The main aim of Windmill Tree Foundation is to support and promote holistic and sustainable development. By "holistic" we mean physical, mental, social human development. By "sustainable" we understand the re-integration of society with nature, art, economics. Our target groups : young people, children, middle-aged and elderly people. We pay special attention to young people with fewer opportunities. We mainly focus on geographical (coming from rural areas, disadvantaged regions), economic (coming from dysfunctional families) and those related to disability (we have experience with motor, visual and mild mental disabilities (like autism, Down syndrome) obstacles Actually, inclusion is kind of the "background music" of all our activities. We strongly believe that true, holistic and sustainable development of society is only possible if all its members are actively involved in this process. The idea behind all our activities is that they are accessible to everyone. Our geographical coverage on a national scale is the entire region of the Izera Mountains. The Foundation is registered in the town of Leśna, where we run the Day Care Centre and co-found the Community Centre. On an international level - the Foundation works mainly with the Erasmus + program. We are planning to expand our activities with the European Solidarity Corps, Visegrad Fund and Norwegian Funds. Spheres of activities : those "fields" that we believe most support sustainable and holistic development: arts and culture, sports/outdoor activities, mixed-ability activities, social entrepreneurship. Our main objectives: - supporting, promoting and implementing non-formal and informal education; - improving the quality of youth work, social work - by introducing creative, innovative approaches, exchange of experiences and good practices; - Promoting sustainable development on all levels - local, national, international; - Activating young people from rural areas; - Supporting and promoting cooperation between societies of EU, Eastern Partnership and other countries - Promoting and organizing intercultural, inter-religious and inter-generational exchange; - Support, promote and implementation of mixed-ability activities; Our Foundation, although young, has among its members experienced people. As freelancers, trainers, project coordinators and local activists we live and work in the Izery mountains region for more than 7 years - and since 2019 under the umbrella of Windmill Tree Foundation. We are international team, which brings together people from Poland as well as activists from Belarus, Germany, Ukraine, who have moved to Poland and are currently living and working in the region of Jizera Mountains.

We have a beautiful opportunity for you to step out into the local community and make a real difference! Mandala – our democratic school in Jelenia Góra –is here to support amazing local and international initiatives right here in our city. We’re looking for volunteers like you – open-hearted, creative, supportive – to help us run activities, support families, organize events, and be present for people from different cultures and life experiences. This is your chance to live the Mandala values of freedom, respect, and solidarity outside the school walls and be part of something meaningful. And yes — you’ll gain new skills to boost your CV, from project support and teamwork to intercultural communication and self-organization. You’ll receive a Youthpass certificate at the end that formally recognises your learning and development. Infopack https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/search?q=mandala

What’s provided? ️ Accommodation () will be arranged by our foundation - a shared flat for 2 volunetees 2 separate bedrooms and shared kitchen, bathroom Local transport expenses will be reimbursed within the project Training and guidance will be provided before and during the volunteering period – we will support you every step of the way!

The Participant profile: We are looking for open-minded, committed, and community-oriented young people who want to make a difference while gaining experience and learning through practice. The project is part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme and is hosted by Fundacja Windmill Tree in Jelenia Góra, Poland. Basic Requirements: Age: 18–30 years old Country of residence: ESC Programme or Partner Country Available for the full duration of the project Ready to live and volunteer in a small city (Jelenia Góra) Ideal Candidate: Is motivated to help others, especially children, youth, and people with migrant backgrounds Is curious, respectful, and open to different cultures and lifestyles Has good communication skills or is willing to improve them Enjoys working in creative, community, or educational settings Can take initiative, be responsible, and work both independently and in a team Is willing to learn Polish or practice English No professional experience is required! We value your attitude, energy, and willingness to grow over formal qualifications. All necessary training will be provided during the project (including On-Arrival and Mid-Term trainings, mentoring, language support, and practical workshops). ️ Desirable (but not required) skills/interests: Interest in education, social work, integration, youth work, intercultural activities Artistic or creative hobbies (e.g. music, visual arts, theatre, storytelling) Digital/media skills (e.g. photography, graphic design, social media)
Deadline: 13/07/2025 23:54

On-Arrival Training: An official introduction to volunteering in Poland, your rights and responsibilities. ️ Mid-Term Meeting: A reflection retreat halfway through your project — a space to reconnect, share, learn, and reset. Inner Courses & Workshops: Offered by the Mandala team and partner trainers — from nonviolent communication and mindfulness, to facilitation, storytelling, working with children and intercultural dialogue. OLS (Online Language Support): You’ll receive access to the European Commission’s online platform to learn Polish also offline lectures

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.