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.

About 30 children - age 6 to 18 - attend the Freie schule Brigach. This school has an alternative educational offer: the students learn in groups of mixed ages and decide everyday by themselves what to learn and how. The concept meets at the same time the requirements of curriculums at state schools. Children experience democracy, while the teachers’ role is to give input and advices, support children on their own way of learning. Children are taught to work independently and self-responsible: teachers are not an authority who know everything, but someone who supports children in their process of learning. THis is a self-determined learning process. Volunteer activities: assistance during classes, supporting pupils at excursions, initiate personal projects. To know more about the project and to apply, follow this link: https://www.jugendwerk-awo.de/freiwilligendienste/esc-calls

Volunteers will get accommodated in a shared apartment with other young people in Villingen-Schwenningen (85.000 inhabitants), kitchen and bathroom are shared. Volunteers get a monthly amount of money for food. The volunteers receive a card to travel for free all around Germany. To know more about the project and to apply, follow this link: https://www.jugendwerk-awo.de/freiwilligendienste/esc-calls

In the beginning there will be trainings to welcome the volunteer and to clarify rights and responsibilities. There is continuous professional support for the volunteers, such as regular reflection talks: a neutral person from outside of the core group will lead these talks. To learn the language of the hosting country there is a weekly language training at the local adult education center. The volunteer will take part in two trainings of the National Agency in Germany and attend the On-Arrival-Seminar and the Midterm-Training.

The Participant profile: Volunteers should have an interest in educational work, especially in the concept of alternative teaching. We expect an open-minded perrson with an interest in our democratic & alternative school, as well as openness towards living in a rural area. In our school we support children to learn independently and self-responsible. The same we expect from the staff and from volunteers. Volunteers should be able to work in a team and should be interested to bring up own ideas & projects. To know more about the project and to apply, follow this link: https://www.jugendwerk-awo.de/freiwilligendienste/esc-calls
Deadline: 11/10/2025 23:57

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.