The Living School | ESC Volunteering Team project in Greece (Fully Funded)

An open call for 17 motivated young people from across Europe who are interested in doing volunteer work for 3 weeks to join the ESC Volunteering Teams Project "The Living School," which takes place in Agrinio, Greece, from 2 to 21 September 2026. This volunteering project is organised by "Youth Active Minds AMKE" and funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme.

About the volunteering

"The Living School" is a short-term volunteering project for young people aged from across Europe who are interested in being part of a project that promotes sustainable rural development through natural building, environmental restoration, and community engagement. 

Volunteers will contribute to the renovation of the village's former primary school into a guest house through activities such as woodworking, natural construction, traditional stone masonry, dry stone walling, and various DIY projects. They will also help restore and preserve the historic hiking trail linking Yamochori to the former school, retracing the route once used daily by generations of local children.

Participants will gain insight into an alternative lifestyle by joining everyday community activities and interacting with local residents. The project combines practical learning, cultural exchange, and the development of green skills while supporting the long-term well-being of the local community and its natural surroundings.

Eligibility: Who can apply?

- 17 Young people aged between 18 and 30 years old.

- Participants should be livining in one of these countries (Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo * UN resolution, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine)

- Participants should be interested in sustainability, community living, and hands-on work. 

- No previous experience is required; motivation and active participation are the most important qualities.

- Priority will be given to young people with fewer opportunities.

Expenses and Benefits

- Participation is free of charge

- Participants will be accommodated in big bell tents with mattresses.

- The accommodation place has 6 wc and 4 showers, a washing machine, a common kitchen, Wi-Fi access everywhere, and electricity in common spaces.

- The closest market is 4 km away, so grocery shopping requires planning. 

-The village is very small and peaceful, far from city life. Transportation is arranged twice a week by car to Thermo, Kallithea, and Agrinio for access to shops and other facilities. 

- The host organization will provide food for all volunteers. 

- Each participant is entitled to get a travel reimbursement for (one return journey) up to the maximum cost as stated in the ESC programme rules, according to the following limits:

• from 10-99 km: standard travel (23 EUR) / Green travel (23 EUR)
• from 100 - 499 km: standard travel (211 EUR) / Green travel (285 EUR)
• from 500 - 1999 km: standard travel (309 EUR) / Green travel (417 EUR)
• from 2000 - 2999 km: standard travel (395 EUR) / Green travel (535 EUR)

Training during the activity

- Participants will learn through non-formal education, learning by doing, peer learning, and mentoring. 

- Practical training will be provided in natural building, woodworking, dry stone construction, hiking trail restoration, and permaculture principles. 

- Volunteers will also develop skills in teamwork, community living, sustainable practices, and project management through daily responsibilities and shared decision-making. 

- Social media volunteers will receive additional training in photography, videography, storytelling, and digital communication.

Timeline

Application deadline: 31 July 2026

Arrival day: 2 September 2026

Departure day: 21 September 2026

How to apply?

Step 1: Sign in to your account on the European Youth Portal. If you don't have an account, create an account  as a YOUNG PERSON from HERE

Step 2: Visit the opportunity page on the European Youth portal and click "Apply." From this page, you must write your motivation letter in English.

More Details

For more details about "The Living School ", check the opportunity details on the ESC Portal from HERE 

Apply Now⇗

Opportunity Website⇗

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