Italy: ESC: Culture, Youth Participation and Community Life in Sicily: ESC Volunteering at Mistero Buffo

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

Mistero Buffo is a small youth and cultural centre run by Circolo Arci Babilonia APS in Acireale, Sicily. We are looking for volunteers who are autonomous, proactive and willing to turn their own ideas into concrete activities for the local community. Each volunteer should arrive with at least one project idea to develop during the mobility, for example theatre, drawing, music, yoga, manual activities, board games, language courses, intercultural events or other cultural and social initiatives. Volunteers will also support the daily life of the centre, communication, preparation of spaces, events and team meetings. Activities take place mainly in the late afternoon and evening, with occasional weekend events. Before applying, please check our Instagram profile to understand our activities and the informal, community-based reality of Mistero Buffo: https://www.instagram.com/misterobuffoacireale/

About the accomodation

Two volunteers will share an apartment in Acireale's historic centre, a few minutes' walk from Mistero Buffo. There is one private single bedroom and one open-plan sleeping area connected to the kitchen, plus a shared bathroom, equipped kitchen, washing machine and terrace. Rent and normal utilities are covered. Volunteers receive a food allowance, ESC pocket money and travel reimbursement according to programme rules. The railway station is about 25 minutes away on foot.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will receive an initial orientation about the centre, tasks, safety, accommodation and local context. Regular meetings with the tutor and mentor will cover work, wellbeing, learning and possible difficulties. They will take part in the on-arrival training and, when applicable, the mid-term evaluation organised by the Italian National Agency. Online Language Support will be available for Italian. Learning progress will be reviewed through reflection meetings and documented with Youthpass.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for young people aged 18-30 with autonomy, initiative and a concrete idea for a personal project. Possible fields include theatre, drawing, music, yoga, crafts, board games, language courses and multicultural events. Experience is not required, but applicants must be reliable, collaborative and able to organise part of their work independently. They should be available mainly in the late afternoon and evening, accept occasional weekend activities and help with practical tasks. Before applying, please check our Instagram to understand who we are and what we do.Deadline: 30/08/2026 12:00