📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
BASIDA is an NGO that provides medical and psychosocial support to HIV-positives and drugs addicted persons. Since 1987, it has opened three centres, all of them run by a multi-professional voluntary staff. Navahondilla, a small village between Madrid and Avila, is the location for one of these centres. There they host a therapeutic community for about 28 residents where is possible to overcome together sometimes difficult personal situations and also to look at life in a different and more positive way. The physical and psychological recovery as well as the social rehabilitation of Basida residents are being achieved thanks to close teamwork focused on proving them that someone really cares for them.
💼 What the programme involves
Participating in the everyday life of the Centre, mainly giving a hand with the maintenance of the place (cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning, helping with the carpentry or gardening on a rotating basis, etc.).
Personal care of residents who might need it (such as helping out to get dressed) is also a possible task, but only if you really feel prepared for doing it. An important part of your stay will be socialising with the community of the centre.
The presence of international volunteers in the centre brings fresh air to the limited social life of its residents. They will be curious about your country and your culture. It is a good idea to bring photos, music or any material which might enable you to present yourself and where you are coming from.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In the Centre there are rooms with 2 bunk beds for the volunteers (possible mixed rooms). Each room has its own bathroom. Meals will be served together with the residents in the common dining-room. There is a washing machine.
What should you bring? Working shoes and clothes, swimming suit, sun protection creams and something against mosquitoes is recommended. A light sweater might be also useful during early mornings and late nights. All personal stuff you might need for the two weeks. Also please bring games, music, receipts from you own country, good ideas and anything you can share.
📍 About the location
Navahondilla, a small village between Madrid and Avila
⚠️ Requirements
A negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen 72h) or a vaccination certificate is mandatory for participation in the workcamp.
The use of a mask is required
ℹ️ Additional information
Navahondilla bus stop is in the middle of nowhere. Bus will stop in the main road (not inside the village). There is a trick to know where to drop and to avoid driver forgets stopping there. The previous village is San Martin de Valdeiglesias. It is the biggest village in the area and it has own bus station. So the idea is to pay attention to San Martin de Valdeiglesias and Navahondilla will be the next stop, just 10 minutes later.
From bus stop to Basida, you must follow the street towards the village and turn left in the bifurcation. It’s only 10 minutes walking.
Due to logistical reasons, it would be better if you can tell the coordinator at what time you are planning to arrive to Navahondilla.