Finland: Ristola Community

About the local hosting organization

Ristola Community (Ristola-yhteisö in Finnish) is a Waldorf pedagogical training school for young adults with disabilities. The functions of the Ristola Community are based on curative education and social therapy inspired by Rudolf Steiner. The basis is an anthroposophical perception of a human being. The aim is to support the students to learn basic life skills and to become independent young adults.

Presentation of the programme

In Ristola Community, there are 36 student places available for young persons with different disabilities from age 18 on. The education lasts for five years. The students learn traditional handicrafts (textile, wood work, ceramics, and metal) and theoretical and artistic subjects. Ristola has its own kitchen in which the daily food is prepared. Through welcoming international volunteers to Ristola, we wish to offer the students with disabilities opportunities to experience and learn from different cultures and languages. As a volunteer, you will help the teachers and staff in their work of supporting the students to learn basic life skills and to become independent young adults, as well as teaching traditional handicrafts and theoretical and artistic subjects. The tasks may include kitchen work at Ristola’s own kitchen, too.

About the accomodation

The volunteer will live in a school guest room with a shared bathroom. The volunteer will have access to the sauna and the laundry room of Ristola Community. The meals are provided by Ristola Community at the school restaurant (lunch) and cooking independently (other meals).

About the location

Helsinki

Requirements

We are looking for an open-minded and active volunteer who is motivated to work with young persons with disabilities. Some skills and interest in handicrafts will be helpful and musical skills would be a great addition.