France: ESC: Engagement volontaire au sein de la ludothèque de Castres

About the local hosting organization

Our association La Ludothèque Castraise, La Lud’Oc is a non-profit association under the 1901 law. Our usual area of ​​intervention is in Castres. We are located near the city center but we also welcome members of the South Tarn. 250 families and structures join the Game Library each year, which has a stock of 2,500 various and varied games and toys for all ages. Our 300 m² premises belong to the municipality of Castres. Goal : - Make a large number of games and toys accessible to everyone - Stimulate a sense of responsibility and inter-age and inter-district dialogue with games or toys as a support for relationships - Make everyone better aware of the games and toys of the past as well as those of today, in France or elsewhere The Game Library currently manages: - Leisure center The toy library welcomes children from 3 to 12 years old on Wednesdays, and every day during school holidays from 7.45 am to 6.30 pm with or without meals. - Evening reception The toy library welcomes school children from 3 to 12 years old every evening, outside school holidays, in order to offer educational support. - Rental of games and toys The toy library is also a place where you can rent games and toys for everyone at an affordable price. We offer our members a panel of 2,500 games and toys. - Reception of structures and private games on site. -Handilud’Oc service for people with disabilities.

Presentation of the programme

The ”Ludothèque Castraise” is a non-profit association whose main objective is to make a large number of toys and games available to everybody and to convey certain values through this like respect for cultural diversity. The association offers various services; including the "cité du jeu" (an animation space with more than 2500 games and toys) and a leisure center which welcomes children from 3 to 12 years old during school vacations and every Wednesday. We offer to 2 volunteers to participate for twelve months in the life of the association. They will be part of the team which takes care of the children, and they will have the opportunity to set up their own personal project within the objectives of the association. The presence of volunteers supports our objectives and reinforces the European dimension and the values of solidarity that we promote. With this project we want to make Europe and cultural diversity more accessible. For more info: www.laludoc.wordpress.com/volonariat

About the accomodation

You will be accommodated in a shared flat with other volunteers, including single bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a fully equipped living room. Each month, you will receive 435€-449.50€ (pocket money and meals). You will prepare your own meals, except on Wednesdays and during school holidays when lunch is taken with the children. Local buses are free, regional buses cost €2, bicycles are available, and carpooling with the team is possible depending on the activities and organisational needs.

About the leisure activities

Training will be provided upon arrival to introduce the association, its structure, and the activities of the ludothèque. Volunteers will be gradually supported in leading activities with children, learning to manage games, and developing educational sessions. Throughout the placement, regular guidance, feedback sessions, and team meetings will be provided. Additional training may also be offered within the European Solidarity Corps framework to support personal development, intercultural learning, and the implementation of the volunteer’s own project.

Requirements

The Participant profile: It is desirable that the profile of the volunteer meets certain criteria. Candidates should: - have a basic level in French - be available throughout the project duration of 12 months - be open to new experiences - want to contribute to the association with their own ideas - has had an experience with children from 3 to 12 years old and want to work with children of this age - have a passion for board games - have an interest in cultural and artistic activities - be motivated to accomplish a personal project in line with the associative project - be able to live in a shared flaDeadline: