGO active at European level working in youth, social, educational and cultural fields since 1999. The main aim of Association is promotion of European active citizenship, solidarity, multiculturalism, human rights and other values as well as non-formal education on local, regional and European level. The organization is busy with European youth exchange projects, seminars, trainings, international cultural projects. The organization actively participates in Erasmus +, Europe for Citizens, EEA Grants programmes. WOH is a hosting, sending and coordinating in EVS programme. The organization gives people the opportunity to learn foreign languages and get acquainted with different cultures in order to get European awareness, to gain more possibilities for social integration into the European community and make successful choice in their career. EA “World Our Home” joins youth organisations around Europe and it has a strong cooperation with public and
education institutions and other European networks.

ABOUT Rezekne:

Rezekne is a city in the Rēzekne River valley in Latgale region of eastern Latvia. It is called The Heart of Latgale (Latvian Latgales sirds, Latgalian Latgolys sirds). Built on seven hills, Rezekne borders with Russia, Lithuania and Byelorussia. It has become a border city between EU, NATO and the Eastern states. Rezekne is located 242 km from the state capital Riga, 685 km from Moscow, 450 km from St. Petersburg, and 860 km from Warsaw. It has a population of 31,216 making it the 7th largest city in Latvia.

Check out the video made by Rezekne Tourism Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMAM1OBpT9o&t=11s

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “Rezekne Latvia”)  on advit_team@yahoo.com 

Cultural differences between Moldova and Germany

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Some thoughts of our German volunteers about the similarities and differences they have observed during their EVS projects.

Moldova is, in many ways, a very European country that shares many traits and preferences
with countries like Germany: a love for wine and beer, stunning historic architecture and a
tendency to sometimes scare away strangers with notorious harshness. But of course there are
differences in culture and manner as well, some which can make life in Moldova
uncomfortable at first, others which make it a lot more enjoyable.

As Germans, (feeding the stereotype), a notable difference is time management. Moldovans
are spontaneous. Everything, including work, is spontaneous. This means you need to build
up your flexibility to be able to keep up. Our office opens at 9am, yet we were told right away
that starting the day at 10am was normal. So on our first day we showed up at 10am and still
surprised our supervisor with our punctuality. At other times, we would talk about having a
meeting later in the day, which would then take place after one week. We would sometimes
be given a task to complete over the next weeks, sometimes within the next couple of hours.
The Moldovan spontaneity may take some time to get used to, but it’s also a good habit to
take from: accept things as they come, be flexible and adapt. In return, it is no problem if you
show up a little late to work yourself or if you take a day off when there is not much to do.

Both in Germany and Moldova, people tend to be closed off in certain social situations. In
Moldova, for example, the cashier might not always greet you or wish you a good day
(though that is not unlike Germans, especially in the North). Where in Germany, meeting
someone in the hallway, elevator or outside will likely lead to a classic closed-lipped smile,
small nod – interaction, a Moldovan person is more likely to not give you a reaction at all. In
Germany, we are trained quite incessantly on phrases of civility: you say please and thank
you, you acknowledge people you meet, most social interactions among strangers are quite
proper. Most Moldovans don’t necessarily bother with that. Once in the supermarket, a
cashier greeted me and I, not expecting to be greeted, assumed she was asking if I wanted a
plastic bag and thus said “no” – a mood, but also a little awkward.

Yet once you get to know Moldovans, or you spark their interest, they radically change their
manner towards you. Most Moldovans are very curious about foreigners: when they notice
that you are not from Moldova, they will be incredibly friendly and make all efforts to speak
with you. They are often very hospitable and might persist to offer you alcohol until you
agree to share a drink with them. They will eagerly speak about their travels or the people
they know who have been to your home country. I’ve often had people practice their German
with me, even if they knew only one or two sentences. Their interest in your culture and
language is very genuine, in a way I have not experienced before.

Another difference is in gender roles: Even though many women work, you do not see a lot of
fathers taking care of children. Many women, especially younger ones, take meticulous care
of themselves, from their hair and make-up to the way they dress. International Women’s Day
is an event that is publically celebrated: we were given flowers from the men in our office and
ended the workday with pizza and sparkling wine. The LGBTQ+ community is
underrepresented in public life and yet the community itself, while it is more underground, is
very tight-knit. In Chisinau, there are a lot of events promoting LGBTQ+ rights, for example
the Queer International Film Festival or a series of art exhibitions, film screenings and flee
markets during Coming Out Week. A lot of queer Moldovans are making efforts to both show
and ensure that you do not have to leave Moldova to be yourself. GENDERDOC-M, an
organisation dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Moldova, does exceptional work in
that regard. Check out their Instagram @centrul-gdm to get an idea of everything they do!!

Germans, too, have their rules about public disturbance and noise levels during specific times
of day and night, but Moldovans seem to be particularly concerned about nighttime peace.
You are generally expected to be quieter in your flat during the night. After 11pm, you should
avoid making noise, such as listening to music or loud talking.

The taste of food is very different. Moldovan traditional cuisine is very good, but above all,
the fruits and vegetables are simply superior to the ones you buy in Germany. I never knew
cucumbers actually had a taste. Red peppers don’t just taste like sour water. Many similar
revelations occurred. People will tell you that being vegan in Moldova is hard, but really,
you’re living every vegan’s dream. And if you eat a lot of vegetables, you will save money
because everything is cheap!

It is also very common to buy much bigger quantities at the market, as people do not go there
too often and the fruits and vegetables usually stay fresh much longer than in Germany. When
I wanted to buy 5 tomatoes the first time I went to the central market, the lady thought I
wanted 5 kg (which would not have been uncommon). So get used to buy two or three kilos
of fruits and vegetables at once.

Lastly, Moldovans, like Germans, love to drink. But a difference to keep in mind is that
drinking in public is not common and often forbidden. (Kein Wegbier! ). You cannot buy
alcohol after 10pm, except for wine (which is sometimes not really considered alcohol). This
is common law in many countries, but not in Germany, where often you send people out at
night to get more drinks for a party when the planning did not work out. But not in Moldova!
Thinking ahead is required!

These are only a few of the differences we noted when comparing Moldova and Germany.
While there are aspects in which Moldova and Germany differ quite notably, and it may take
time to get used to these when first arriving in Moldova, you will notice soon that it is, after
all, still Europe and not all that different from your native country. Hang in there and sooner
than you think, Moldova will just feel like another home.

Volunteering with children in Karlsruhe, Germany

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Organization: Kreisjugendwerk of the AWO Karlsruhe-Stadt
  • Location: Pont-Réan, France
  • Deadline for application:
  • Project dates: September/October 2020 – September 2021
  • Number of volunteers: 7 in different projects

Coordination Organization

The Kreisjugendwerk (KJW) of the AWO Karlsruhe-Stadt is the nonprofit children’s and youth organization of the AWO  (Arbeiterwohlfahrt). As an independent organization for child and youth work, the KJW organizes leisure activities for children and young people between the ages of 6 and 20 years, extracurricular  education and workshops, as well as intercultural encounters and  projects for young people and young adults between 15 and 27 years  of age. One focus of our work is participation and personal  development. Our activities are also deliberately offered to children and young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and to young people with a migration background. Besides coordinating the voluntary Service, we are organizing a lot of camps and Holidays for young people in Germany and abroad.

The coordinating organization is, together with all European volunteers, organizing an intercultural series of events. As a volunteer you can think of organizing an intercultural event such as presenting your home country, or going hiking together, dancing, showing movies, … You should at least organize one event within your voluntary service. 

Project Nr1 – Kitaam Haydnplatz

The “Kitaam Haydnplatz” is a bilingual (german/french) daycare centre located in the western part of the city centre of Karlsruhe. The centre welcomes children in the age of 1 – 6 years from 07.00 to 17. 30 hours for 61 children. Various program for the children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colours, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural sciences, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by educators. The main goal is that the interest s of the children are being supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperation s with other institutions take place. The daycare centre is open to all children, no matter what nationality or social background they have.

The main focus of the daycare centre is the bilingual concept as well as the health concept of Sebastian Kneipp. The educators try to introduce the children to a healthy attitude of life by offering playful methods . The daycare centre “Kitaam Haydnplatz” welcomes all children no matter what nationality or social background they have. The daycare centre “Kitaam Haydnplatz ” has a long-term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities offers an exciting working area for Volunteers of the European Solidarity Corps

The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen (preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as well to start their own Project with the Children.

 

Project Nr2 – Kita Monelli

The intercultural daycare centre “Kita Monelli” is located close to the city centre of Karlsruhe. The daycare centre offers full-day childcare from 6.30 to 17.00 hours for 40 children from the age of 3 to 6. The main focus of the daycare centre is the intercultural concept and intercultural education. Various program for the Children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colours, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural sciences, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by educators. The main goal is that the interests of the children are being

supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperations with other institutions take place. The daycare centre is open to all children, no matter what nationality or social background they have. Children meet for breakfast and lunch in the Kita, where you’ l l support them as well.

The daycare centre ” Kita Monelli” has a long- term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities offers an exciting working area for European Volunteers.

The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen (preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as well to start their own Project with the Children.

Project Nr3 – Krone

The day care centre “Krone” is located in the city centre of Karlsruhe. The centre offers a full-day childcare from 6.30 – 17.00 hours for a round 50 children from the age of 1 to 6. Various program for the Children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colours, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural sciences, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by the educators. The main goal is that the interests of the children are being supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperations with other institutions take place. The day care centre is open to all children no matter what nationality or social background they have. The Children meet for breakfast and lunch in the Kita, where you’ll support them as well.

The aim of the Kita is to supprt sport and physical acitivities for the children. The day care centre “Kita Krone” has a long – term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities, offers an exciting work in garea for European Volunteers. The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen (preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as well to start their own Project with the Children.

 

Project Nr4 – Kita im Weiherwald

Hosting Organisation The integrative day care centre “Kita im Weiherwald” is located close to the forest but still close to the city centre. The day care centre welcomes 42 children from the age of 1 to 6. The main focus of the day care centre is the integrative concept, which means that handicapped and non-handicapped children are part of the group. It is important that the volunteer is interested to work with handicapped children and he/she should be interested in the concept of social inclusion. The concept of the kindergarten is to support the children individually depending on their abilities. A various program for the Children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colours, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural sciences, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by the educators. The main goal is that the interests of the children are being supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperations with other institutions take place. The daycare centre “Kita Weiherwald” has a long-term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities, offers an exciting working area for European Volunteers. 

The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen (preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as well to start their own Project with the Children..

Project Nr5 – Kita Polyglot

The”Kita Polyglott” is a bilingual daycare centre located near the forest of Karlsruhe. The centre welcomes 40 children in the age of 2 months to 3,5 years. Opening times are Monday-Friday from 07:00 – 17:30 hours. The main focus of the day care centre is the bilingual education. The centre offers two bilingual German/English groups and two German/French groups. The children have a daily breakfast and lunch. A various program for the Children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colors, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural science s, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by the educators. The main goal is that the interests of the children are being supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperation with other institutions take place. The day care centre is open to alI chiIdren, no matter what nationality or social background they have. 

The Children meet for breakfast and lunch in the Kita, where you’II support them as welI. The day care centre “Kita Polyglott” has a long-term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities, offers an exciting working area for European Volunteers. The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen (preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as welI to start their own Project with the Children .

Project Nr6 – Kita Sie Kids Villa Pusteblume

The” Kita Sie Kids Villa Pusteblume” is a bilingual ( german/ french) daycare centre located near the city centre of Karlsruhe. The centre offers full-day childcare from 7 am to 5:30 pm for 83 children spread over 6 groups, separated per age ( from 6 months to 6 years). We provide daily lunch and an afternoon snack. A various program for the Children is offered. Besides playing together, they can experience themselves by playing and working with art and colours, doing sports, by being curious in experiments and natural sciences, by playing theatre or by doing handicrafts. The children are always accompanied by educators. The main goal is that the interests of the children are being supported by the educators and the volunteers. Additional excursions to Museums, the City, parks or playgrounds and cooperations with other institutions take place. The daycare centre is open to all children, no matter what nationality or social background they have. 

Children meet for breakfast and lunch in the Kita, where you’ l l support them as well. The daycare centre ” Kita Sie Kids Villa Pusteblume” has a long- term experience in working with local volunteers in its organisation. The team which is mixed of different nationalities offers an exciting working area for European Volunteers. 

The Tasks of the volunteer is to support the educators in one Group of Children in their daily activities, to support the kitchen ( preparing, cleaning breakfast and lunch), but as well to start their own Project with the Children.

Activity, Description, Accommodation (For Projects 1 – 6)

The voIunteer will support the daily activities with the Kids, as well as special activities, such as: sports, experimental activities, role-playing, building and construction and arts. Depending on the own interests of the volunteer he*she has the possibility to initiate an own Project/Workshop, such as doing handicrafts, cooking, presenting their home country,…

The voIunteer wilI also support the preparation and cleaning of breakfast and Lunch for the children and he*she has to support the housekeeping activities. The voIunteer has to work 34 hours a week in the kita. Additionally the volunteer has to support the coordinating organization with the intercultural activities, such as the Livin’ Culture Project. He*She s houId participate in activities of the Jugendwerk around 4 hours a week. The volunteer has 24 hoIidays. The kitas are closed some weeks in December and in August.

The voIunteer wiII be accommodated in a house with six more ESC voIunteers. The voIunteers share kitchen , bathroom and a common room. There’s no own sleeping room for everybody but we have a rotating system so that everybody can have his/her own room for sometime. Besides there’s also a room where guests can be accommodated. The volunteers will get a card for the public transport, so they can go for free with tram, train and bus.

Project Nr7 – Freie Schule Brigach

Freie Schule Brigach was founded in 2006. Now, about 30 children – age 6 to 18 – attend the school. Our school broadens and enriches the educational variety in the county of Schwarzwald-Baar. The educational concept meets the requirements of curriculums at state schools. The concept of our school is not combined to any ideology or religious confession. The main focus of our educational efforts is the individual child with his or her strengths and skills. The pupils learn in a group of mixed ages. Educational materials support children to learn individually and within their own pace. Children experience democracy, which offers freedom and limits, individuality and community.

The teachers’ role is to give input and advices, to support children on their own way of learning. The core of our concept is the children’s self-responsibility. Children are taught to work independently. Teachers are not an authority who know everything, but someone who supports and accompanies children in their process of learning.
Volunteer activities:
 Assistance during class
 supporting pupils and students at excursions and school trips
 Initiating own workshops and projects (sports, culture, craft, language etc.)

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements:

Volunteers will get accommodation in a shared apartment with other young people in Villingen-
Schwenningen (85.000 inhabitants), kitchen and bathroom are shared. Volunteers get a monthly amount

of money for food. To ensure regional mobility volunteers get a monthly ticket for public transportation
in the county of Schwarzwald-Baar, on workdays from 2 p.m., on weekends and during public school
holidays the ticket is also valid in the neighbouring counties of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Lörrach,
Waldshut and Ortenau.
Villingen-Schwenningen is a beautiful city with an amazing nature surrounding the city. The city is
located really close to the Black Forest, which is a huge forested mountain range which offers a lot of
possibilities for activities like going hiking, riding bicycles, enjoying at lakes, etc.

Are You…

creative and open-minded? . . .
interested in working with children? . . .
interested with anything you can show or share with others? ( Music, sports, art . . . everything is welcome) . . .
a responsible person? . . .
do you have a lot of new ideas for fun& educative activities? . . .
do you already have some German language skills?

If yes, then you are a perfect candidate for this position! Don’ t hesitate to apply, this family is waiting for you! Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “Karlsruhe & project name”) on advit_team@yahoo.com

Youth Community in Southern Sweden

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Project: Community Agape House
  • Location: Lund, Sweden
  • Deadline for application:
  • Project dates: 01.08.2020 – 01.08.2021 (12 months)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The core of our project is Agape House, this is a youth community started summer 2017 in the organizations old vicarage. Here can both swedes and international young adults live together and the vision for the community is not only to be use for accommodation but also to been an open house a few days a week for the area’s many young people. The Agape youths living here will have an important role in the open house, where everyone will be welcome to come and spend time with each other, share food, play games and talk about everything, big and small. The young people living here will also be involved in the organization´s daily activities and help out with the various different groups and practical work in the congregation together with employees. We want to run a project for 12 months, because of the setups of our groups and considering all involved.

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT
As a volunteer your accommodation will be in the youth community Agape House. Here together with other young adults you share the spaces in the house ex. living room, study room, kitchen and everyone has their own bedroom. Everyone will help to cleaned and cook based on a weekly schedule, which you decide together. With money from the monthly pocket money the groceries are bought in common to the house and with this groceries you cook food together.

To the different activities it´s walking distances otherwise we arrange transport with bike or local traffic.

TRAINING DURING THE PROJECT
Combined with the online Swedish lessons we want to offer extra lessons in Swedish with personal teaching, this to adapt individual needs. For the young adults living in the community they will every week have one lesson (except from the Swedish) together, examples of topics; leader ship, ethic and morals, democracy participation, environment, Bible study and discussions.

As for everyone else that participate the National agency will arrange on-arrival training and midterm meeting.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE
We are looking for volunteers that are interested by others; the daily activity will include a lot of meeting with people in al stage of life, especially children and youths. English speaking person who want to learn to speak Swedish, able to take responsibilities and are creative. We want the person who participate also further develop the project in the Agape House with the open days. Social skills are necessary when you live close to others and also when the community is open. We want to run this project for 12 months so it´s important that the volunteer can be away from home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
It´s not only the experience of the project and to be a part of the European Voluntary Service the volunteer will bring back home after time in our organization. It will be all memories and relationships to the members in our congregation. We are convinced that the mix between members, voluntary people and employees gives everyone of the participants to feel; be among friends and have an extra family in another country.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “Agape Sweden”)  on advit_team@yahoo.com 

PS. Reference letters may be requested in a process of selection

Assist in French education system

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Project: Primary Schools of Guichen
  • Location: Pont-Réan, France
  • Deadline for application:
  • Project dates: 01.10.2020 – 30.06.2021 (9  months)
  • Number of volunteers: 2

The town of Guichen.Pont-Réan

The town-hall of Guichen.Pont-Réan administrates both towns of Guichen and Pont- Réan. These two little towns of 8400 inhabitants in total, are distant of 4,5 km from each other, and belong to a semi-rural area 20 km on the south side of Rennes, a big student city of the West of France (Region Bretagne).

Guichen.Pont-Rean is a young town area, with a lot of families, so that there are about 1000 pupils in the primary schools of the town (we have 2 private and 3 public primary schools). Many sports and cultural clubs and associations are also based on the area, as well as the equipements of a small town : medical services, a cinema, sports equipments, a cultural centre, a music school and a good library. The nature around Guichen is also very nice, it is the perfect place to make nice walks along rivers and in green areas.

The volunteering places :

3 public Primary schools of the town, and the Youth Service, for children from 2 to 11 years old The volunteers’s missions will be done for the primary school children of the town, from 2 to 11 years old.

There are 3 public primary schools in the town : two in Guichen (schools « Charcot » and « Callunes »), and one in Pont-Réan (Marcel Greff). A « Youth Service » (« Clad Ufcv ») proposes activities to the pupils in connection with the schools on mornings, evenings, Wednesday afternoon (school is off on that moment), and during the school holidays. This service is run by the association Ufcv, but is part of the politic of the town. Finally, two associations of parents support the schools in organizing actions to get some fundings for the pedagogical projects.

The volunteers hosted in Guichen.Pont-Rean will do their missions in the public primary schools :

– School « Ecole Charcot » : 420 pupils, 18 teachers for 17 classes, including one for handicapped children ;

– School « Ecoles des Callunes » : 220 pupils in 9 classes with 9 teachers ;

– School « Ecole Marcel Greff »: 170 pupils inn 7 classes for 7 teachers),

– and in the Youth Service « Clad Ufcv » of the town which participates to the extra-curricular activities of the 3 schools with a team of 35 youth leaders.

Missions:

We would like to host 2 volunteers, who will be active on the 3 schools and the Youth Service : On the first months s(from October to December), the volunteers will go to all the missions places, according to a weekly schedule, for example :

– One volunteer will be hosted 3 days a week in the school Callunes, one day in the Youth Service and one day together with the other volunteer in the school Marcel Greff.

– The second volunteer will be hosted 3 days a week in the school Charcot, one day in the Youth Service and one day together with the other volunteer in the school Marcel Greff.

After the Christmas holidays, the planning will be adapted to the schools and volunteers projects, with longer periods in one school only. The volunteers will have the opportunity to build some projects together, and some projects alone (always with the support of the schools and the Youth Service).

Missions in the schools : The volunteers will participate to all the classes, from the kindergarten until the « CM2 » (upper level before Secondary school), according to the on-going pedagogical projects. Their activities with the children could be, for example : dances, music, cooking, crafts, linguistic activities (first steps for the language of the volunteer and english), discovering the volunteer’s country. Other activities will be about French learning, as we want to test the pupils in the position of being teachers to the volunteers, to support them in the language learning. The volunteers will also participate to the special events of the schools (evenings with the pupils parents, special school projects, end-of-the-year Day, and the school trips. Finally, we would like the volunteer to propose their own projects or activities, according to their own skills and centers of interest.

In the Youth Service (Clad Ufcv) : The volunteers will participate to the educative Activities organised by the Clad inside the schools. These activities are organized every semester for groups of pupils who choose their own activity among a list : games, sports, crafts, theatre, magic… The volunteers will be able to propose their own activity when they will feel secure enough to do so. In that case, they will be supported by a youth leader. The volunteers will also participate to the youth activities on Wednesdays afternoons, when school is off (but the children whose parents are working go there) : sports, crafts, .. They will also participate to the special events, like Halloween, the festival « Frapidays ». If they want to, they will be able to participate to the school holidays projects.

The volunteers will be supported in their personnal projects. We would appreciate that the volunteers propose projects creating a link between the 3 schools and the Youth Service.

Working days and hours :Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday : 8 :15-12 :15 / 14 :15-16 :30 Wednesday : 8 :15-12 :15 / 14 :15-17 :30

The volunteers will have the school holidays (Autumn, Christmas, February, Easter)

French Language

According to the ESC rules, the volunteers will have access to the OLS (Online Language Support) according to their level in French. Inside the schools, we also want to invite the volunteers to the lessons of French of the pupils, and to develop their own competences to teach French (grammar, vocabulary) to the volunteers, with the help of the teacher, as a « win-win » exercise.

Profile of the volunteers

We would like to host 2 volunteers from different nationalities. The volunteers should be motivated to work with primary school children (from 3 to 11 years old), and to learn French. Volunteers with special skills or personal projects are welcome. The volunteers should be aware that Guichen is a small city in a rural area, although it is not far from with Rennes (dynamic city, about 20 km from Guichen).

Practical arrangements 

Accomodation: The volunteers will be hosted in an individual studio in a home for young people, so that they can meet other youth. The studios are fully furnished. The residence is in Guichen.

Local Transport: The house of the volunteers is about 20 mn walk from the schools Charcot and Callunes, and the Clad. To go to the school Marcel Greff in Pont-Réan, the volunteer will take a bus.

Guichen is about 20km from the big city Rennes. There are buses going there easily, not far away from the volunteers house, however there are no buses coming back late in the evening. If the volunteers want, they will be able to get a bicycle, lent by the schools.

Board: The volunteers will eat in the restaurants of the schools from Monday to Friday (excepted during the school holidays). For the rest of the meals, the volunteers will get 200€ per month of Service.

Pocket Money: The volunteers will get pocket money according to the ESC amounts for volunteers in France (about 180€ / month). The food and pocket money (200+180=380€) will be reversed every month to the volunteer on a local bank account.

Support

The volunteers will be supported by the primary school teachers and by the youth leaders of the Youth Service, who will support the volunteer in their pedagogical activities, inside the schools and on the extra-curricular moments. They are used, through their profession, to pay attention to the language learnings, to the cultural opening, to the human experience of their pupils, so they will be able to use these compétences in supporting the volunteer in his own learnings. They will also be able to support the volunteer in their pedagogical and educative projects, on the formal education side (schools) and non formal education side (youth service). Some of the teachers also speak english, which will make easier the adaptation of the volunteers on their arrival. On another side, the parents of the pupils will be integrated into the project (through the parents associations, or during some special moments) in order to make easier the integration of the volunteers into the local area. Finally, one of these children’s parents, Lydia Aubin, belongs to the pool of trainers of the French Erasmus + National Agency for the EVS and ESC, supports the project on pedagogical and process matters. She will be the contact person for the volunteer and the sending organization before the arrival, and all along during the project.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “School in Bretagne”) on advit_team@yahoo.com

Poland calling

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Organization: Fundacja Centrum Aktywności Twórczej
  • Location: Leszno, Poland
  • Deadline for application:
  • Project dates: two-month projects in a gap of 01.01.2020 – 31.08.2021 (12 months)
  • Number of volunteers: Minimum 10 people

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

With the necessity of making a change in the local environment gathered already dozens of people between the age of 13 and 30 /generally as we have also younger and older volunteers from kids to seniors. It is because of the accumulation of the following ideas Foundation CAT was called to existence. We aim to stimulate the local community and promoting the idea of voluntary service. We’re not afraid of new challenges, we do believe that there are no things impossible to make. Our motto is: Voluntary service changes the world. Voluntary service changes us. We have a wealth of experience in terms of cooperation with the business sector, public sector, non-governmental organizations, polish and international organization networks. We’re a member of Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Anna Lindh. Also, we’re cooperating with Youth for Exchange and Understanding Network. Since 2009 we’re the only Eurodesk Centre in Greater Poland.

WE HAVE: WORKSHOPS, COUNTRY PRESENTATION, CULTURAL GAMES, CRAFTING, PAINTING, EVENTS,
DESIGN, WINTER-SUMMER CAMPS EVERYTHING IN CAT FOUNDATİON IS MORE FUN WHEN YOU DO IT WITH MOTIVATION TO HELP OTHERS, TO MAKE A CHANGE & IMPROVE THEIR WAY OF DOING THINGS. FOR SURE YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME HERE WITH US EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE IS POSSIBLE TO DO: ANY CRAZY IDEA FOR A WORKSHOP LIKE CRATING ZOMBIES, SOCK PUPPETS, INGENIOUS BRACELETS, UNICORN HORNS FOR CATCHING SOAP BUBBLES OR ANY CRAZY IDEA FOR PRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY LIKE “TOMATINA” WATER BALLOON FIGHT, DRIVING AN IMAGINARY CAR TO YOUR HOMETOWN, PAINTING WITH FEET THE MAIN PLACES IN YOUR COUNTRY …. OR COMICS, INGENIOUS VIDEO EDITING … ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE IS POSSIBLE TO DO! CAT FOUNDATION HAS THIS TRADITION OF REALLY BEING OPEN AND GIVING A FREE HAND TO VOLUNTEERS IN ORDER TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES

ABOUT THE PROJECTS:

A1 :12April-12June 2021
-Group activity of 12 volunteers ( international)
– 21st February is International Language day; volunteers contribute to the development of appropriate guidelines and learning materials.
-Will work on workshops focusing on the global issues concerning recycling, minimalism, reusing, eco-friendly products for everyday consumption in order to reduce packaging consumption.
SUPPORT: By involving a common “Learning mentor” pedagogical degree MENTOR will work to impose management structures and sense of responsibility

A2 : 15April-14June 2020
-Group activity of 11 volunteers (10 international, 1 national)
-They will support the organization celebrations of Europe Days and the NGO Trade Fair in LESZNO.
-Educational exhibition of non-formal education workshops ( language workshops, gamification).
-Encouraging recycling/ workshops, organic cosmetics & DIY.
SUPPORT: By involving a common “Learning mentor” pedagogical degree MENTOR will work to impose management structures and sense of responsibility.

A3 : 1July-30Augs. 2020
-Group activity of 11 volunteers (10 international, 1 national)
-Summer-camps; experimental workshops, sports activities ( bike rides, have
activities in open spaces; parks, stadiums etc.), language games, cultural games, environmental conservation and “end of week parties.
-International Youth Day is held each year on the 12th of August. concerts/ volunteer conference discussing the possibilities of ESC, exhibitions of young people’s art/ photography / participating in their own baseball game that will play in a community park.

A4 : 13Oct-11Dec 2020
-Group activity of 12 volunteers ( 12 International )
-Will focus on developing Human Rights active workshops, ( improvement of relationships between people of different cultural traditions)these workshops we attempt to implement practices and methodologies.
1.Presentation in the local library
2.photo exhibitions
3.running of a monthly newspaper by volunteers themselves
SUPPORT: By involving a common “Learning mentor” pedagogical degree MENTOR will work to impose management structures and sense of responsibility.

A5 :12Jan-12March 2021
-Group activity of 11 volunteers (10 international, 1 national)
-Interactive Train To Coolture- Winter – volunteers will conduct educational workshops for children and youth.
-Together with Polish volunteers of the Action Reaction initiative group, which is part of Leszczyński Volunteer Center will design workshops of science or experiments nature, culture & geographic, sports & well being.
-Need to promote social cohesion and improve individual well-being from a young age.
SUPPORT: By involving a common “Learning mentor” pedagogical degree MENTOR will work to impose management structures and sense of responsibility

THE CITY OF LESZNO:

Reaching Leszno is quite simple; the town is located between two major airports; Wroclaw and Poznan. Both big cities are only 1.5hrs away by bus or train. SO DON’T FORGET TO TRAVEL!!!!!!!!!!
If you don’t have flight connections to these cities, there are other options. You can fly to Berlin or Warsaw. Both cities are connected by FlixBus, which is easy to book and efficient. The website even has an English version! Prague and Krakow are also connected to Leszno, by train and bus. However, it will take you a bit longer to reach Leszno. Wroclaw is quite close to Leszno, around 1 – 1.5hours by train and bus.

Poznan is even closer than Wroclaw, busses and trains are quite cheap and efficient. Point 3 on the map represents Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. It used to be the capital of Poland. Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia – These 3 cities require a long trip of 6-7hours.

Prepare yourself! ESC here in Leszno means a lot of a great time. There will be time for everything: work, walks, traveling, having fun, probably less for sleep, friends, new people, new places, thrilling experiences, tons of positive vibes. And always keep in mind that you can make a difference in tomorrow’s day just with your attitude. All that we can say is have fun and make all work as good as you can!

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “Circus in Karlsruhe”) by 15th of February on advit_team@yahoo.com

For more information send us an email or visit the original infopack: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GnDMAHaG-TnOt74WYoAcKLGCqBesE5hx/view

Volunteering in a German Circus

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Organisation: Aktions- und Zirkusbüro Otto-Dullenkopf-Park
  • Location: Karlsruhe, Germany
  • Deadline for application: 15th of February
  • Project dates: 01.05.2020 – 30.04.2021 (12 months)
  • Number of volunteers: 1

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The “Aktions- und Zirkusbüro” develops and creates circus pedagogical offers, participation projects, events as well as actions on the big areal in the Otto-Dullenkopf-Park which is situated at the southeastern part of the city Karlsruhe. The “Aktions- und Zirkusbüro” is part of the “Stadtjugendausschuss e.V.” which is an umbrella association for children and youth organizations in
Karlsruhe.
On the areal of the “Aktions- and Zirkusbüro” innovative possibilities are offered. Children and youngsters with or without special needs as well as educated athletes, musicians or artists are invited to try themselves out within the topics sports, arts or culture. Big and small circus tents, different site caravans and small frame houses are part of the circus areal. An area for parcours, dirtbiketrails and a beach volley court, a fireplace, patches, a clay oven, a play yard – all these are parts of the terrain. The infrastructure offers many possibilities for projects and events for various age bands.

Children and youth can bring in their own ideas, follow their interests and have the possibility to co- determine what happens in the park. The concept is changeable and can be adapted to the current necessities. The ideas and the knowledge of the children and youth is an essential part of the planning for the future, they are involved in all steps.
A big and important part of the work of the “Aktions- und Zirkusbüro” is the circus “Maccaroni”. It’s a circus created by children and youngsters from Karlsruhe. Fixed training groups for children, youngsters and young grown-ups are besides pending offers for everybody, workshops, projects with schools and social organizations, holiday programs, performances, festivals and conventions. Within the trainings all circus disciplines are offered: Juggling, aerial art, acrobatics, balance, fire juggling, Chinese mast and clownery.
A European Volunteer will have the possibility to get to know all fields of activities of the “Aktions- und Zirkusbüro”. He*she will support the circus pedagogically offers for children and youth and can depending to his*her interests and experiences develop and realize own projects. The volunteer will work 30 hours per week.

COORDINATING ORGANIZATION:

The Kreisjugendwerk (KJW) of the AWO Karlsruhe-Stadt is the Coordinating Organization for this EVS project and responsible for the administrative tasks connected to the project.
www.jugendwerk-awo.de | http://europa.eu/youth/volunteering/organisation/936962868_en

ACCOMONDATION, FOOD, AND TRANSPORT:

The volunteer will be living in a shared flat with others. You will have your own room but you’ll have to share kitchen and bathroom with the other flat mates. You’ll get a bike or a ticket for the local transport for your way to work and to move around in the city. During your EVS you’ll receive monthly pocket money and food allowances.

TRAINING AND LANGUAGE SUPPORT:

The EVS volunteer will participate in an On-Arrival and Midterm-Seminar. He*She has the opportunity to participate in a 4-week German language course.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Interest in pedagogical work, especially circus pedagogics
  • Experiences in circus disciplines or circus pedagogics or any other pedagogical art (theatre, …)
  • Interest and some experiences in working with children and youngsters
  • Good knowledge of English, basic skills in German would be helpful but aren’t obligatory
  • You have an accredited sending organization (PIC number, accreditation number, name and contacts on sending organization)
  • You’re open to get to know Germany, the German language and the German culture and you’re interested to live in another country for a year.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “Circus in Karlsruhe”) by 15th of February on advit_team@yahoo.com

Finland is waiting for you!!

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Organisation: ICYE Finland
  • Project name: Dagtek serviceenhet
  • Location: Ekenäs, Finland
  • Deadline for application: 13th of February
  • Project dates: 15th of April 2020 – 14th of April 2021 (12 months)
  • Number of volunteers: 1

ABOUT DAGTEK SERVICEENHET

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.
  • Website of the organisation: www.karkulla.fi/enheter/vastra-nyland

Apply by sending us your CV and Motivation letter (with the subject of your email as “ESC Dagtek”) by 13th of February on advit_team@yahoo.com

For any questions feel free to contact us