Slovenia: ESC: Spark Change

About the local hosting organization

Youth centre Velenje is a public institution established in 1996 by the municipality of Velenje. We operate autonomously (in programme and realization), however we do comply with national and local directions, we connect and offer services to partner organizations which engage in youth work or are in the public interest. The organization is divided into these groups: culture, society, multimedia, social, youth hostel and student dormitory. These groups mix and co-create projects. Throughout the years we established strong connections with local and regional organizations, for instance we work closely with the Velenje municipality, student club (ŠŠK) and Youth council Velenje. Our main goals are: youth autonomy, informal education with less opportunities in society, volunteering, solidarity and youth intergenerational cooperation, youth mobility and international connection, healthy lifestyle and addiction prevention, access to culture and encouraging youth creativity and innovation, cooperation of youth in managing public affairs in society. The goals change depending on youth's needs and initiative. In our work we encourage ''out-of-the-box'' thinking and active participation of youth through all phases in their projects. We focus on local youth (15-30 years) which we include in our local, national and European projects. Primary-age children, specifically those with less opportunities are our focus group in SMO (afternoon centre for children and youth), while teenagers are reached through the youth club eMCe plac, student organizations and youth societies. The Youth center carries out regular activities as well as traditional projects (Festival of young cultures, Indicamp for children, Horror House, etc.) and it is our pleasure and pride that we always try to challenge ourselves with new projects as partners join different ideas expressed by youth. Main activities: Centre for children and youth (SMO) is a program meant for children, adolescents and their family. In the afternoon primary aged children can receive help with studying and homework. The young visitors spend their free time with fun and creative activities, they make new friends, socialize with European volunteers, with which they learn and practice their English, they also cook, create, learn the basics of martial art and self-defence, play board games and sports, organize sports tournaments, etc. Day centre for mental health My club (MOJ KLUB) is meant for individuals with mental health problems and offers visitors a safe and trusted space where their privacy is respected. It also offers help to integrate into their environment and helps them contact different institutions. It's a place to socialize, do various workshops and talks, they go on walks and trips, play board games and sports. A self-help group is also in the process of being established. The volunteer group MC Udarnik Velenje helps people in social distress, the elderly and those whose health issues limit the work they can do themselves. They offer help with physical chores and also help various organizations, institutions and societies that work in the interest of the local community. They have expanded their activities to visiting and entertaining various socially excluded groups. They are also active in Velenje's solidarity project Kamerat, that offers elderly and handicapped residents free transportation during the week to help with errands. During the epidemic of 2020 they received a recognition award "Jabolko navdiha" from Slovenia’s president because of the amazing work they did during the COVID-19 crisis with their project »Naše ulice so prazne, naša srca ne«(Our streets are empty but not our hearts). In Kunigunda, regional multimedia centre, they do production and post production of audio and video content, photography, photocopying, print posters and flyers, do graphic design and help with events. Culture is explored through the Youth institution of Šaleška valley (eMCe plac) where they produce more than 40 concerts, 90 thematic club nights and 10 gallery exhibitions. In the last years the programme ‘’eMCe plac drug awareness’’ has developed more and encompasses among others things also roundtables about important societal and social themes. It provides youth with a way to spend quality free time and to use its space for interests and a wide selection of alternative youth culture, gives them the opportunity to participate in programme creation, to realize their own ideas, gives them informal education and competence development. The Youth centre also manages the Youth hostel, the student dormitory, the Open-air cinema (Letni kino), House of bands (Hiša bendov) and in the future the New Bakery (Nova Pekarna) intended for young artists. The Youth centre is also a partner of KONS - Platform for Contemporary Investigative Art and Tactical Media, whose goal is to establish better conditions to maintained develop contemporary investigative art in Slovenia.

Presentation of the programme

Volunteers will get to know all the activities of Youth Centre Velenje, but the emphasis will be working with children in the afternoon centre SMO (centre for youth and children "from the street"). Their age is between 8 - 19. These are primary and secondary school children that come from different social backgrounds and most do not have other free - time activities, since parents cannot afford them. The volunteers and employees will carry out activities and workshops. You will also work in My club, a daily centre, established with the purpose of giving people with mental health problems and other disabilities option to socialize. You can also participate in Multimedia center Nukleus to lear how to do graphic design, outdoor video recording and editing. You will also be welcome in Youth club eMCe plac, where are exibitons and concerts but mostly this is the space where you will meet local youngsters. We organize festivals in summer time (music & art, for children, etc.).

About the accomodation

Accomodation: Private room in volunteer appartment, sharing kitchen (equiped) and bathroom (toilet, shower) with other volunteer. Appartment is in students dorm, on the top floor. Dorm is mantain by our organisation. Location: It's few minutes walk from the city center and just one minute from work place :) Food: Account in biggest supermarket Mercator in city (it has everything and it's open all days in week) and option of eating in local restaurant. Public transport (bus and bicycles) is free!

About the leisure activities

You will have on-arrival ESE and mid-term ESE training provided by our national agency. You will have presentation of opportunities and "training" provided by us about your work in our Youth center.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are searching for open and motivated volunteer who would like to work with kids and youngsters. :) If you are responsible person, who come to work on time and is self initiative, don't hesitate! You will have the opportunity to learn in the non formal way on different working fields, but always through active participation. If you are ready for some selfgrowth, selfdiscoveries, new experiences, creativity, outside the box thinking, new people, new friends, you are very welcome! :) P.S. Aaaand enough knowledge of English language to be able to communicate with us, kids and other people you will meet along the journey :P Are you interested in what life and work on the ESE program in our youth center looks like? Last volunteers from Turkey tell you firsthand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdRfDuPUXSA IMPORTANT: In principle, we are looking for a volunteer for one year, but we are also open to half-year collaborations.Deadline: 14/09/2026 12:58