Spain: ESC: European volunteer HARRIBIDE/YALA – Supporting Young Migrants through Community and Non-Formal Education

About the local hosting organization

FPD was founded in 2009, thanks the Regional Governament which granted its foundation on the basis of the activities planned for the social development of the regional rural areas. It is a non-profit regional civil organization, made by young and senior people. It's mission is to promote and facilitate the development of rural areas of the Puglia Region, thanks to the implementation of projects concerning volunteering, youth, social inclusion, environment protection, sustainable development, promotion of the importance of biodiversity, organic farming, nature and sport and outdoor activities. FPD focuses its attention on European mobility, both for the personal development of its single members and for the growth of local partner organizations at International level. The main target group is youth under 35 y.o., but the organization also works with senior people. Both the categories have in common the fact they are made of disadvantaged people from rural areas. The young people are mainly NEET, which means FPD offers them several opportunities to learn, be trained and educated at local and European level in order to enrich their curricula and get more chances for their job-placement or self-employment. FPD cooperates with several Public and Private entities at all levels, such as: a) Municipality of Taurisano (IT) - FPD cooperates in the organization of local events in several fields (waste collection, Music festivals, youth participation in decision making processes, cultural activities, music events, photo exhibitions....); b) Province of Lecce (IT) – FPD had a project concerning young people's involvement in local initiatives concerning ecology and biological food, re-use of different materials and recycle of waste; c) Region of Puglia (IT) – FPD cooperates with its Region on projects concerning promotion of natural resources of rural areas; d) Several EU NGOs are partners in the implementation of Youth Exchanges, Youth and Democracy projects, Training Courses, seminars, workshops, volunteering activties in different fields. What is more, FPD is member of numerous European Networks financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme, for the valorization of the EU Cultural Heritage (tangible, intangible, digital and natural), the promotion of Youth Mobility for learning, training, working, studying and volunteering abroad, the active participation (mainly digital participation) at EU level of youth and seniors.

Presentation of the programme

Join YALA (HARRIBIDE), a community-based project supporting young migrants (18–25 years old) in vulnerable situations as they build their new lives in the Basque Country. As an ESC volunteer, you will support the daily life of a reception centre, working alongside educators through non-formal education, intercultural learning and community participation. Your tasks may include organising educational and leisure activities, supporting Spanish language practice, participating in workshops and community events, accompanying young people in cultural and social activities, and collaborating with the educational team in planning and evaluating activities. This volunteering experience offers the opportunity to promote inclusion, solidarity and intercultural dialogue while developing skills in youth work, teamwork, communication and community engagement.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will live in a shared apartment with other youths in Bilbao or Etxebarri. Each volunteer will have a private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom and living areas. The project covers accommodation, local transport, insurance, travel costs according to ESC rules, a monthly food allowance and pocket money. The apartments are fully equipped, well connected by public transport and provide a safe, comfortable and intercultural environment where volunteers can enjoy daily life together.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will receive continuous support throughout the project. This includes on-arrival guidance, mentoring from a personal mentor, daily support from the educational team, regular team meetings and reflection sessions with Kiribil Sarea. Volunteers will also participate in the ESC On-Arrival Training and Mid-Term Evaluation organised by the Spanish National Agency, and have access to the EU Academy Online Language Support platform to improve their Spanish and develop personal, social and professional competences.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for an open-minded, empathetic and motivated young person who is interested in social inclusion and intercultural learning. Ideal volunteers should: - Be at least 22 years old. - Have a genuine interest in working with young migrants and people experiencing social exclusion. - Have a good level of Spanish (B1/B2 or higher) and basic communication skills in English. - Be responsible, flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team. - Enjoy community life and be willing to participate actively in shared activities. - Show initiative, creativity and willingness to learn. - Previous experience in volunteering, youth work, non-formal education or social projects is an asset but not essential.Deadline: 13/09/2026 00:00