Work

You will be able to support the work done at Soli Festival. Soli Festival is a festival that tries to raise awareness about solar energy sustainable effects. Concerts at this festival, electricity from solar energy with outdoor activities and workshops for individuals of all ages such as awareness raising and capacity building activities on energy production and similar issues. Many activities are available. If you have the knowledge and experience, this festival will focus on solar energy. You can also organize workshops. The preparation, organization and daily life of this three-day festival. You will be able to participate in the works and participate in the festival.

Partner

We will organize this camp in cooperation with Mezitli Municipality and this year It will be the fifth year of our cooperation. Mezitli Municipality, democratic, social, fair and transparent municipality has proven its understanding with the international awards it has received, social innovation in Turkey and in the world. It has been one of the most influential municipalities in Humanitarian aid for earthquake victims services are available. https://mezitli.bel.tr

Location

Mersin is a coastal city full of historical, cultural and social places where volunteers can spend social time. The host institution, Mezitli Municipality, will do its best to provide you with sufficient opportunities to access activities where you can experience Mersin and Mediterranean culture and spend social time.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in Happy Life Village belonging to Mezitli Municipality. It is a facility where social work is carried out for children and young people, national and international volunteers. It supports the social work done here throughout the year. There is bungalow houses for 2-3 people and there is a dormitory for 40 people (20 female, 20 male). Volunteers, depending on the situation and need this bungalow will be placed in houses. Toilet, bathroom, social areas, green space, cafeteria, air conditioning and security is available. Happy Life Village is a social environment that is developing and enriching day by day. Volunteers sometimes eat in the cafeteria of Happy Life Village, sometimes in the soup kitchen, Sometimes they can eat in the municipality and sometimes as food. Ready meals for volunteers will be provided. Sometimes, volunteers will be able to have their meals at the Down Cafe. in this cafe individuals with Down syndrome are employed. Cost of meals eaten by volunteers here It is covered by the municipality and in this way, individuals with Down syndrome are supported, contributes to equal opportunities in life.

Requirements

Volunteers who can produce and implement activities with non-formal education methods. Volunteers with artistic abilities such as music, painting, dance, pantomime.

Meeting point

MERSIN FORUM AVM

Notes:

No extra fee.

Descrizione

The main objective of the workcamp will be to help improving the outdoor and indoor facilities of the eco-centre and support the organisation of the festival “Ecoteau” which promotes the activities of the eco-centre and other local initiatives.

Work

Examples of tasks and activities to foresee during the workcamp: • Rebuild the wooden shelter of the vegetable garden • Re-roofing with wooden tiles, straxw or other materials • Take care of the vegetable garden, the forest garden: weed, rebuild the wooden boxes, plant, harvest prepare the soil for future planting • Maintain the surroundings, create walking paths • Dig new pond • Set-up nest box • Spend one or two days at an organic plantation to learn how to harvest fruits and vegetables (the harvest will be cooked back at the centre) • Bake homemade bread and pizza in our wood-fired oven • Gather, discover and cook wild plants • Pick and cook everything which grows on our site

Partner

JAVVA stands for « Jeunes Actifs dans le Volontariat et les Voyages Alternatifs » or in other words « Young People Active in Volunteering and Alternative Travels » and was founded as a non-profit organization in 2000. Since 2003, JAVVA has been recognized as a youth organization by the French-speaking government of Belgium. We aim to promote an ideal of tolerance, solidarity and peace between young people from around the world and to encourage their active participation and mobility. JAVVA has no political or ideological affiliation.

Location

The eco-centre is in the Saint-Léonard area of Liège located, at the foot of the hillside of the Citadel. Liège is the biggest city of Wallonia and the third city of Belgium after Brussels and Antwerp. The hillside of the Citadel is a rural area of more than 90 hectares partly located in the historical centre of Liège, which half is classed as Natural Heritage of the Walloon Region. This site has more than 60 monuments recognized as Material Heritage by the Walloon Region and counts 13 km of walking trails.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep in tents on the site the eco-centre. Please bring a sleeping bag and a mattress. We wish the volunteers to only bring organic and natural care products (shampoo, soap...) Volunteers will be provided with an inside and an outside kitchen where they will cook for themselves. Food will be local, organic and mainly vegetarian.

Requirements

This workcamp targets volunteers who are sensitive to environmental issues with a strong interest for sustainable development. Please bring good working shoes and clothes as well as a raincoat in case of rainy weather.

Descrizione

Establishment of a plant nursery. Enjoy real essence of Sri Lankan rural life! This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Green Volunteers for Green Future (GV4GF) since 2012 (since 2017 with this community). Project area is a based on paddy farming. There are two paddy farming seasons in here and when there are no paddy fields works, most of farmers are working as unskilled labors. Project area is belonging to dry zone so they experienced the harshness of the life. Very few people were moving to outside of the village and others are stay around the village. Partner organization has been working since 2002 in a various sector. Working with volunteers will make a kind of positive changes on their lives and way of their thinking, we expected. After covid pandemic community are trying to reestablish their agricultural work and other livelihoods. Not only pandemic, economic collapse also very badly hit every sector in Sri Lanka. To provide a support to community life we are going to establish a plant nursery. Every sector is trying to reestablish their own work but they need external assistances to continue their work. While visiting community, volunteers can experience real life of Sri Lanka and experience the nature of the local life. Community is aware on life on developed countries and their lifestyle, that they cannot experienced in their local lives.

Work

Basically our projects consists with two parts. First four days we are working at the one place that is our main work, establish a nursery. Clean the land, mix the soil and composts, making bags, fill soil, plant the seeds, watering are among the work that is for both income generation and protecting the bees, the other insects and the whole forests (25% of trees will be cinnamon). Second four days, we are moving around the village to meet community and meet a family, youth/children society members and watch their activities, women’ s/farmers groups, visit village school etc. (Cultural exchange with villagers including youths, Activities with children and work and assist to self-help group member’s activities).

Partner

NICE was founded on the 1990 Feb. 4th by the unknown 7 youth who had joined IVS projects abroad with the strong initiative of KAIZAWA Shinichiro (Kai) who joined the international workcamp in Poland during his one year break from the university. In 1990 Sep., the first international workcamp of NICE was held at the foot of the Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Location

Higurakgoda. 256km from Colombo, suburb of Polonnaruwa, the second ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka and declared as a world heritage site. Many people depend on paddy farming and it is low population density area for Sri Lanka (122 people/ km2). Organizing cultural exchange events, Excursion, Environmental Education, Expeditions, Farewell party, etc.

Accomodation

Village house with a host family near the nice paddy fields. Meals will be provided, but you need to help preparation and washing dishes. Sleeping bag is necessary. There is electricity and mobile phones are working, but no WiFi. You can’t use toilet papers here and have to wash your clothes by hand. In the night, you can see lots of bright stars.

Requirements

High motivation to work while experiencing different type of life style, accept challenges, adopt to local environment, respect and accept local life and culture. The visa is not needed for period below 90 days.

Meeting point

Colombo - Volunteers need to arrive at Katunayake Bandaranayake International Airport by the end of Jun. 12 and can leave there after 20:00 of Jun. 22. 9 hours by bus to the site. You will meet at the bus station in the morning on the first day.

Notes:

For this workcamp Motivation Letter in english is needed.

Work

Volunteers will be cleaning up the shores and beaches. Additional work will be undertaken in the area of our accommodation as removing old fences dangerous to wildlife and visitors. We may also be marking some walking paths and, depending on the advance of the mentioned tasks, volunteers might do some forestry tasks in a small forest planted in the area or support in the renovation and maintenance of the house. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking during the cleanups. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities (as) planned.

Partner

The Awareness, Engagement and Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners, where we try to raise awareness about current environmental issues and encourage the volunteers to take action One of our main goals for the next few years is to contribute to a nation-wide project aiming at cleaning up the Icelandic coastline. SEEDS works with and supports the Icelandic ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the Icelandic Environmental organisation Landvernd, the Environmental Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun and other partners in order to draw attention to the issues of ocean pollution, plastic waste and to engage volunteers in cleaning up actions around the country. This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor coastal cleanup tasks.

Location

Volunteers will stay in an old farmhouse, Alviora, 1 hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre where visitors can have a look at an extensive stone and stuffed animal collection. The house sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view to Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions started in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found spread around the area, which is a popular attraction among foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars.Other excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares if there is additional free time after the camp activities. It may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes.

Accomodation

This project gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to live in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental-education centre. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, shower, and a washing machine. Volunteers will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Remember to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 25 one way or EUR 50 both ways.

Meeting point

Meeting time will be 14:00 (2:00 pm) on June 16 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur.

Descrizione

Let's preserve the beautiful forests in the World Natural Heritage!

Work

Volunteers will do some preparations for the tree planting ceremonies in June. such as 1) Transplanting the seedlings, 2) Seeding for growing nursery trees, 3) Arranging the environment for seeding beds, 4) Building greenhouse, removing snow fences, Work might be changed due to weather condition, we need to be flexible!

Partner

NICE was founded on the 1990 Feb. 4th by the unknown 7 youth who had joined IVS projects abroad with the strong initiative of KAIZAWA Shinichiro (Kai) who joined the international workcamp in Poland during his one year break from the university. In 1990 Sep., the first international workcamp of NICE was held at the foot of the Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Location

Volunteers will work in Ajigasawa town and Hiranai town in Aomori prefecture. Aomori is located on the northernmost tip of Honshu Island. Shirakami Mountains located in southwest and the Mutsu-bay nestles between the eastern Shimokita and western Tsugaru Peninsulas. This is the good season for cherry blossom-viewing there. Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, taking a walk at morning, hot spring, etc.

Accomodation

Shared room in school dormitory. Sleeping bag is needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Requirements

No visa needed for Short Term Volunteering below 90 days. Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high motivation for work in the forests actively with local people.

Meeting point

The nearest international airport is Tokyo (NRT or HND) from which it takes 7 hours by bullet train and local train or 10 hours by night bus and local train to the meeting point in Aomori pref.

Notes:

For this workcamp Motivation Letter in english is needed.

Descrizione

-

Work

The volunteers will help with the green area maintenance in the bronze age farm and around the rock carvings. Be ready for hands-on activities. You will also help prepare for the summer solstice event, which is held during the evening of the 21 st of June. Those midsummer preparations include picking flowers, dressing the maypole, and talking to our visitors about the event. You will also help conduct a visitor survey with predetermined questions.

Partner

WHV Rock Carvings in Tanum project is organised by Vitlycke museum in Tanumshede in west Sweden. Vitlycke museum is a knowledge and experience centre in Tanum Unesco World Heritage site - an area of about 600 rock carving art sites. Here you can experience world class rock carving art and explore the Bronze Age world.

Location

Countryside on the west coast of Sweden. Around the world heritage area there are forests and lakes and lots of hiking trails. Not far from Tanum lies the coast, with restaurants, shops, beaches and beautiful cliffs by the ocean. The traditional Swedish midsummer is best celebrated on the west coast of Sweden, so you are definitely in the right place to experience it.

Accomodation

The accommodation is located between the museum and a forest. We have three small cottages with 2 bunk beds in each. In the cottages there is also a sink, fridge and hotplate. Bathrooms and showers are located in a nearby building on the camping site. The volunteers will cook most of their meals together as a group.

Requirements

The volunteers need to have interest towards World Heritage and prepare themselves before the camp in order to tell about the World Heritage projects in their home countries. The applicants need to write a one page motivation letter explaining why they would like to join the project, if they have any previous experience in WH volunteering and what could be their contribution to the project

Meeting point

The closest airports are either Gothenburg airport (Sweden) or Oslo Gardemoen airport (Norway), both of which are located about 2 hours from Tanumshede. You can get to Tanum by bus or train. The volunteers need travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

Notes:

One page motivation letter together with the application is needed.

Descrizione

Lohra Castle is situated in the heart of Germany in Northern Thuringia. The castle, which is surrounded by a scenic hilly landscape, is located on the edge of a natural reserve area. Being one of the largest castles in Thuringia, the history of castle Lohra begins in the Middle Ages. Its architectural styles which have been preserved in the structures of the ensemble attest to a prolonged period of occupation and historical evolution up until today. The castle is more than thousand years old, and it is a relic of German medieval past that is still standing at the heart of a region through which the story of the German nation has been written. Today, it includes twenty buildings from different time periods, showcasing this historical evolution to the enchantment of visitors and heritage enthusiasts: medieval fortifications, remnants of a tower from the 11th century, a Romanesque double-floored chapel, a manor house from the Renaissance period as well as stables and granaries from the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The ensemble is situated in the centre of a beautiful forest. For years Lohra Castle was vacant. In the 1990s a civil society association which became today’s Open Houses, began to rescue the castle and to revitalise it through cultural activities. The process of rehabilitation of cultural heritage not only brought new life and use to an otherwise forgotten monument, but it also provided with a new space where young people could reconnect with tangible heritage while valorising the relevance of preserving a historical monument. Since then, a large number of international workcamps, heritage volunteering projects, heritage training courses, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities with international participants have been taking place every year in the castle.

Work

The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles. Therefore, the activities at Lohra Castle combine aspects of cultural heritage preservation and aspects of natural heritage preservation. The participants of the Workcamps carry out works in the green areas and the forests around the castle, restoration work and collaboration in renovation works. The castle is surrounded by a vast green area and the volunteers will help in the maintenance of it, Near the youth accommodation houses that are part of the Lohra Castle complex there is a camping site which can be used by youth groups, for this reason the area should be made accessible from overgrown grass. The tasks will be mowing and collecting the grass. Additionally, the participants of the project will support the work on renovations on the Castle grounds. The hilly massive around Lohra Castle is listed as National Nature Reserve. Open Houses supports the Reserve since several years with volunteering activities. In a forest near the Castle the participants will remove trees and bushes which are not corresponding with the protection aims in order to clean the paths and make them enjoyable again. They will also will collect the wood remaining after maintenance works, load it on a truck, unload it at the castle and split and stack it for wintertime or for the fireplace. Besides that, the volunteers will continue the maintenance of the green area at the castle. In addition, in the later part of the summer, they will support the recollection, assortment, splitting and storage of wood to prepare the castle for the harsh winter months.

Partner

The history of Open Houses Network dates back to the mid-1980s, when a group of young people started to restore village churches in East Germany in voluntary work to protect them from decay. The engagement for these buildings united people who enjoyed the freedom these activities provided and who filled these rooms with life again in ways which by far exceed the craftsmen's work done – through exhibitions, concerts, making music together or just sitting by the camp fire.

Location

The camp places are mostly situated in small villages in rural areas, so the participants should not expect busy places and normal city activities for the leisure time during the working days. Small trips in walking distance are possible in the afternoon. On the weekends it is possible to organise an excursion to nearby cities or to have other leisure activities.

Accomodation

shared rooms with 2 – 5 beds in 3 guest houses, warm shower (limited hot water), 1 camp kitchen (cold water), coal-burning stoves

Meeting point

Workcamps and Building Weeks usually start on Sunday or Monday. The first mentioned day is always the arrival day. We ask the participants to arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. So all the volunteers can already get to know each other and can have their first common dinner before the work will start at the following morning. Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)

Work

Volunteers will be cleaning up the shores and beaches. Additional work will be undertaken in the area of our accommodation as removing old fences dangerous to wildlife and visitors. We may also be marking some walking paths and, depending on the advance of the mentioned tasks, volunteers might do some forestry tasks in a small forest planted in the area or support in the renovation and maintenance of the house. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors, walking during the cleanups. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities (as) planned.

Partner

The Awareness, Engagement and Action project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners, where we try to raise awareness about current environmental issues and encourage the volunteers to take action One of our main goals for the next few years is to contribute to a nation-wide project aiming at cleaning up the Icelandic coastline. SEEDS works with and supports the Icelandic ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, the Icelandic Environmental organisation Landvernd, the Environmental Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun and other partners in order to draw attention to the issues of ocean pollution, plastic waste and to engage volunteers in cleaning up actions around the country. This camp allows volunteers to learn about global and local environmental issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits, as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining outdoor coastal cleanup tasks.

Location

Volunteers will stay in an old farmhouse, Alviora, 1 hour drive south-west from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre where visitors can have a look at an extensive stone and stuffed animal collection. The house sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view to Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions started in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found spread around the area, which is a popular attraction among foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars.Other excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares if there is additional free time after the camp activities. It may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes.

Accomodation

This project gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to live in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental-education centre. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, shower, and a washing machine. Volunteers will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Remember to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 25 one way or EUR 50 both ways.

Meeting point

Meeting time will be 14:00 (2:00 pm) on June 25 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik.

Notes:

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur.

Descrizione

Lohra Castle is situated in the heart of Germany in Northern Thuringia. The castle, which is surrounded by a scenic hilly landscape, is located on the edge of a natural reserve area. Being one of the largest castles in Thuringia, the history of castle Lohra begins in the Middle Ages. Its architectural styles which have been preserved in the structures of the ensemble attest to a prolonged period of occupation and historical evolution up until today. The castle is more than thousand years old, and it is a relic of German medieval past that is still standing at the heart of a region through which the story of the German nation has been written. Today, it includes twenty buildings from different time periods, showcasing this historical evolution to the enchantment of visitors and heritage enthusiasts: medieval fortifications, remnants of a tower from the 11th century, a Romanesque double-floored chapel, a manor house from the Renaissance period as well as stables and granaries from the 19th and the early 20th centuries. The ensemble is situated in the centre of a beautiful forest. For years Lohra Castle was vacant. In the 1990s a civil society association which became today’s Open Houses, began to rescue the castle and to revitalise it through cultural activities. The process of rehabilitation of cultural heritage not only brought new life and use to an otherwise forgotten monument, but it also provided with a new space where young people could reconnect with tangible heritage while valorising the relevance of preserving a historical monument. Since then, a large number of international workcamps, heritage volunteering projects, heritage training courses, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and other activities with international participants have been taking place every year in the castle.

Work

The projects of Open Houses are based on sustainable principles. Therefore, the activities at Lohra Castle combine aspects of cultural heritage preservation and aspects of natural heritage preservation. The participants of the Workcamps carry out works in the green areas and the forests around the castle, restoration work and collaboration in renovation works. The castle is surrounded by a vast green area and the volunteers will help in the maintenance of it, Near the youth accommodation houses that are part of the Lohra Castle complex there is a camping site which can be used by youth groups, for this reason the area should be made accessible from overgrown grass. The tasks will be mowing and collecting the grass. Additionally, the participants of the project will support the work on renovations on the Castle grounds. The hilly massive around Lohra Castle is listed as National Nature Reserve. Open Houses supports the Reserve since several years with volunteering activities. In a forest near the Castle the participants will remove trees and bushes which are not corresponding with the protection aims in order to clean the paths and make them enjoyable again. They will also will collect the wood remaining after maintenance works, load it on a truck, unload it at the castle and split and stack it for wintertime or for the fireplace. Besides that, the volunteers will continue the maintenance of the green area at the castle. In addition, in the later part of the summer, they will support the recollection, assortment, splitting and storage of wood to prepare the castle for the harsh winter months.

Partner

The history of Open Houses Network dates back to the mid-1980s, when a group of young people started to restore village churches in East Germany in voluntary work to protect them from decay. The engagement for these buildings united people who enjoyed the freedom these activities provided and who filled these rooms with life again in ways which by far exceed the craftsmen's work done – through exhibitions, concerts, making music together or just sitting by the camp fire.

Location

The camp places are mostly situated in small villages in rural areas, so the participants should not expect busy places and normal city activities for the leisure time during the working days. Small trips in walking distance are possible in the afternoon. On the weekends it is possible to organise an excursion to nearby cities or to have other leisure activities.

Accomodation

shared rooms with 2 – 5 beds in 3 guest houses, warm shower (limited hot water), 1 camp kitchen (cold water), coal-burning stoves

Meeting point

Workcamps and Building Weeks usually start on Sunday or Monday. The first mentioned day is always the arrival day. We ask the participants to arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. So all the volunteers can already get to know each other and can have their first common dinner before the work will start at the following morning. Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)

Work

The camp is designed as a place for socializing, mutual communication and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities with volunteers from the regular population, who come from different cultures and environments. Volunteers will work in the "Oasis" on everyday activities with the users of the house. Main activities are activities that our users also engage in daily: maintenance and arrangement of work and living space; tidying up the yard and plot; pulling weeds and working in the garden (planting, hoeing, watering, crop care and harvesting); sorting of the obtained fruits and vegetables - separation for feeding in the camp, for distribution to socially disadvantaged members of the local community, for livestock and for compost; feeding of animals and maintenance of premises where animals stay; going to the local environment to empty recycling containers with PET packaging, pressing the packaging, visiting vulnerable families from the local community.

Partner

The association "Living togehter" was founded by a group of parents with the aim of improving the quality of life of their children - persons with intellectual disabilities, families and the entire social community since 1997. We have extensive experience in working with people with disabilities, as well as organizing various events. The mission of the Association is to make people with developmental disabilities visible, present and active in all segments of social life, to affirm their abilities and individuality, to promote their rights and enable them to live a dignified and fulfilling life. The values of the association are equality and equal opportunities, commitment, tolerance, solidarity, development of partnership as well as permanent education for all. Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.

Location

The camp would take place in Golubinci (a village/town in the municipality of Stara Pazova), 8 km from the town of Stara Pazova. The town has about 5,000 inhabitants, it is a multicultural environment, the majority of the population is of the Orthodox faith, but the Catholic population is also very represented. In the center of the town there are Orthodox and Catholic churches, a supermarket, a post office, a school, a kindergarten, a health center, cafes... It is interesting that the castle Schloss (from the 18th century) is located there, which is accompanied by stories about curses, infidelities and punishments. It has significant architectural and historical value because Karađorđe Petrović and composer Ludwig Van Beethoven stayed there. Various manifestations are held in the town itself throughout the year: Cat Festival (masquerade ball and carnival), Days of Rosemary, Earth Day... During the volunteers' stay, the celebration of Petrovdan - the glory of the place - will be held, during which numerous outdoor activities will be organized and a fair in which enjoyed by all the locals.

Accomodation

Camp Oasis Golubinci gathers people of good will who are ready to help and provide support in life and work to adults with developmental disabilities. Oasis Golubinci is a living and working community for people with disabilities, and in the Oasis itself there is accommodation for volunteers and users. Volunteers will be accommodated in houses that have all the necessary equipment (sufficient number of bathrooms, kitchen, dining room), in double and triple rooms. All houses/accommodation units are in the same yard, so volunteers are directed to each other, although they may be in separate houses. Given that there are 4 different kitchens, there are opportunities for volunteers to participate in the preparation of food themselves, and the association can provide the necessary food, according to our capabilities. Volunteers will be provided with bedding. Previous experience of working with people in situation of developmental disabilities is not necessary, however you should be motivated to spend time with them and help organize activities. Keep in mind that it can be quite hot in the summer, prepare adequate clothes a good mosquito repellent and shoes for working outside.

Meeting point

There is a direct train that takes around 45 min from Belgrade to the village of Golubinci and it operates several times a day. The farm is easily reachable from there. More details will be provided in the Infosheet about reaching the camp