Slovenia: ESC: Social and Street work

About the local hosting organization

Zavod Skala is a non-profit non-governmental organization that has been working in the field of youth street education since 1995. The Opportunity Center for Youth and Children presents and establishes a safe environment where there is a balance between learning, creativity, physical exercise and personal growth. The target group are children, young people and families of 1st or 2nd generation immigrants from the former republics of Yugoslavia. In addition to them, we also want to address all other young people who live in the area of Kodeljevo, Moste, Fužine and Štepanjsko naselje. Programs: 1. SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM MINIBUS VESELJA represents field street work that offers quality and active leisure time (various workshops, quizzes, tournaments, ..) and opens up the possibility of involvement in other activities. SKALA DAY CENTER offers elementary school students help with homework and studying, as well as leisure activities such as cooking workshops, trips, talks, creative and other workshops. 2. SALESIAN YOUTH CENTER The program is part of the network of youth centers in Ljubljana. It is intended for young people from 13 to 30 years old, offering various leisure activities. 3. FUSKABO CIRCUS SCHOOL He works in the field of circus pedagogy, whereby his mission is to discover, strengthen and develop personal and creative potential through circus arts. Throughout the year, we organize various events for all families and holiday programs as well as summer camps by Kolpa.

Presentation of the programme

Our organization has 4 main units: Daily center, Youth center and Mobile youth center (Minibus of Joy) and Cirkus Fuskabo. The volunteers will have the opportunity to support first three units: Daily center and Youth center activities, including learning sessions, workshops, outdoor activities and games. They will assist in organizing and running creative, social, and recreational workshops for children and youth and join outreach activities with the mobile youth center (Minibus of Joy) and engage with young people. Also occasionally contribute to events, holiday programs, and join us at summer camps, supporting preparation and implementation.

About the accomodation

Zavod Skala offers volunteers an apartment in the immediate vicinity of the volunteering location. Each volunteer will have a room with its own bathroom (shower, toilet), and will share a kitchen with other volunteers. That's why volunteers are also allowed to use the "office" , day care center or youth center. Each month, we will give you your ESC pocket money €5 per day and €250 allowance per month. Zavod Skala pays for your accommodation and house bills.

About the leisure activities

Our National Agency organizes two ESC trainings: the On-arrival Training (autumn) and the Mid-term Training (spring). Volunteers are invited to attend both as part of their ESC experience. Volunteers also meet regularly with the coordinator and an adviser to discuss personal goals, motivation, challenges, and other life topics. Several times a year, we organize joint meetings for staff, trainers and volunteers, offering additional option for sharing and learning inside the team.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for motivated and responsible young people who enjoy working with children and youth (ages 5–18) and are interested in creative and non-formal learning. Volunteers should be open-minded, patient, and willing to actively participate in our activities and teamwork. An interest in social or youth work is important; previous experience or education in the field is an asset but not required.Deadline: 30/06/2026 23:59