Belgium: ESC: Education & Community Building for a Just Ecological Transition

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 L'Arbre qui Pousse, a community-led transition hub in Belgium, and contribute to ecological and social change through culture, education and collective action. Volunteers will help organise conferences, concerts, workshops, debates and other public events, supporting logistics, communication and participant welcome. They will also contribute to our immersive residential training programme Écologie Engagée, assisting with daily organisation, learning activities and community life. As part of our vibrant community, volunteers will collaborate with staff, trainers, artists and local citizens, while being encouraged to develop their own initiatives. Through mentoring and learning by doing, they will gain experience in event organisation, teamwork, communication, facilitation, project management, non-formal education and sustainability, while actively supporting community resilience and active citizenship.

About the accomodation

Accommodation in a private room onsite or in the neighbourhood. Ingredients provided for meals (vegetarian). Extra pocket money for transport & hobbies.

About the leisure activities

We are looking for proactive, autonomous and motivated young people who are eager to engage in community life and contribute to the ecological and social transition. Volunteers should have a good level of French, as it is the main working language and essential for participating in daily activities and interacting with the local community. An interest in sustainability, collective living, non-formal education and cultural or community projects is highly appreciated. Curiosity, initiative, openness to learning and a willingness to work collaboratively are more important than previous experience.

Requirements

The Participant profile: WE ASK YOU TO FILL IN THIS FORM TO APPLY: https://forms.gle/KqoW8w6Z8xcEgwJc7Deadline: 31/08/2026 23:00