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.

Volunteers will be involved in a wide range of activities, divided into three main areas. Each volunteer will choose a specific area in which to work, becoming part of a dedicated team and working closely with the project tutor and the GruCA team. 1. CREATIVITY AND MANUAL ACTIVITIES, 2. CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, 3. DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION, In addition to the main activities, all volunteers will take part in a number of cross-cutting activities that represent key moments of exchange, shared responsibility, and participation in community life: Support in the Solidarity Emporium which collects and distributes essential goods and second-hand clothing to support people with disabilities, Organization and promotion of creative recycling workshops at the Solidarity Emporium and at the Ecomuseum, Shared management of the GruCA Organic Garden, Collaboration in the activities in Spazio Altrove, a youth centre, Support during public events or special days.

Here, volunteers will have the rare opportunity to live inside an eco-museum: every house, every street, every garden is part of a collective narrative, of a living heritage made up of relationships, memory, and sustainability. The structure consists of three small houses with separate entrances, but with shared common spaces that encourage community life and social exchange. The common areas include a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living room, and a bathroom with a laundry area. Each house/accommodation hosts two volunteers in two connected rooms that share a private bathroom.

The Participant profile: We are looking for curious, motivated volunteers who are excited to grow in a stimulating, dynamic, and constantly evolving cultural and human context. The project takes place in a community environment where collaboration, creativity, and openness to change are essential. Volunteers will not replace qualified staff but will contribute to enhancing, enriching, and expanding activities thanks to their own ideas, skills, and perspectives, actively participating in co-design. Volunteering will always be carried out without profit, solely for the purpose of supporting the local community.
Deadline: 18/08/2025 19:34

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.