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.

A sustainable income for farmers and nutritious, affordable food for everyone. This is what Rikolto works for. We reach our goals by building bridges between smallholder farmer organisations, companies, authorities and other actors across rural and urban areas. Together, we create innovative ways of accessing, distributing and producing nutritious, quality food, so no one is left behind. Through our global network, we wish to inspire others to tackle with us the inter-related challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and economic inequality. Because a better world starts on our plate. Our communication is a key part of the puzzle: we show how Rikolto – in partnership with other organisations – is tackling the above-mentioned issues by proposing innovative and inclusive solutions. We aim for a communication that embodies the power of partnerships and collaboration, not a traditional view on “development cooperation”.

- Accommodation in an independent accommodation with a private bedroom and bathroom, a shared kitchen and sitting area. There is also a (partly public) garden attached to the accommodation. The accommodation is situated in a small village in the neighbourhood of Leuven. The commute by public transport to the project will take more or less 40 minutes; by bike it takes 20 minutes. - You will receive a monthly allowance of 250 euro. - Cost for water, heating and electricity (37 euro) are paid by the volunteer through the monthly allowance. - Rikolto provides a bus subscription or bike

- Pre-and post orientation, provided by the supporting organisation; - On Arrival and Mid-Term Orientation, provided by the Flemish National Agency; - On the job training by professionals.

The Participant profile: Skills and attitude needed for this position: • excellent communication and social skills. • resourceful, well organised and can work efficiently. • creative and willing to implement bold ideas, • know your way around current information and communication technologies. • interested in sustainability and the link with food. • strong affinity with Rikolto’s values: people, sustainability, open dialogue, innovation, interconnectivity and integrity. • positive attitude that is focused on win-win solutions. • act with integrity and respect others. • you are able to constructively challenge yourself and others. • you are willing to learn and share lessons learnt. • good knowledge of English. Knowledge of French and Spanish comes in handy, but is not a must. • you have a strong motivation to learn Dutch
Deadline: 27/10/2025 23:59

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.