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.

In line with the European Youth Strategy, the general aim of the project is to foster the participation, empowerment, social and civic engagement of young people by promoting and facilitating connections, relationships, and the exchange of experiences across cultures. The project will engage a diverse group of young volunteers from various European countries in non-formal education activities aimed at promoting social inclusion for people with fewer opportunities. Main activities will include: • Mental health education and wilderness therapy • Sports, leisure, and recreational activities • Intercultural and intergenerational workshops All activities will be implemented in Oristano, a town located on the west coast of Sardinia (Italy), providing a unique environment rich in natural and cultural heritage.

Volunteers will be accommodated in a private apartment offering comfortable double rooms and shared facilities, including a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Each volunteer will receive a daily allowance of €11.00 (covering both pocket money and food expenses) to support their living costs and any additional personal expenses during the project. Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with the European Commission’s distance band calculator, based on the distance between the place of residence and Oristano.

• General Online Training and Linguistic Support • Pre-departure Training • On-arrival Training • Task-related Training specific to the activities of the project • Non-formal education sessions focused on soft skills development, including conflict management, team building, and problem solving • Additional training opportunities related to the thematic areas of the project

The Participant profile: We are looking for volunteers aged 18–30 who are open-minded and motivated to engage in meaningful intercultural experiences. Ideal candidates will have: • Good social and communication skills • An empathetic attitude and positive energy • Flexibility and adaptability in diverse situations • A genuine interest in learning from challenges and contributing to the community • Motivation to support one another and cooperate towards a shared purpose • An interest in sports, outdoor activities, and promoting a healthy lifestyle • Motivation to volunteer with children and support their inclusion and well-being • Sensitivity and willingness to engage with people experiencing mental health difficulties, promoting respect, inclusion, and empowerment
Deadline: 18/07/2025 12:00

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.