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 seeks 2 motivated volunteers. Insieme is a social cooperative in Vicenza (Italy) promoting job inclusion for people in vulnerable situations, circular economy, and environmental protection. Its motto: “giving a second chance to people and things”.Through an inclusive circular model, it collects and reuses clothes, furniture, books, and other items—reselling,repairing,or recycling them to reduce waste.The project runs from September 2025 to September 2026.Volunteers must commit for the full period and will work approx. 27 hours/week (Monday to Saturday).Each volunteer may support up to two areas,based on their interests,skills,and organizational needs.Activities involve working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., with mild mental disabilities or experiences of addiction, detention, or migration) in educational and rehabilitation paths. Volunteers won’t manage activities alone but will be supported by staff and integrated into the team.

Volunteers will be hosted in shared apartments in Vicenza, together with participants from two other ESC projects (a total of 6 people). The apartments are well connected by public transport. Bedrooms will be shared, with gender separation ensured. 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 10–499 km; 309€ for 500–1999 km)/A bicycle and public transport tickets for local mobility/Coverage of any visa-related costs, if applicable

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, proactive, and motivated volunteers who are eager to experience life in a social cooperative committed to inclusion, sustainability, and circular economy. The ideal candidate is curious about social work and environmental topics, and ready to get involved both manually and relationally. Previous experience in volunteering, social work, or environmental education is welcome but not required. What matters most is a hands-on attitude, the willingness to learn, to work in a team, and to contribute to the cooperative’s mission with empathy and flexibility. The candidate should be motivated to spend 12 months in a foreign country, interested in circular economy and social inclusion, and able to adapt to a new environment. A basic knowledge of Italian or at least of English is required to facilitate communication and integration.
Deadline: 31/08/2025 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.