Spain: ESC: European volunteer HARRIBIDE - Equality, Children & Community Participation

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 a community project promoting equality, children's rights and intergenerational participation. As an ESC volunteer, you will support activities with children, women and older adults through non-formal education and community-based initiatives. You will collaborate in Mahai Morea, a programme focused on equality and women's participation, and Tratu ON, a project promoting children's wellbeing, positive relationships and good treatment. Your tasks may include organising educational workshops, creative activities and awareness campaigns, supporting community events and helping to create safe, inclusive and participatory spaces. This experience offers the opportunity to develop skills in social inclusion, equality, non-formal education and community work while contributing to meaningful social projects.

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 a caring, respectful and motivated young person interested in equality, children's rights and community participation. The ideal volunteer should: - Be at least 21 years old. - Have an interest in equality, feminism, children's wellbeing and community work. - Have an intermediate level of Spanish (minimum B1) and basic English. - Be empathetic, responsible and open-minded. - Enjoy working with children, women and older adults in a community setting. - Be creative, proactive and willing to organise activities using non-formal education methods. - Previous experience in social projects, youth work, equality or community activities is an asset. Due to Spanish legislation, selected volunteers must provide a criminal record certificate (or equivalent document) before starting the activity.Deadline: 15/09/2026 00:00