Latvia: ESC: VOLUNTEERING IN THE CAMPHILL MOVEMENT SOCIAL THERAPY VILLAGE IN LATVIA

About the local hosting organization

Camphill village „Rozkalni” is a social therapeutic home, village that was established in 1999. The village is a social community for people with special needs where they live a purposeful everyday life and feel like needed and valued members of society and give their contribution to its development. „Rozkalni” community consists of social workers, their families, adults, called villagers, that need special care and attention and who have certain developmental disabilities. Volunteers from all over world come and contribute with their work for a longer or shorter time period. Villagers work in the field doing different agricultural tasks – farming, gardening, including production of dairy products – fresh cheese, curds, sour cream. Farming in Rozkalni is being organized following biodynamic farming approach - a holistic, ecological, and ethical. During winter season villagers are actively engaged in different workshops like felting, knitting, tea and spice workshop, woodwork, etc. Most of the products produced by villagers are used by the community itself but some, like dairy products are also sold. Community is also very active in cultural life – attending local and national cultural activities as well as taking active part in music and arts lessons that are organized by coworkers in the village itself. The international Camphill movement consists of more than 100 communities in 22 countries. Camphill continues to work to create communities in which children, youth, and adults with special needs can live, learn, and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect.

Presentation of the programme

The participant, as a volunteer, is involved in the daily life and work of Camphill Rožkalni, carrying out various indoor and outdoor tasks within the premises of the organisation. These include activities in specialised workshops: dairy farming, gardening, papermaking, herbal tea and spice preparation, and assisting in food preparation, in accordance with the established volunteering schedule and activity plan. Other voluntary tasks may be planned depending on the needs of the organisation. All activities are carried out in cooperation and interaction with the staff and clients of Camphill Foundation “Rožkalni” – adult persons with intellectual disabilities. https://www.camphillrozkalni.lv/en/home/

About the accomodation

At the time of signing the agreement, the amount of pocket money is EUR 5.00 per day. The Organisation shall provide free accommodation within the Camphill Rožkalni community and three meals per day during the entire period of voluntary service. On weekends, holidays or other days when the participant is not at “Rožkalni”, the participant covers his/her own meals - These expenses are reimbursed monthly by submitting receipts to the organization by the 1st of the following month – up to 10 EUR per day. The organisation reimburses travel expenses to and from the activity location.

About the leisure activities

Organisation ensures the volunteer’s participation in On-arrival and Mid-term trainings, organised by the Agency for International Youth Programs (Jaunatnes starptautisko programmu aģentūra – JSPA). The participant is taking an online Latvian language course to prepare for the activity abroad. There is also the opportunity to learn skills in organic farming, healthy and natural lifestyle, communication and interaction with adults with developmental disabilities, and anthroposophy.

Requirements

The Participant profile: A person who wants to be part of a social community, experience the rhythms of nature, learn the principles of biodynamic farming, learn anthroposophy, work together in both indoor and outdoor activities with adults with developmental disabilities. A person with patience, acceptance, understanding, creativity.Deadline: 30/06/2026 22:22