Service Volontaire International

About the local hosting organizationFPD 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 programmeOur Krishnamurti-inspired learning centre in the North of Portugal, O Mundo Somos Nós (www.instagram.com/omundosomosnos), is looking for long-term volunteers who want to help and commit their time to support the daily operations of an holistic education project. Beyond the daily physical tasks of supporting our staff around meal times and helping with small repairs and maintenance tasks around the centre, we organise weekly Dialogue sessions. During these sessions we have the space to go into topics like responsibility, relationships, awareness, and more. Each week we set a focus topic to sit with and inquire throughout the week. Additionally, we provide a variety of physical and digital resources for extra guidance and going deeper. Through practical involvement in our daily operations, volunteers participate in the greater service of providing a loving space for our young ones to grow and flourish. No previous experience required.

Local accommodationOur volunteers are accommodated at the local pilgrims hostel “Albergue de Peregrinos S. Pedro”. The Albergue is within a walking distance from OMSN. The volunteers will have their own reserved area within the Albergue with Wi-Fi connection. OMSN provides vegetarian lunches during weekdays and the hostel kitchen can be used to prepare any additional meals. In accordance with the ESC program, a monthly allowance for food and pocket money of €270 will be provided on a monthly basis. The travel expenses will be reimbursed based on the distance bands defined by the ESC Programme Guide.

About the leisure activities possibleDuring their stay, our volunteers receive training and mentoring provided by OMSN to enhance their integration into the project. The weekly Dialogue sessions are a central activity of the project. The volunteers have the space for dialogue and inquiry into their own experience and inner world. The focus is always on direct observation without ideologies. Additionally, a Portuguese language course is offered via the OLS platform before their arrival and throughout their stay in Portugal. The volunteers will be able to practice their Portuguese at OMSN while engaging in activities with children.

RequirementsThe Participant profile: We are looking for volunteers who are: 1.​ between 18 and 30 years old; 2.​ eager to learn and motivated to work on the proposed activities of OMSN; 3.​ demonstrating kindness, humility, responsibility, motivation, and focus; 4.​ willing to learn Portuguese; 5.​ willing to live in a rural place 30-40 minutes from the next bigger city. Because OMSN's activities involve working with young children, we will consider the age, maturity, and willingness of the volunteer to commit to a long-term experience abroad. More than anything, we are looking for young people who are truly interested in looking at themselves clearly and inquire into the dynamics of the Self and the Ego. We are not a place of religion, methods, or ideologies. But we are serious about Self-Knowledge and the direct observation of reality because we realise that changing ourselves is the only way to create lasting positive change in the world. And to change ourselves, first we have to learn about ourselves. Not by following what someone else told us, but by looking at ourselves and finding out directly. If this sounds like you, I am more than happy to receive your application!
Deadline:

Extra info about the projectThe project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

• Training before and after the project
• Health insurance during your project
• round-trip travel reimbursement
• accommodation and food
• pocket money
• language course
• Return Week-end
• Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.

Price descriptionProjects from the european commission are free for volunteers

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