Associação Social Recreativa Juventude de Vila Fonche/Juventude was founded on December 6, 1976, with its headquarters in Vila Fonche, Arcos de Valdevez, Viana do Castelo, located in northern Portugal. The main objective of the association is, from the beginning, the occupation of leisure time for young people as well as that of the entire community. In this spirit, in the eighties, national and international exchanges between various associations, which occurred mainly in the summer, emerged as a primary activity. Several projects were carried out, inside and outside the country, giving young people the opportunity to get to know other countries and other cultures, which although located in Europe, were still unknown. These types of projects were built so that each young person could not only participate but also take responsibility for the organization of National and International Work Camps, exchanges, summer camps, and sports fields and, in so doing, live and develop your capabilities. In addition to international projects for young people, the association also has, as social responses, a Kindergarten, and a Leisure Activities Center. The Youth Center, located in the village of Arcos de Valdevez, appears to respond to the needs of the community and its young people, occupying their free time and helping them in their personal and social formation. Pousadinha, accommodation center, supports the performance of our activities and is also used by groups or individuals wishing to stay there. The association is committed to the integral development of children and young people, seeking to make them more active citizens in their communities. The association is represented, locally, in various entities/organizations that work on social issues, such as the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth at Risk, the Local Social Network, the Municipal Council of Education, the Local Council for Social Action and we have a sense of the need to work with young people, children and their families in a more appealing way, raising awareness of the opportunities that are available to everyone and that promote the true inclusion of children and young people with fewer opportunities. Since the end of 2018, the Association has been a Eurodesk Multiplier Center, which will be an asset for future projects.

MOVE - Motivation, Opportunities, Volunteering & Engagement is an in-country volunteering project taking place in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal, from 6 July to 2 September 2026. The project offers a young volunteer the opportunity to actively contribute to community life while developing personal, social and professional competences through practical experience. The volunteer will support summer activities for children and young people aged 6 to 15, collaborate in non-formal education workshops, recreational activities, local events, and community initiatives promoted by Associação Juventude Vila Fonche. The volunteer will also contribute to youth participation initiatives, communication activities, and the promotion of European opportunities among local young people. The volunteer will develop skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity, initiative, responsibility, leadership and problem-solving, while promoting solidarity, active citizenship, and community engagement.

Accommodation: Pousadinha (a small house that belongs to the organization). The volunteers may have to share the room (with another volunteer with the same gender). Food: Lunch and afternoon snacks during the week will be under the organization’s responsibility. For the rest of the meals, we will give 125€/month to each volunteer for groceries and/or restaurants. Pocket money: 6€/day given to the volunteers at the beginning of each month.

Pre-departure: provided by the support organization; Arrival training: provided by the Associação Juventude Vila Fonche.

The Participant profile: - 18 to 30 years; - dynamic; - creative; - able to work in a team; - open-minded; - sense of initiative; - able to adapt to new situations; - with a good level of Portuguese, Spanish, or English; - willing to work with youngsters and children; - willing to develop their activities; - good communication skills. The volunteer should be prepared to take part in all the steps of the volunteer process and assume the commitment to attend the duration of the project.
Deadline: 05/06/2026 11:59

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.