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.

The ESC volunteering opportunity with Gramigna APS in Torrecuso, Italy, focuses on social and environmental sustainability in rural areas. Volunteers will engage in activities like non-formal education, community research, sustainable agriculture (e.g., grape/olive oil production), and communication tasks. They’ll also support local initiatives, workshops, and youth projects, collaborating with partners on gender-based violence prevention, cultural festivals, and after-school programs. Benefits include skill development in sustainability, agriculture, and public speaking, along with Italian language classes. Volunteers receive housing, pocket money, and travel reimbursement. The project seeks passionate individuals aged 18–30, open to rural living and community work.

Volunteers will stay in an independent house shared with just 1 other volunteer, each with a private single room. The house includes a fully equipped kitchen, creative spaces, and a garden to grow their own vegetables. Each volunteer receive 350€/month pocket money, more than enough, as Torrecuso offers easy access to fresh, seasonal food at affordable prices (local markets, farms, and shops). The town is well-connected: 15-min bus rides to Benevento (all services) and direct links to Naples (1.5h), Rome, and beyond. Bikes/local transport are also provided.

Volunteers will receive hands-on training in sustainable agriculture, including practical skills like olive harvesting, wine and olive oil production. They’ll also learn about workplace safety, multimedia content creation, co-desing of social initiatives and projects, and event/festival organization through local initiatives. By collaborating with Gramigna and partner organizations in Torrecuso and Benevento, volunteers will engage in social projects, workshops, and community events, gaining experience in youth empowerment, intercultural exchange, and rural development.

The Participant profile: We’re looking for a curious, motivated, and sustainability-driven volunteer eager to live in a rural setting and engage with the local community. The perfect candidate has a strong interest in sustainable agriculture (from vine cultivation to olive harvesting) and its social impact, with a creative mindset for developing innovative projects and solutions. The volunteer should be: Proactive and collaborative, ready to support local initiatives (youth workshops, cultural events, social campaigns); Creative, with an interest in multimedia communication (social media, video, storytelling) and project design; Adaptable and open-minded, excited to join Gramigna’s network and partner organizations to contribute to rural regeneration and inclusion. This role is perfect for those seeking a transformative experience, gaining hands-on skills, professional growth, and the chance to make a real impact in a small community.
Deadline: 15/09/2025 12:00

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.