Poland: ESC: ESC Long Therm Project-Behind the Scenes of Culture Centres&Libraries

About the local hosting organization

The Regional Volunteer Center in Gdańsk has been operating since 1997 and is a non-profit organization, based on equal cooperation, professionalism and social commitment. Our goal is to disseminate the idea of ​​volunteering and civic activity for organizations, institutions and people as well as comprehensive supporting people and institutions interested in such activity. We also want to change the definition of volunteering in society's mentality so that it is associated not only with the area of ​​social welfare, but also with other areas, and additionally with the development and benefits for the volunteers themselves. Our mission directs our activities to build a civil society that is active, participatory, based on the principles of equality and solidarity. We try to reach the inhabitants of Gdańsk and the surrounding area, regardless of their age, gender, education or social position. Since 2001, we have been an independent association operating within the nationwide Network of Volunteer Centers. At the turn of the years, we have implemented projects focusing on the activation of local communities and projects aimed at changing the perception of volunteering and volunteering from activities for social assistance into conscious citizenship. We are the only organization of this type in Gdańsk and the only organization supporting voluntary work in the regional area. For activities in the region, we received a distinction in the competition for the best non-governmental organization 2011 - Award of the President of the City of Gdańsk Lech Bądkowski, the main prize (2012) in the Civic Society Category - the Amber Mieczyk Award for the best NGO in the province. Pomeranian Voivodeship and the main prize in the Competition for the best non-governmental organization 2012 - Award of the President of the City of Gdańsk Lech Bądkowski.

Presentation of the programme

Spend up to 12 months in Kielce and gain valuable international experience while living abroad. This project takes place in cultural centres and libraries, where you’ll support the organisation of creative workshops, cultural and themed evenings, community events, and activities for children, teenagers, adults. You’ll work alongside experienced staff, help prepare events from behind the scenes, and discover how cultural institutions operate on a daily basis. This is much more than volunteering.it’s a chance to develop communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, organisation, and problem-solving skills through real hands-on experience. What makes this project truly stand out are the exclusive workshops available only for participants: self-defense training, first aid courses, and communication and assertiveness workshops led by a psychologist. These practical, real-life skills are rarely offered in volunteering projects and will stay useful long after.

About the accomodation

3–4 person shared flats, each volunteer has a private, shared kitchen, bathroom, and living space close to the city centre or well-connected by public transport. You’ll receive a city transport card. Pocket money: €6 per day Food allowance: €3.28 per day (enough for groceries at the most popular discount stores) Accommodation: fully covered Local transport: free city card provided Travel reimbursement: up to the limit based on distance – check your limit: ESC distance calculator Henner insurance Visa support

About the leisure activities

In addition to your daily activities at your workplaces (schools, nurseries, cultural centres), you will also take part in workshops and activities such as self-defence and first aid, communication training, sports events, cooking workshops, intercultural evenings, and ESC trainings (On-Arrival and Mid-Arrival). This is an individual project, but it will be carried out together with around 20 volunteers. You will form a team, meet regularly, and participate in workshops and integration activities together.

Requirements

The Participant profile: -No specific knowledge, skills, or previous experience are required – all necessary competences can be developed during the project. -Ability to work in a multicultural environment. -Flexibility and creativity. -Openness and a positive attitude. -Motivation to promote solidarity. -Commitment to project activities. -Ability to build relationships within a group. -Good communication skills and sociability. P.S. Participants are welcome regardless of gender, beliefs, preferences, or level of education. However, volunteers must be able to stay for the full duration of the project. Project launch: August–September.Deadline: 17/07/2026 12:00