Lithuania: ESC: Volunteer at Kaunas Region Social Service Center - Hands to Help, Hearts for Community

About the local hosting organization

The non-governmental organization "Actio Catholica Patria" (A.C. Patria) is active in Kaunas since 1991 and offers social and cultural services for young people aged from 14 to 30 years. We consult and provide training to other organizations and individuals about volunteering and open youth work. Our main aim is to support young people in becoming responsible, self-confident, socially sensitive and active citizens. We strive to contribute to the development of the concept and the condition of volunteering in Lithuania; to provide social services to young people; to provide information, consultation and training to individuals and legal entities; and to help youngsters to integrate into the labor market. We work towards these aims in our four centers: The Volunteer Center, the Open Youth Center "Vartai", the Youth Empowerment Center "Kitaip" and the Methodical Center. The employees of A.C. Patria, are constantly improving/enriching activities to ensure the quality of services provided. We aim at being pro-active in the search of new forms of work using different methods in order to meet the social needs of youth of different age groups and correspond to the changes in our society.

Presentation of the programme

The center was established to support children with disabilities and meet the needs of their families. Our services are provided to children aged 7–18 with intellectual, physical, and multiple disabilities, as well as psychological developmental disorders. During the day, children are supported by staff through a variety of engaging activities such as sports, creative arts, and everyday life skills. Together, they learn, develop, and discover new abilities in a safe and supportive environment. Our main goal is to enrich children’s lives by strengthening their skills, knowledge, emotions, and unique strengths. TASKS: Assist children with disabilities in daily activities such as sports, arts, music, games, and life skills. Communicate with children using English, Lithuanian, or non-verbal methods, ensuring their individual needs are met and building supportive relationships. After getting familiar with the center, the volunteer will lead a weekly group activity.

About the accomodation

A private room in a shared flat with other international volunteers ; public transport card ; monthly food and pocket money ️.

About the leisure activities

Mid-term training On-arrival training Monthly volunteer meetings Language classes (optional)

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for a caring, patient, and motivated volunteer interested in working with children with disabilities. The volunteer should be open-minded, responsible, and willing to support children in daily activities such as sports, arts, music, games, and life skills. Good communication skills are important, including English and non-verbal communication (gestures, body language). No experience is required, but empathy, creativity, and a positive attitude are essential. An interest in inclusive work and social care is an advantage.Deadline: