Italy: ESC: Volunteering Summer Fest 2026

About the local hosting organization

New Wellness Education – APS was established in 2020 in Lecce, Italy, and has expanded its operations to two premises in the Cuneo province: Cortemilia since 2020 and Bergolo since 2022. The organization focuses on providing educational opportunities for local and international youth, including those who are NEET, young migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, with the support of international funding programs such as Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps as well as national programs such Garanzia Giovani, Fondo Sociale Europeo led and promoted by Agenzia Nazionale Politiche Attive Lavoro. The NGO's vision is to offer comprehensive education and promote wellbeing, aiming to enhance the mental, physical, and overall quality of life for both local and foreign youth. Our work covers various topics such as youth employability, sustainable practices, permaculture, cyber safety, digital education, entrepreneurial skills, and active participation in cultural, social, and educational aspects of communities. By focusing on education, wellbeing, and social engagement, the organization believes it can address significant social issues like unemployment and social exclusion while harnessing the creativity and spontaneity of young people for a better future in Europe. The strategic priorities of New Wellness Education – APS are categorized into three areas: Work Well, Learn Well, and Digital Wellbeing. These priorities are implemented through six pillars: Learning How to Learn, Art & Culture, Food, Relationship & Communication, Body & Self Awareness, and Environment & Space. The organization utilizes various methodologies such as online learning, trainings, youth exchanges, volunteering, disconnection camps, individual coaching, conferences, podcasts, and events to achieve their objectives. The key objectives of the organization include providing educational opportunities, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, fostering youth participation in social life, encouraging healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices, supporting young people in their professional careers, nurturing creativity and initiative, instilling a proactive attitude toward education, promoting European and universal values in education, incorporating non-formal learning practices, and enhancing the recognition and quality of youth work. New Wellness Education – APS has been actively engaged in organizing educational opportunities at different levels and forms, including training courses, international mobilities, volunteering, and events. We have received grants from programs such as Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps, and have successfully implemented several projects, including courses for NEET youth and young migrants, a free online learning project during the global pandemic, and a Solidarity Project (under European Solidarity Corps program) called "Learn Well - Educazione al Benessere." We have also established partnerships with local municipalities and private foundations in the Cuneo area, and their activities have involved approximately 400 youth in 2021, 2022 and 2023 at local and international levels. We have expertise in implementing: 2 Solidarity Projects under European Solidarity Corps program, 3 Learning Mobilities for Individuals under Key Action 1 (specifically 2 Youth Exchanges and 1 Mobility for Youth Workers), 1 Key Action 2 Small Scale Partnership Project, 2 Long Term Individual Activities under European Solidarity Corps program as hosting organization. 1 Team Activity under Volunteering Team in High Priority Areas (part of European Solidarity Corps program) as hosting organization. We are also active key partners in 3 projects funded by Fondazione Compagnia di San paolo with 2 municipalities and Fondazione Cassa Di Risparmio di Cuneo. We have our VAT number and provide our educational services to various national and international organisation, design services, coaching strategic planning and facilitation and training. The organization views youth mobilities as a significant starting point and remains committed to collaborating closely with international partners to further develop and implement these initiatives, recognizing their potential for positive impact and future growth. Our target audience is youth, municipalities, other NGOs, informal groups and other entities. We want to create and bring systemic changes with long-term effects and impact.

Presentation of the programme

For 25 days, become a volunteer in the beautiful village Bergolo, placed in a region of north Italy, Piedmont. Volunteers main tasks: Renovation works as scratching old paint from walls and repaint them, create furniture out of recycled wood, build flower beds and more. Promote health and wellness among local youth. Take care of green areas: Weeding pedestrian roads and other activities on green areas. Helping in the garden. Our approach is “can → do” applying the methods of non-formal learning, experiential learning and learning by doing. Volunteering experience is a full-time occupation, you will be involved in activities 35 hours/week

About the accomodation

During the project will encourage cooking vegan / vegetarian meals. We stand for the sustainable and mindful approach also when it comes to meals and believe that our participants will share our values and enjoy it with us. The choice is yours. The group will decide and plan the menu together. Travel is reimbursed according to the ESC limits. Accommodation: l‘Alveare Hostel, which offers a welcoming ambiance and a communal dining area, comfortable shared bedrooms with 2/3/4 beds, a well-equipped kitchen, laundry room, and public "Wi-Fi for EU" is available for anyone.

About the leisure activities

More information about the project: https://canva.link/6j5rpuz9q7dqdpo

Requirements

The Participant profile: Your age is from 18 to 30. You are resident in one of programme countries with no visa needed to enter Italy. You like life simplicity, outdoor activities, crafts and gardening, you’re looking for nature retreat and village-style peaceful environment. You want to live for 25 days in a rural environment in Italy, discover the local area and get to know its inhabitants. You want to improve your practical and manual skills, your group work competencies and your sense of initiative.Deadline: 30/06/2026 00:00