Descrizione

As a volunteer, you will help build the new barn and contribute to a sustainable project that truly makes an impact. Your tasks may vary from setting up structures and using sustainable materials to creatively designing the space. At the same time, you'll learn new practical skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Collaborating with a motivated group of volunteers provides not only a sense of accomplishment but also unforgettable moments.

Work

‘De heerlijkheid van Heule’, near Kortrijk, is an open ecological farm where young people facing difficult situations can contribute to society through farm work. They do this alongside various volunteers. Small-scale and organic farming is central to this farm. Young people and volunteers can work in the fields (growing and harvesting vegetables), help feed the cows and small livestock, and do chores in the barns. Additionally, the farm also organizes training and after-school support for the young people, and there are two studios for crisis shelter. There's also a communal kitchen, versatile attic spaces, and a woodworking workshop. This summer, they plan to install a solar boiler! Planned tasks: * Installing a solar boiler * Working in the green spaces (garden, farm etc.) on the farm. * Painting walls * Repairing broken things all around the farm

Partner

Bouworde vzw, a non-profit organisation, gives young people the chance to explore the world differently through volunteering work on meaningful social, technical or ecological projects worldwide. By doing so, young people discover other cultures, learn to work together and experience different sorts of inequality in the world. Bouworde wants to offer young people a chance to actively help to build a better world, always in cooperation with local people. We strive for a world in which every person’s rights are respected. Bouworde vzw is an educational organisation for young people. By organising volunteer trips worldwide, we want to broaden their horizon and help them to develop a critical and global mindset. This way we also want to enhance their sense of solidarity.

Location

The location also offers unique opportunities: it's a beautiful place for camping, complete with a campfire area and an oven at your disposal. Dinner can, as much as possible, come fresh from the fields. And after a day of hard work, there's plenty of time to enjoy nature and relax together. After your workday, you can discuss with the group what you would like to do. If you'd like to plan an evening activity with your group, this can be arranged in consultation with the center. Activities are organized within the group on weekends.

Accomodation

Meals are prepared at the center itself. Vegetarian options are available with prior communication to the organization. Additionally, a volunteer is needed to support the cooking team each time.

Requirements

The main work will be done outside. Make sure to bring clothing & shoes that are suited for this work. We strongly support bringing something from your own culture so you can share it with others! There are no experience requirements! Everyone can join. It’s a perfect oppurtunity to learn new skills. You will also get to learn new skills and working with different machinery!

Meeting point

Our volunteers from Belgium travel to Kortrijk station on their own. For our international volunteers, they will probarly travel through the airport of Brussels. If they chose to go by train, they will arrive in Brussels aswell. There are 3 trains each hour that go from Brussels to Kortrijk. The train network in Belgium is hosted by the NMBS. You can buy tickets on their website (https://www.belgiantrain.be/nl), or buy a ticket in the office at the trainstation.

Notes:

N.B. The group of voluntarians might not be heterogeneous and totally international. They might be most of the volunteers from Belgium.

Work

This project is about giving a hand to the music festival "Esperanzah!", which will take place from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th. Volunteers will work before and after the festival, but will be free during the festival weekend so they can fully enjoy it. Before the festival: volunteers will join the festival's "decoration" team. They will primarily help with the construction and assembly of the scenery and of all the items making the place more beautiful. They will work with wood, metal, fabric, and paint, using screws and tools (screwdrivers, saws, angle grinders, etc.). After the festival, during the last three days of the project, they will participate in the dismantling. This project is for those who love DIY, meeting people, and, of course, music.

Partner

The music festival "Esperanzah!" has been held since 2002. Last year, 27,000 festival-goers attended. Esperanzah! aims to be an alternative and committed festival, which applies the principles of social economy and sustainable development. It aims to contribute, through a cultural approach, to the establishment of a deeply social, united, anti-productivist, ecological, democratic, anti-racist and feminist society. The choice of artists, as well as every aspect of the festival's organization (catering, waste sorting, accessibility, NGOs’ village, annual awareness campaign, plan for the prevention of sexist and sexual violence, etc.) reflect these values. More information and this year's lineup: https://www.esperanzah.be/

Location

The festival takes place in the outdoor spaces surrounding the abbey of Floreffe. Floreffe is a large village 12 minutes by train from the city of Namur, and its abbey is just a half-hour walk from its train station. Volunteers will work during the week and the first Saturday of the project (July 19th) but will be free for the entire duration of the festival, from early afternoon on Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, so they can fully enjoy the festival. During the workcamp, activities will be organized on certain evenings for all the volunteers preparing the festival. In fact, the volunteers participating in this workcamp won't be the only ones on site! They will have the opportunity to meet and have a drink at the end of the day (at the bar set up especially for them!) with volunteers from another workcamp, as well as with Belgian volunteers and organizers. A BBQ with all the setup teams will also be organized on Sunday, July 20th.

Accomodation

Living conditions will be quite basic. Volunteers will sleep in indoor dormitories. They are asked to bring their own mattress, sleeping bag, and pillow. Showers and toilets are located in the building. For meals, volunteers will benefit from a catering service and are therefore not required to cook their own meals.

Requirements

Daily meetings to explain the day's tasks and technical explanations are held in French, but English translation will always be available. Therefore, speaking French is not required to participate in this project.

Meeting point

Monday the 14th of July at the train station of Floreffe at 5pm. Find your route on: www.belgiantrain.be

Notes:

The first weekend: volunteers will work on Saturday, and will be free on Sunday. They will be invited to participate in a BBQ with all the setup teams on Sunday evening. The second weekend of the project is the festival weekend: volunteers will be free after lunch on Friday to enjoy the festival. There will be no other free days during the project.

Work

his project is located on the beautiful SnEfellsnes Peninsula, we will be based in the town of GrundarfjErE(ur, working on diverse tasks related to nature, environment and outdoor recreation.The main tasks of the project will be environmentally related, such as planting trees and other vegetation; maintenance or infrastructure tasks such as creating and fixing walking paths in the recreational areas of the town and social tasks as: painting and fixing fences and play structures for the local school or kindergarten. The tree-planting project is very important for biodiversity and to provide shelter from the wind; while the well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and in addition SEEDS volunteers work helps to improve safety for visitors. The group can be split up for different projects, but it will never be less than two working together. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible, as depending on the weather, the work plan might change with short notice or the group may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it could get rather cold even in summer. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shs/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at SElheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and BlEUi Herinn (the Blue Army).SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impact

Location

The SnEfellsnes Peninsula is a region in Western Iceland, located between ReykjavEk and the Westfjords. The area is a popular destination amongst tourists and locals alike.The Peninsula is known for incredibly beautiful and dramatic landscapes, and a common knowledge amongst Icelanders is that the area is the only part of Iceland where you can see all of the unique natural elements in one place. In other words, the SnEfellsnes Peninsula has everything to offer, from untouched lava fields, tall volcans, mystical glaciers and black beaches to white beaches, a National Park and hazardous cliffs along the coastline. Free time activities in the area include hikes or walks in the surroundings.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers will live and sleep in the facilities of the local elementary school in shared rooms. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen and bathrooms in the school, while the showers will be at the local swimming pool. Please bring your own sleeping bag, swim gear and towel.Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget 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

Volunteers should be motivated to experience life in a very isolated but extremely beautiful part of Iceland. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy even in summer. Participants should bring good walking shs, hiking boots, working clothes, warm clothes, rainproof coats, scarves, gloves and hats. English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Meeting point

Meeting time will be 9:00 am on July 14 at SEEDS Office. We will return to ReykjavEk in the late evening of July 25.

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 and food. The fee ds not include the transportation from ReykjavEk to the camp and back, which costs EUR 50 one way or EUR 100 for both ways.

Work

Beçin Castle is an early Ottoman Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Volunteers will be helping the professional excavation team will take part in unearthing the history, and also will be helping the environmental arrangement and cleaning of the site, maintenance, basic repairing work, and landscaping. Due to the hot weather in the summer months, excavations usually start at early morning and end between 2 pm and 3 pm. There maybe changes in working program hours. The exact program will be available till the summer season. Due to the hot weather, work starts early in the morning and ends in the afternoon. Precautions such as sun-proof awnings are in place. You are not expected to be experienced in this archaeological study, where you can witness history up close.

Partner

This camp is organized with the official permission of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the Istanbul Civilization University - Beçin Castle Excavation Directorate (Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektas). For more information about Istanbul Civilization University, please visit: https://www.medeniyet.edu.tr/en

Location

Many activities await you in Muğla City, a city with full of touristic, historical and natural beauties. This region, full of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritages that you can visit, is also 45 minutes away from the sea. You can enjoy your free time with the excavation team and volunteers in this region where you can enjoy the sea, sand and sun. Plus, we will have educational workshops for you!

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in the lodging belonging to the excavation directorate. There is air conditioning in the rooms. There is a toilet, bathroom, kitchen and dining hall. Volunteers can watch the stars on the terrace on dark nights. Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the lodge. Lunches will be served at the house in the excavation area. Volunteers will prepare their meals together with the excavation team.

Requirements

-Passport Copy -Criminal Record (CGC) -Motivational Letter -Tetanus Vaccine

Meeting point

We can meet with volunteers at Milas Bus Terminal or Milas-Bodrum Airport.

Notes:

This area is an official excavation area. Volunteers will participate in this area with the permission of the Ministry of Culture. There may be some precautions and rules for your safety in the excavation area. The historical artifacts that can be found belong to the Republic of Türkiye. Please follow the requirements.

Work

Intervention in the Sotos de Alfaro Nature Reserve. Arboretum area Planting of aromatic plants with root balls. Renovation of the slats with species names with weather-resistant material. Installation of rustic benches with wood from the area. Creation of a butterfly oasis or a hotel for pollinating insects. Work camp in the Nature Reserve will be developed, four hours from Monday to Friday, in the morning from 8,00 to 12,00, to avoid the hotter hours at the cost of getting up early. This schedule allows to leave a small space of time before eating to rest, go to the pool...

Partner

Government of La Rioja. https://www.irj.es/albergues/albergues-2/35-alfaro Moscaventur info@moscaventur.com “Río Alhama” Youth Hostel Miracle Gate Square. Building of the Old Jail. (Edificio de la Antigua Cárcel).- 26540. Alfaro (La Rioja) Contact: Liliana. Telephone number: + 34 652 411 449 Juan: Telephone number: + 34 619 835 061

Location

Alfaro is a Spanish municipality belonging to the autonomous community of La Rioja (Spain). It is located in the east of the province, in La Rioja Baja, being the capital of the region to which it gives its name and the largest municipality in all of La Rioja; it borders the Foral community of Navarra. As of January 1, 2021, it had a population of 9,562 inhabitants according to INE data, being the sixth town with the highest number of inhabitants after Logroño, Calahorra, Arnedo, Haro and Lardero. The Ebro River runs through the north of the municipality, where the Alhama River flows into it after going around Alfaro to the west. Located in the Rioja Baja region, 71 kilometres from Logroño, the municipality is crossed by the Basque-Aragonese motorway (AP-68), the N-232 national road between pK 331 and 344, the N-113 national road (Ágreda-Valtierra) and the regional roads LR-285, which links Rincón del Soto with Corella, LR-287, which connects with Corella, LR-288, which goes to Castejón, and LR-289, which connects with Grávalos.

Accomodation

ACCOMMODATION: Youth Hostel “Río Alhama” https://www.irj.es/albergues/albergues-2/35-alfaro FOOD: Youth Hostel has a chef, who will be the responsible for the realization of lunch and dinner.

Requirements

Young people with social inquisitive who want to learn more about the rural world, getting involved in a community project in a small village of La Rioja.

Meeting point

“Río Alhama” Youth Hostel Miracle Gate Square. Building of the Old Jail. (Edificio de la Antigua Cárcel).- 26540. Alfaro (La Rioja). At the Youth Hostel throughout the day. Confirm your arrival the day before your shift starts, by calling WhatsApp 652 411 449 (Liliana) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Notes:

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES - LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Weekend get-together in Arnedillo. Thermal pools. Arnedillo via ferrata. Getting to know Alfaro's natural surroundings. Getting to know Riojan culture and gastronomy. Environmental activities and excursions.

Descrizione

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Work

Volunteers and community members will give support and guide community work and building such as mixing cement and plastering. This is an exciting project as we hope to bring some change especially for the centre itself. Volunteers have opportunity to work with different people in the community and interact with children after school.

Partner

Volunteers will be helping in a building project for a SAVWA community center which will cater for the community an volunteers themselves. The building project includes brick making, wall construction at project site and other local activities. We hope to finish the wall for the surrounding center with assistance from community members and well-wishers to the project.

Location

The Weekend is meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Accomodation

Accommodation will be in a house in Soshanguve. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is water. The accommodation place has flushing toilets and do have electricity but should expect normal power cuts lasting to 2 hours on various time slots in the week. (Not every day)

Requirements

Sleeping bag, sun cream, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, shoes are advisable. Raincoat, light working clothes during working hours and gloves for manual work as well as clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light and books and stationery for the children even sporting equipment such as soccer balls etc and board games. Qualification of participants: Open minded, ready to interact with other people of different cultural background - Positive attitude - Willing to share his/her experiences - Flexible to live/stay in simple living conditions - Flexible to eat local food - Ready to do academic work on the project and No experience needed at all. Willingness to guide students especially in cultural and arts activities. Some weekends may have excursions with students to different areas of Pretoria.

Meeting point

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260, and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria.

Work

Viens t'engager avec d'autres bénévoles pour faire partager au plus grand nombre les cultures du monde! Le festival est un endroit unique pour rencontrer des centaines de danseur·euse·s et chanteur·euse·s folkloriques venu·es du monde entier. Cette année le festival aura lieu du 22 au 27 juillet 2025. Les artistes y présenteront leur danse et leur musique sous forme d'ateliers, de concerts, de cabaret, et de défilés. En coopération avec d'autres bénévoles, tu découvriras l'envers du décor d'un festival et tu participeras activement à son succès ! Avant le festival, tu prendras part à la création des décoration, à l'installation et au montage du festival. Pendant le festival, les missions seront diverses : accueil du public, hébergement des artistes, buvettes, stand de crêpes, ateliers de création, aide aux repas des bénévoles. Après le festival, tu participeras au démontage des équipements. L'atmosphère est toujours chaleureuse et cela sera l'occasion de faire de belles rencontres ! Tu pourras aussi profiter de ton temps libre pour explorer la ville de Gannat, ses paysages naturels, et ses alentours. Come volunteer with others to share the cultures of the world with as many people as possible! The festival is a unique place to meet hundreds of folkloric dancers and singers from around the world. This year, the festival will take place from July 22 to 27, 2025. The artists will present their dance and music through workshops, concerts, cabarets, and parades. Working with other volunteers, you'll discover the behind-the-scenes of a festival and actively contribute to its success! Before the festival, you'll help with creating decorations and setting up the event. During the festival, the tasks will vary: welcoming the public, accommodating the artists, managing the bars, running a crepe stand, and leading creative workshops. After the festival, you'll participate in dismantling the equipment. The atmosphere is always warm, and it’s a great opportunity to meet wonderful people! You’ll also have free time to explore Gannat, its natural landscapes, and the surrounding area.

Partner

Depuis 50 ans, L’Association Nationale Cultures du Monde participe à la promotion et à la sensibilisation au patrimoine culturel immatériel. Chaque année, elle organise le Festival Cultures du Monde à Gannat afin de mettre à l'honneur la diversité des cultures et des patrimoines vivants sur le plan national et international. For 50 years, the National Association of Cultures du Monde (ANCM) has been dedicated to promoting and raising awareness of intangible cultural heritage. Each year, it organizes the World Cultures Festival in Gannat to celebrate the diversity of cultures and living heritage on both a national and international scale.

Location

Le projet se déroule à Gannat, dans le département de l'Allier entre Clermont-Ferrand et Moulins. Pour la 51ème année, la ville accueille le festival Cultures du Monde, festival culturel incontournable de la région ! Les bénévoles pourront découvrir la commune et ses alentours, qui offrent un patrimoine médiéval très riche. The project takes place in Gannat, in the Allier department, between Clermont-Ferrand and Moulins. For the 51st year, the city is hosting the Cultures du Monde festival, an unmissable cultural event in the region! Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings, which boast a rich medieval heritage.

Accomodation

Les bénévoles seront logé·e·s sous tentes, sur une partie verdoyante du stade municipal qui leur sera dédié. Les bénévoles auront chacun leur tente et ils auront à disposition un bâtiment avec toutes les commodités. Des espaces en extérieur seront disponibles pour se reposer, échanger et prendre des repas en commun. Au-delà des temps de chantier, les bénévoles participent ensemble à l’organisation de la vie collective. Souvent réparti·e·s en équipes, ils·elles élaborent les menus, participent aux courses, préparent les repas et s’assurent de la propreté des espaces communs. Véritable acteur·ice de ton expérience, tu participeras aussi à la prise de décisions concernant les activités collectives et l’organisation du quotidien ! Volunteers will be accommodated in tents, on a dedicated green area of the municipal stadium. Each volunteer will have their own tent, and they will have access to a building with all amenities. Outdoor spaces will be available for resting, socialising, and shared meals. Beyond the working hours, volunteers come together to organise daily life on the camp. Often divided into teams, they plan menus, help with the shopping, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of shared spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organization!

Meeting point

Gannat train station - 15/07/2025 - 3pm

Notes:

Rejoindre un chantier international, c’est s’engager dans une expérience collective et humaine unique. En tant qu’organisateur·ice·s, nous nous assurons que tu disposes de tout le nécessaire pour être à l’aise (hébergement, repas, sécurité), et nous veillons à ton bien-être. Nous te proposons des missions accessibles avec un véritable impact pour la communauté locale. En tant que bénévole, tu participeras activement sur les temps de chantier et dans l’organisation de la vie quotidienne avec respect pour les personnes, les lieux, et l’environnement. Ce sera aussi une belle occasion d’apprendre, de partager et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures. Joining an international volunteering workcamp means embarking on a unique collective and human experience. As organisers, we ensure that you have everything you need to feel comfortable—accommodation, meals, and safety—while also looking after your well-being. We offer meaningful and accessible missions that have a real impact on the local community. As a volunteer, you’ll actively take part in the project work and contribute to organizing daily life with respect for people, places, and the environment. It’s also a great opportunity to learn, share, and discover new cultures!

Work

Most of the time volunteers will work at the Jewish cemetery and in the Shakhs synagogue where you will help with the maintenance of outdoor areas (cleaning pavements, weeding, cutting and raking grass, maintaining graveyards, etc.) You will also help with the preparation of the Jewish Culture Festival which takes place in Holesov during the workcamp (moving and installing various equipment for events etc.). The work can sometimes be moderately physically demanding. Please, bring suitable shoes and working clothes. You will also work on the weekend (because of the festival) but you will get enough time off on other days.

Partner

The workcamp is organised in cooperation with Municipal Cultural Center Holesov, a non-profit organization that manages most of the Jewish monuments in the city and organizes the Festival of Jewish Culture. The workcamp takes place in Holesov, a small Moravian town, known for its large pre- second world war Jewish community. There is an important Jewish heritage in Holesov – an old synagogue and also a grave of one of the greatest Jewish scholars - Rabbi Shakh. The goal of this workcamp is to maintain the Jewish cemetery, help with the organization of the festival and learn about Jewish heritage. At this workcamp, you will actively contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Location

Location: The project takes place in Holesov (12,000 inhabitants), a historical town located in the south-east of the Czech Republic. It is well known for its important Jewish heritage such as a rare synagogue from the 16th century or Holesov cemetery - an important place of pilgrimage for Jews. There is good phone coverage everywhere around the town, ATMs and pharmacies. Free time: During the free time volunteers can go on a trip to the UNESCO site of Kromeriz, visit the pilgrimage hill of Hostyn or the open-air museum of folk architecture in Rymice. You will also have free entry to all cultural activities organized by the Cultural Center. Study part: You will learn a lot about Jewish culture and its heritage through visiting local monuments and experiencing the Jewish Culture Festival (concerts, performances, films etc.). You will also have a chance to meet the local community during a barbecue or at a traditional lunch with the representatives of the community town.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated in a house near the workplace, sleeping on matrasses all together in one room. Please, bring a sleeping bag. There are 2 toilets in the acommodation, showers are apart in the castle complex approximately 500 meters from the accommodation. WIFI is not available in the building - only at the synagogue and the castle. Volunteers will cook meals together as a group. If you need to use washing machines, it can be arranged.

Requirements

The extra fee covers costs of the project not covered by public funding (for example support for campleaders, administrative costs of iNEX-SDA). The fee is paid in advance electronically and non-refundable unless proof of severe obstacle (for example illness) is provided.

Meeting point

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to ge to the meeting point: From the airport take the trolleybus line number 59 to Nadrazi Veleslavin stop. Change to green metro line A in the direction of Depo Hostivar, get off at “Muzeum” and change to red metro line C in the direction of Letnany, go 1 stop and get off at “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop (main railway station). Take the train R 891 Slovacky Express towards Luhacovice at 13:03 to Hulin, and then change to the train Os 13914 towards Bystrice at 16:04, getting off in Holesov at 16:13. Detailed travel information will be provided in the Info sheet.

Notes:

Requirements: Please beware that the work will take place outdoors and suitable clothes and shoes are needed. We recommend a hat to protect from the sun and a raincoat in case of light rain. Please bring a sleeping bag. We advise you to bring a repellent (protection against ticks). There is a chance of an allergic reaction (working with grass). Notes: Volunteers interested in the Jewish or Moravian culture are especially welcome.

Work

During this workcamp, volunteers will restore 2 public schools and recover forested common areas nearby the chosen school. There will be also activities with Mexican communities and intercultural exchanges.

Partner

Guanajuato’s State Technological and Scientific High school (CECyTEG) is a 41,000+ students community that leads education in Guanajuato by empowering academic participation in all sort of innovative, technological and scientific events and promoting as well social and personal habilities that result in a complete experience of the educational process. CECyTEG has a Youngsters Network (Red de Jóvenes CECyTEG) where students develop leadership abilities such as social, academic, sport and cultural activities. As part of the international CECyTEG Youngsters Network plan, members rearrange all learnt abilities at international experiences like congresses, cultural exchanges with different cultures and workcamps. The main aim of CECyTEG Worldwide Volunteer Chapter Mexico is to improve leadership through long lasting projects and social activities to provide international experiences with Mexican and worldwide communities.

Location

León is the biggest city in Bajio area in Mexico. León has a large leather industry, making shoes, boots, belts, jackets, and other leather accessories for national and international markets. This city hosts important national and international events like “Feria Internacional de León”, Hannover Messe, International Balloon Festival and World Rally Championship and a lot of short time experiences in the city. During the visit, it will be possible to visit areas nearby such historic centre of the city, parks and monuments. There are malls and museums as well to visit during free time.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be staying at a facility provided by CECyTEG Highschool in a well-located place within the city. The facility is equipped with double rooms, several bathrooms, wifi, and recreational areas.

Requirements

This camp is open to everyone who is sensible and open minded. It is crucial for the participants to respect, open to learning and appreciate the conditions of a different culture.

Work

Participating in the everyday life of the Centre, mainly giving a hand with the maintenance of the place (cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning, helping with the carpentry or gardening on a rotating basis, etc.). Personal care of residents who might need it (such as helping out to get dressed) is also a possible task, but only if you really feel prepared for doing it. An important part of your stay will be socialising with the community of the centre. The presence of international volunteers in the centre brings "fresh air" to the limited social life of its residents. They will be curious about your country and your culture. It is a good idea to bring photos, music or any material which might enable you to present yourself and where you are coming from. It will be rare for them to speak other languages than Spanish. Therefore good knowledge of it is very recommended. You have to take into account that you will be living in a therapeutic community. Following the guidelines that will be given at the beginning of the workcamp (such as those concerning timetable, punctuality, relationship among residents and volunteers, telephone calls, not smoking or drinking...) is an essential part of the therapeutic approach. BASIDA kindly requests you to do so. A team of professionals will be always there to back you up. Do not hesitate to ask them for advice. We count on your understanding and sensibility. A workshop on drugs and HIV, socio-medical approach: “Course on Comprehensive care for people in social exclusion”, is organised during the first week.

Partner

BASIDA is an NGO that provides medical and psychosocial support to HIV-positives, drug addicted people and others with special needs. Since 1990, it has opened three centres; all of them run by a multi-professional voluntary staff. One of these three centres is located in Aranjuez, a village located in Madrid County. The physical and psychological recovery as well as the social rehabilitation of Basida residents are being achieved thanks to close teamwork focused on proving to them that someone really cares for them. The Basida team tries to help those attending the centre, who for a long time have only experienced social exclusion, to regain hope and self-esteem. For more information you can take a look at BASIDA´s web page: www.basida.org. Precisely this camp has already taken place a few times. The experience has been very positive for everyone.

Location

Trips to Aranjuez (a nice historical town), Toledo and Madrid will be possible one day in the week. Though the agenda will be very busy, you will certainly have every day a bit of time for yourself and surely on Sundays. Since the residents have limited permission to leave the Centre for recreational purposes, you would prove your solidarity towards them to check with the Director when it is more convenient to leave the Centre.

Accomodation

In the Centre there are rooms with beds for the volunteers. Meals will be taken with the residents in the common dining-room. There is also an outdoor swimming-pool and other sport facilities.

Requirements

Nationals: 40€ (extra fee) Let us know your allergies Spanish language is recommended

Meeting point

(Pending to confirm in the infosheet exact location) The 16th of July in Navahondilla at 19.00 o'clock, we will pick you up from there.