Estonia: ESC: Small Actions, Big Impact: ESC Volunteering at Centre for Children at Risk in Tallinn, Estonia

About the local hosting organization

Shelter for Mothers and Children is one of 13 units in Tallinn Children's Home. Tallinn Children's Home opened its doors on the 1st of January 2001 being a mixed-care social welfare institution in Tallinn, offering various services to about 300 children in a year. Shelter for Mothers and Children began its activity on the 1st of July 2003. The shelter provides assistance and protection for mothers with their children whose life or health is at risk in their place of residence. The main objective for the shelter is to protect mothers and children but also to help mothers to get back their self-confidence and independence. The average time spent in the shelter has been 3.5 months whereas the longest period has been 11 months. Reasons for seeking assistance is mainly due to problems with housing, family relations and domestic violence. Shelter for Mothers and Children is situated in Tallinn, in the district of Nõmme. Nõmme is about 20 minutes away by bus from the historical center of Tallinn. This area is surrounded of big park and forest, which is a beautiful sight every time of the year. In the shelter there are 7 rooms, most of them are shared ones, ment for 2 mothers with their kids. There also are 2 big common areas with fully equipped kitchen, tv area and space for kids to play. In the common area volunteer can find a lot of interesting stuff for activities: different games, toys, papers and colors for drawing or painting, TV with DVD player etc. So everything depends on a volunteer, what she/he wants to do, how active she/he can involve children in her/his activities. We are welcoming one volunteer, who will use all her/his motivation and skills to make children's life more interesting and mothers' daily life easier.

Presentation of the programme

Tallinn Center for Children at Risk supports children without parental care or facing behavioral and substance abuse issues. It operates two shelters—Lilleküla and Männi—in Tallinn. Children arrive due to neglect, family violence, poverty, or similar challenges, usually referred by police or child protection workers. A team of social workers and a nurse provides care in a safe environment. Volunteers support staff by organizing activities, teaching languages, presenting their culture, and engaging in outings with the children. The role brings intercultural learning and fresh energy to the center’s routine. Volunteers work mainly Tue–Sat, with occasional Sundays. Personal initiative, flexibility, and teamwork are highly valued. Living and working in this environment offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to children's wellbeing and personal growth. FOR MORE INFO & HOW TO APPLY: https://estyes.ee/en/projects/tallinn-centre-for-children-at-risk-lillekula-shelter/

About the accomodation

Volunteers will be provided with suitable accommodation conveniently located near their respective hosting organisation. Accommodation will typically be in a shared apartment or hostel, furnished with essential items. Rooms may be private or shared, depending on availability, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Volunteers receive €5/day pocket money and additional €7/day food allowance, managing their own meals. International travel is reimbursed based on set travel budget and task related local transport is covered to full extent.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will take part in the ESC training cycle organized by the Estonian National Agency, which focuses on personal development and intercultural learning. Additionally, the coordinating organisation arranges hikes and other activities for volunteers throughout the service period, providing opportunities for social interaction.

Requirements

The Participant profile: - Ready to work with children and youngsters and have enough patience - Ready to understand and accept that the children/youngsters often come from difficult family and social background - Friendly and open-minded - Courage to take initiative - Playful - Optimistic - Responsible - Ability to speak Russian language is a big help, as this is the native language of many children in the Shelter.Deadline: