The Rise of the Community | ESC Volunteering project in Greece (Fully Funded)

An open call for 12 volunteers from ESC Programme countries to join a 15-day Team Volunteering project "The Rise of the Community" which aims to transform an abandoned village into a Permaculture Community. This project takes place at COB eco-project at Nessonas (Larissa), Greece from 9th to 23rd of November 2024. This project is organised by COB organisation and funded by The European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. 

About the Project

"The Rise of the Community" is a 15-day ESC Team Volunteering initiative involving 12 international volunteers, focused on revitalizing and rejuvenating the local area of Nessonas. To start, Participants will lay the groundwork for the Ecovillage project near COB farm! The plan includes creating a shelter belt food forest, which will grow alongside this vision. Its goal is to establish a microclimate, enhance biodiversity, and provide a habitat for wildlife, all while supplying food for the community. Additionally, Participants will refresh the village square by painting the exterior walls of community buildings. This brings us one step closer to transforming the abandoned village into a flourishing permaculture community! After completing the work, we'll host a celebration to showcase our efforts to both locals and visitors, infusing the space with positive energy!

Eligibility | Who Can apply?

- Young People aged between 18-30 from any European country and third country citizen except Greece;

- Highly motivated individuals, with good social skills and a good relationship with children;

- People who are inspired by community living and the commons in general. Experience in building/farming and cooperative projects will be highly appreciated;

- Able to stay the whole duration of the project.

Expenses and Benefits

- This Team Volunteering activity will take place in the COB farm, in central Greece.  During your stay you will be sleeping either in the renovated school or the volunteers' home that is under renovation right now, within the village premises, 

- Compost toilets and outdoor showers with hot water will serve your needs.

- As the organisers try to live in balance with the surrounding ecosystem, and the food forest volunteers must use water consciously. Also please bring plant based fully biodegradable toiletry (shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, mosquito repellents etc.) so the water of the shower and the sink doesn’t harm nature. If you don't have any, organisers can provide you with a toiletry kit for 7€. 

- The house on the farm provides volunteers with a kitchen to cook their daily meals, which are healthy and VEGAN. If you have any allergies or intolerances, please inform the organisers ahead of time, so they can plan accordingly. 

- There is some internet access on the farm, close to the house, but don't forget to connect with nature, rather than with the internet

- Travel costs will be covered up to the maximum eligible travel distance cost. Your travel budget depends on the distance you have to travel in order to get to the volunteering venue.

• from 10 - 99 km: 28,00€ (Standard travel) / 56,00€ (Green travel)
• from 100 - 499 km: 211,00€ (Standard travel)  / 285,00€ (Green travel)
• from 500 - 1999 km: 309,00€ (Standard travel) / 417€ (Green travel)
• from 2000 - 2999 km: 395€ (Standard travel) / 535,00€ (Green travel)
• from 3000 - 3999 km: 580,00€ (Standard travel) / 785,00€ (Green travel)

- The volunteers will have an option of obtaining a Youthpass certificate prove their newly acquired skills and competencies after the project.

IMPORTANT: Please remember to keep all the original travel tickets and give them to our coordinator, who will reimburse you after your return back home - and no later than one month after the training course.

What to Bring?

● SLEEPING BAG, In case you don’t have one, organisers can provide for you for free.

● Air or fitness or camping MATTRESS, pillow, 2-3 pillow cases (or/and anything you need for being comfortable sleeping on the ground in a tepee) 

● towel for shower 

● reusable water bottle

● Clothes that can get dirty 

● Swimsuit and towel (if you are interested in saunas and pond swims)

● Hat (to protect against the sun) 

● Flash light

● Raincoat and warm clothes (the weather can quickly change) 

● Comfortable shoes and clothes for outdoors, walking and being outside 

● Camera with a cable to share pictures (if you want and have)

● Ecological and biodegradable shampoo, toothpaste and soap, suitable for the internal sewage system

● Ecological and biodegradable clothes detergent, suitable for the internal sewage system

● Your special needs, like tobacco, medication, etc (the nearest small shop is a 3 kilometres walk) 

● Bring any material you need to implement the activities you want to share during the course, such as musical instruments, games, dances, songs and stories.

Timeline

Application deadline: No specific deadline, Apply ASAP

Arrival day: 8th of November 2024 by 8:00 PM

Activity start: 9th of November 2024

Activity end: 23rd of November 2024

Departure day: 24th November during the day when transport is available. 

How to apply?

If you are interested in joining this project, fill in this application form as soon as possible

More Details

for more details about the project check the info-pack HERE, OR visit the opportunity webpage on the European Youth Portal from HERE

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

By  applying to this volunteering program, you take the responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" can't be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.