FPD was founded in 2009, thanks the Regional Governament which granted its foundation on the basis of the activities planned for the social development of the regional rural areas. It is a non-profit regional civil organization, made by young and senior people. It's mission is to promote and facilitate the development of rural areas of the Puglia Region, thanks to the implementation of projects concerning volunteering, youth, social inclusion, environment protection, sustainable development, promotion of the importance of biodiversity, organic farming, nature and sport and outdoor activities. FPD focuses its attention on European mobility, both for the personal development of its single members and for the growth of local partner organizations at International level. The main target group is youth under 35 y.o., but the organization also works with senior people. Both the categories have in common the fact they are made of disadvantaged people from rural areas. The young people are mainly NEET, which means FPD offers them several opportunities to learn, be trained and educated at local and European level in order to enrich their curricula and get more chances for their job-placement or self-employment. FPD cooperates with several Public and Private entities at all levels, such as: a) Municipality of Taurisano (IT) - FPD cooperates in the organization of local events in several fields (waste collection, Music festivals, youth participation in decision making processes, cultural activities, music events, photo exhibitions....); b) Province of Lecce (IT) – FPD had a project concerning young people's involvement in local initiatives concerning ecology and biological food, re-use of different materials and recycle of waste; c) Region of Puglia (IT) – FPD cooperates with its Region on projects concerning promotion of natural resources of rural areas; d) Several EU NGOs are partners in the implementation of Youth Exchanges, Youth and Democracy projects, Training Courses, seminars, workshops, volunteering activties in different fields. What is more, FPD is member of numerous European Networks financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme, for the valorization of the EU Cultural Heritage (tangible, intangible, digital and natural), the promotion of Youth Mobility for learning, training, working, studying and volunteering abroad, the active participation (mainly digital participation) at EU level of youth and seniors.

It is a personalised support program for volunteers with fewer opportunities. We will give them more focus and time communicating in an effort to understand and meet their special needs. We will cultivate self-knowledge and acceptance and adaptation in the community or in society, we will help to gain experience and learn something new through non-formal learning. Also we offer yoga classes in which a person can know themselves more, calm the mind, adjust the organs and hormones activity, exercise the body and feel the fullness of the soul. Especially in such unpredictable and turbulent times as it is now, this is becoming an increasingly important issue not only for Europe but for all people of the world. The principles used in the yoga system are closely related to the values that the ESC upholds. This is self-education, non-violence, concentration, justice, cleanliness, satisfaction with what you have, willfulness, and the pursuit of a healthy diet.

Single or double room sleeping arrangements with shared shower/toilet facilities. There are guest rooms and sleeping places in the inspiring peaceful atmosphere to take the necessary time out, to process the new impressions and to recharge the inner batteries. We serve our guests made with love freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan food daily. All necessary local travels can be done by bike or by car with our drivers. On arrival and departure we drive them to the train station or airport and we also arrange their tickets.

Throughout the year various seminars are held by community members or many renowned experts and experienced international teachers. Topics range from yoga to mantra chanting, from astrology to coaching and mediation and practical courses such as Ayurvedic cooking classes, sustainable gardening and beekeeping. Daily/weekly: food processing, waste management, guest-care, guiding local tours, mentoring WorkAway volunteers, organising youth gatherings, painting, sewing, embroidery, recycling of old clothes, drama, singing and playing musical instruments, flower decorations, hatha-yoga, bhakti-yoga

The Participant profile: The only interest we have, in this part of the process, is to make sure as much as possible to accept participants that we think will enjoy their solidarity with us, according to their interests, enthusiasm, and motivation. The main basis of the selection criteria is the background interest and/or experience in particular topics and activities.
Deadline: 28/02/2026 22:00

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

• Training before and after the project
• Health insurance during your project
• round-trip travel reimbursement
• accommodation and food
• pocket money
• language course
• Return Week-end
• Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.