Volunteering Abroad
In 2012 a volunteering abroad trip will be added to the Wales YFC international programme. This will be an excellent opportunity for members who want to travel as part of a group and to make a difference abroad. Read more about this new exciting opportunity below…
WALES YFC VOLUNTEERING ABROAD TRIP IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNA EXCHANGE & INEX SDA
CZECH REPUBUBLIC – 11 – 24 AUGUST 2012
Organic Farming at Camphill Community
Number of volunteers:
8-12 Wales YFC members along with Wales YFC leader and UNA leader in addition to Czech Volunteers.
Age of group:
18 and over – and 35 or under on 1st of Septmeber 2011 and full or associate members of Wales YFC. Priority will be given to members aged 18 and over and 30 and under.
Date of travel:
Length of trip to be 10 days from 11th and 24th of August.
The perfect opportunity for YFC members interested in:
- developing their voluntary experience;
- their understanding of projects for people with mental disabilities; and
- methods of organic farming in other countries.
Proposed Project (may be subject to change):
The civic association Camphill tries to create an adequate home for people with mental disabilities. The community runs a day centre and a resident project for people with special needs. There are also two therapeutic workshops and an organic farm, products of which are sold to organic shops and on markets. According to anthroposophy (the philosophy of the centre), emphasis is put on the harmonic life in a family-like community.
Work:
The volunteers will perform two different kinds of manual work. Firstly they will be helping on the organic farm (for example planting, watering, weeding, harvesting potatoes…) and care for a garden. Secondly they will maintain the area of the community and do some minor construction and renovation works (for example. building a wall, cleaning, cutting grass). Bring good working gear and boots.
Study part:
Lectures about the Camphill movement, anthroposophy and organic farming. Visit to the nearby Terezin Memorial at the sight of the former concentration camp for Jews – the Terezin Ghetto. Workshops on different handicraft techniques will be organized for you.
Leisure time:
You can make trips to the surrounding towns, go hiking in the nearby hills, swim in the river just behind the centre, have boat trips, do sport activities, visit cultural events in the near by cities…and much more!
Accommodation/Food:
In a big hall on mattresses. Bring a sleeping bag etc. One shower with hot water will be available. The volunteers will prepare their meals on their own, and the leaders will assist in co-ordinating this.
Location:
Ceske Kopisty – a small village near the historical town of Litomerice.
Note:
As you will stay in a community for people with mental heath issues, please note that smoking and the consumption of alcohol and drugs are forbidden within the community area. Please respect night-time peace and the privacy of the clients’ accommodation.
Cost:
£450 to be transferred to the UNA Exchange programme. Payment of flights, travel, Insurance, Visa (if applicable), social expenditure etc will be additional to the above cost. Please be aware that sponsorship can be sought as individuals or as a group.
Additional commitment to the project:
Attend a volunteering abroad training weekend on the 12 & 13 of May (TBC) in Cardiff (no additional cost for this weekend) and an evaluation day on return from the trip (no additional cost for this day). Leader of group to attend the Leaders training weekend.
To apply:
Complete the application form and return to Wales YFC by the 30th of January. Applicants will then be asked to attend a short briefing session regarding the trip on Saturday the 4th of February during Wales YFC Council and sub-committee day. If the demand is high, informal interviews may take place during this day also.
Application form
