Italy: ESC: Reuse, Repair, Rebuild: Volunteering for Circular Economy and Inclusion in Insieme

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

This long-term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project offers two volunteers the opportunity to support Insieme, a social cooperative in Vicenza, Italy, promoting social inclusion, the circular economy, and environmental sustainability. From October 2026 to June 2027, volunteers will work around 30 hours per week, supporting people from vulnerable backgrounds while contributing to second-hand shops, bike repair, the cooperative café, waste collection and textile reuse services, environmental education in schools, and digital communication. Tasks may include customer service, repairing bicycles, preparing food and drinks, sorting reusable items, assisting educational workshops, and promoting ESC opportunities. Volunteers always work in a multicultural team under staff guidance.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will be hosted in shared apartments in Vicenza. The apartments are well connected by public transport. Bedrooms will be shared, with gender separation ensured. Each volunteer will receive: 

About the leisure activities

We are looking for open-minded, proactive, and motivated volunteers who are eager to experience life in a social cooperative committed to inclusion, sustainability, and circular economy. The ideal candidate is curious about social work and environmental topics, and ready to get involved both manually and relationally. 

Requirements

The Participant profile: Previous experience in volunteering, social work, or environmental education is welcome but not required. What matters most is a hands-on attitude, the willingness to learn, to work in a team, and to contribute to the cooperative’s mission with empathy and flexibility. The candidate should be motivated to spend 9 months in a foreign country, interested in circular economy and social inclusion, and able to adapt to a new environment. A basic knowledge of Italian or at least of English is required to facilitate communication and integration. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project.Deadline: 01/10/2026 17:00