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.

This long-term ESC project is looking for 3 motivated volunteers. Hosted by Città Solidale, a social cooperative in Vicenza (northern Italy, near Venice), the project runs from September 2025 to September 2026. Volunteers must be available for the full duration. Città Solidale works with people with disabilities in residential communities, aiming to improve their quality of life and support autonomy and well-being. The organization offers both health assistance and personal/social development. Volunteers will support either an educational community (working with people with mild mental disabilities on personalized projects) or two assisted living communities (helping residents in daily and leisure activities and building interpersonal relationships, often beyond verbal communication).

Volunteers will be hosted in shared apartment in Vicenza, well connected by public transport. Each volunteer will have their own room, while the bathroom and kitchen are shared. Each volunteer will receive: A monthly allowance of 150€ for personal expenses ESC pocket money of 6€ per day Round-trip international travel covered according to the ESC distance bands (211€ for 100–499 km; 309€ for 500–1999 km) A bicycle and public transport tickets for local mobility Possible coverage of costs for the residence permit application and visa request

On-arrival training (1 week) Mid-term evaluation (4 days) Italian language course (3 hours per week) Workshops on social and environmental topics Training on being a European volunteer Introduction to the third sector in Italy, including what it means to be part of a cooperative

The Participant profile: We are looking for open-minded, empathetic, and motivated volunteers who are ready to spend 12 months in a foreign country working with people with disabilities and experiencing life in a social community. We particularly welcome candidates with a strong motivation to explore the field of social work and a genuine interest in spending time with the beneficiaries, participating in their daily activities, and supporting them through both practical and relational tasks. Flexibility, patience, and willingness to adapt to a new environment are essential. Previous experience — even informal or as a volunteer — in the social field is appreciated but not mandatory. A basic knowledge of Italian or at least of English is required to facilitate communication and integration.
Deadline: 30/08/2025 18:00

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.