Germany: ESC: ESC Volunteer for Intercultural Community & Youth Projects in Erfurt

About the local hosting organization

Eurowerkstatt Jena e.V. is a non-profit association that was established in 2006. The goal of our organization is the creation of offers for young people to develop social and vocational abilities, particularly intercultural abilities. We want to sensitise young people to their possibilities and chances they have within Europe. It is very important for us to promote intercultural aspects in the children and youth work of Jena, this is why we cooperate with other non-profit organizations, associations, kindergartens, schools and youth centers of the city. All our actions have the goal of promoting the idea of a united and peaceful Europe and to show the variety of the European culture especially through and for young people who will build up the next generation. Eurowerkstatt is working mainly as a supporting and hosting organization in the European ESC-programme. We are a partner of eurodesk and have trained staff in the field of international youth mobility. On one hand we support German youngster who want to go abroad and on the other hand we coordinate a big network of hosting projects in Jena. As the coordinating organization of this network, we are in charge of the application process, the prearrangements and the mentoring of the volunteers leaving or coming to Jena and the proper implementation of past, current and following ESC-projects. Besides, we also organize youth exchanges between German and Russian youngsters or intercultural learning opportunities. --- Eurowerkstatt Jena e.V. ist ein gemeinnütziger Verein, der 2006 gegründet wurde. Das Ziel unserer Arbeit ist die Schaffung von schulischen und außerschulischen Angeboten, um junge Menschen dabei zu unterstützen soziale, berufliche und interkulturelle Kompetenzen zu entwickeln. Wir möchten Jugendliche und junge Menschen für ihre Möglichkeiten und Chancen als Europäer*innen sensibilisieren. Die Internationalisierung der Jugendarbeit in Jena ist ein wichtiges Anliegen für uns, weshalb wir mit anderen gemeinnützigen Vereinen und Verbänden, Kindergärten, Schulen und Jugendzentren der Stadt kooperieren. Alle unserer Aktivitäten zielen darauf ab, die Grundwerte eines solidarischen und vereinten Europas zu vertreten und jungen Menschen die Vielfalt europäischer Kultur als Chance für eine friedliche Zukunft aufzuzeigen. Eurowerkstatt Jene e.V. ist hauptsächlich als entsendende und aufnehmende Organisation im EU-Programm Europäisches Solidaritätskorps tätig. Wir sind eurodesk-Partner und unsere Mitarbeiter*innen sind gut ausgebildet im Bereich der internationalen Jugendmobilität. Auf der einen Seite unterstützen wir junge Menschen aus Deutschland, die für einen Freiwilligendienst ins Ausland gehen möchten und auf der anderen Seite koordinieren wir ein großes Netzwerk an Aufnahmeprojekten für internationale Freiwillige in Jena. Hierbei sind wir insgesamt für den Bewerbungsprozess, die Vorbereitungen sowie die Begleitung und Betreuung der durch uns entsendeten oder bei uns aufgenommenen Freiwilligen, sowie für die Planung, Durchführung und Abrechnung von vergangenen, aktuellen und zukünftigen ESK-Projekten zuständig. Ergänzend hierzu führen wir auch regelmäßig ein Jugendaustauschprogramm zwischen Deutschland und Russland durch und bieten außerdem unterschiedliche interkulturelle Lernangebote für interessierte junge Menschen und Schulen in Jena an.

Presentation of the programme

Become part of ZLG (Zusammen-Leben-Gestalten e.V.), a non-profit organisation in Erfurt promoting intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and democratic participation through creative non-formal education. As an ESC volunteer, you will support community events, intercultural cooking activities, theatre and forum theatre projects, workshops and educational programmes for children, young people, migrants and refugees. You will help facilitate activities, contribute your own ideas, document events and support the organisation's visibility through communication and social media. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in community work, non-formal education, project management and intercultural communication while working in an international and welcoming team. German is not required—English is sufficient, and you will have plenty of opportunities to learn German during your stay.

About the accomodation

The volunteer will live in a shared flat in Erfurt with a private bedroom. Rent and utilities are fully covered by the project. Volunteers receive monthly food and pocket money according to ESC regulations (555 euros per month), local transport support (Deutschlandticket and/or Bike), insurance, and reimbursement of travel costs according to ESC distance bands. A mentor will provide personal support throughout the project, and regular German language learning opportunities are offered.

About the leisure activities

Before starting their activities, volunteers take part in a one-month orientation programme organised by the coordinating organisation (in Jena!), including intercultural learning, practical information about living in Germany and German language support. During the project, volunteers receive regular guidance from their supervisor and mentor. They also participate in the On-Arrival Training and the Mid-Term Evaluation organised by the German National Agency for the European Solidarity Corps.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for an open-minded, motivated and proactive volunteer who enjoys working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. You should be interested in intercultural learning, social inclusion and non-formal education, and be willing to contribute your own ideas to workshops and community activities. Creativity, teamwork, flexibility and good communication skills are important. No previous experience is required, and German is not a prerequisite – English is sufficient, and you will have the opportunity to learn German during your stay. IMPORTANT: As the project starts soon, we are unfortunately unable to consider applicants who require a visa, as there is not enough time to complete the visa procedure before the start of the activity.Deadline: