Czech Republic: ESC: Centre for Adults with Mental and Combined Disabilities BETEZDA Komorní Lhotka

About the local hosting organization

Slezská Diakonie is Christian social service provider which was founded in 1990 by the Silesian Evangelical Church. (www.slezskadiakonie.cz/en) Slezská Diakonie provides a wide range of social and social-health services along with the education in the Moravian-Silesian and South Moravian regions of the Czech Republic. The focus of the services are people with disabilities, homeless people, disadvantaged youth and children and other people who are marginalised for different reasons. According to the records in the Annual report from 2020, Slezská Diakonie employs 798 staff and has registered 111 services. The mission of the organisation is to provide social and social-health services of a high quality in accordance to Biblical principles of love and service to the neighbour. The services provided meet a wide range of needs, and each person is seen to be an individual and therefore the personal approach is the one which guides social service provision. The aim of the services is not just to find a solution to the particular problems of an individual service user. Alongside this, the services aim at preventing social exclusion and offering counselling, community work and institutional care. The phenomena which are dealt with: - domestic violence; - debt of individuals and families; - drug and alcohol abuse; - broken relations & families: foster parenting; - people with disabilities; - elderly people; - homeless people. Diaconal schools (kindergarten, primary school, secondary school) create a learning environment of inclusion and empowerment for each individual pupil in relation to the wide range of physical disability and learning difficulties and autism. In relation to the work of Slezská Diakonie, long term voluntary service is a unique opportunity for mutual learning, including for volunteers, service users and their families, staff, the local community, and others. The interVIA is the title for the umbrella international voluntary service programmes of Slezská Diakonie (www.intervia.cz). It is involved in both hosting and sending young people within Europe and to or from the wider world. The vision is to create possibilities for non-formal and informal learning of the people and groups involved. We believe that: - long-term voluntary service abroad is a unique opportunity in the life of each person to learn more about themselves, other people, and their spirituality and if appropriate, their relationship to God; - volunteering in different country is an enriching experience through which participants gain a new perspective on people, culture, religion and country; - volunteering challenges values, norms and attitudes and can bring change in people and communities. The learning is focused on personal, professional and spiritual growth of the volunteers individually and in international teams. Social, intercultural and socio-political understanding is fostered, and the young volunteers are motivated and encouraged to use time of voluntary service wisely in order to make this unique experience of mutual benefit. Since 2005 interVIA has exchanged nearly 230 volunteers. We join with others within the EU, including Germany, Poland, Spain, Hungary, as well as with other countries world-wide, including Tanzania, Israel, Turkey, the Ukraine and the USA.

Presentation of the programme

Join the Betezda Crew in Komorní Lhotka! Looking for a way to make a real difference and have an unforgettable experience? Come volunteer at Betezda, a vibrant center for adults (15–55 years) with mental or combined disabilities. Why Betezda? Our mission is simple but powerful: support adults in their daily lives, help them grow their skills, and bring joy and connection to their everyday routines. Here, every small act counts—and every smile matters. What You’ll Do: - Help our amazing clients with tasks tailored to their needs - Join fun trips - think zoo visits, swimming, and more! ‍️ - Participate in weekly morning devotions ️ - Share your talents! Play music, sing, or just jam along - Most importantly: listen, talk, and connect—sometimes just being there is the biggest gift you can give ️ If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make real connections, Betezda is waiting for you! Learn more: www.intervia.cz

About the accomodation

Volunteer with Betezda – Costs Covered! Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps, most of your expenses are sorted: - Private bedroom in a shared flat ️ - Food allowance: 4200 CZK (~170 EUR)/month ️ - Pocket money: 7 EUR/day - Travel covered: Flights & daily commute ️ - Only pay for your own free-time activities Focus on the adventure, the experience, and making a real difference!

About the leisure activities

Say YES to Volunteering with Slezská Diakonie! Join a vibrant group of international volunteers dedicated to bringing light to those in need. You will: • Engage in meaningful activities and outreach programs • Impact the community • Build unforgettable experiences and friendships You’ll participate in training seminars to support your growth, guided by a coordinator and supervisor. Slezská Diakonie fosters a safe environment where every volunteer feels valued and part of something bigger. Step in, make a difference, and embrace the adventure — together as a community!

Requirements

The Participant profile: Are You the Volunteer We’re Looking For? If you’re between 18 and 30, open-hearted, eager to grow your professional skills, and excited to embrace new experiences, this project is made for you! What we hope you bring: - Patience and empathy - Willingness to listen and connect - Easygoing attitude and responsibility - Ability to work independently and proactively - A smile - it goes a long way! - Willingness to learn Czech language If you’re ready to make a difference, learn, and have fun along the way, we’d love to meet you! Deadline: 15/11/2026 23:59