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.

APPLICATION FORM FIND HERE: https://forms.gle/o1rN5bkjSWW15GCz9 DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU WANT TO BE SELECTED! The project will bring together 5 volunteers working as a volunteering team and engage them in maintaining urban school gardens in partner primary schools (the aim to learn and teach about natural gardening and ecology), organizing Garden festivals, and environmental actions - cleaning needed local and school areas. Volunteers will promote topics such as environmental protection and the promotion of volunteering. !INFO PACK OF THE PROJECT find here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kbJ8eU-RRp4BE7bq-CdIT3-BrSJbaim_/view?usp=sharing

Volunteers will be accommodated in a local hostel in shared rooms with other volunteers, shared bathrooms and a kitchen. Volunteers will be provided with vegetarian/vegan food for lunch to promote vegetarianism (by taking part in the vegetarian or vegan challenge). The hosting organisation will cover the costs of travel, accommodation, food, local transportation and activities. The travel costs of participants will be covered up to the maximum travel costs for a country according to the European Solidarity Corps rules.

Volunteers will participate in the following training activities: on-arrival training; gardening training; behaving in schools; personal project preparation; Youthpass and 8-Key Competences etc. Introduction to Croatian Language (basic expression and vocabulary), vegetarianism.!

The Participant profile: We are looking for honestly motivated, proactive volunteers (from 18-30 years) who want to learn about natural gardening, organise Garden festivals, clean the school environment, and aren't afraid of physical work outside, insects, getting dirty or wet etc. No prior experience is required. This project is for you if you are interested in some of the following subjects: environment, sustainability, vegetarianism, veganism, healthy diet and lifestyles in general, and volunteering. Communicative English is required. We are looking for people who can fully participate in this mobility!
Deadline: 12/07/2025 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.