ECO volunteers in a fairytale village

Slovakia Environment Environment Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

The Slatinka Association was established in 1993 as a reaction to the construction of the Slatinka water dam on the Slatina River. The association\'s mission is to work at the basin of the Slatina River, to protect the environment and preserve natural areas while spreading consciousness of the project\'s effects on nature. One of their main aims is to bring life back to the village of Slatinka, since many people had to leave due to the dam construction. Workcamps like this one have been organized in Slatinka since 2011.

💼 What the programme involves

The work will be done around and in the village of Slatinka and in the city park in Zvolen. The volunteers will help with cleaning the area in Slatinka: cutting the grass, taking care of the trees. Part of the help will be mapping and cleaning of wells and springs and maintenance of the new memorial site on the site of the demolished birthplace of the writer Jan Beno. The working hours are from Monday to Friday divided as follows: 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. There are no special skills required. By participating to this project you contribute to protecting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (UN SDG 15).

🏠 Accommodation on site

Volunteers will stay at a local school called the Eco Center. The center has an outdoor shower that requires participants to manually heat the water before each shower, and the toilets are dry (outhouses). There will not be access to running water, so water will be delivered or taken from a well pump for showers. Drinkable water will be provided by the local partner. On-site access to electricity and mobile signal is available. There are two bedrooms with mattresses, but a sleeping bag is required. Meals will be prepared by the volunteers themselves. Volunteers will be divided in the kitchen teams and cook together; the groceries will be provided. The food will be mostly vegetarian.

📍 About the location

Slatinka is a little village near Zvolen located in the Central part of Slovakia. The village is surrounded by beautiful nature with many touristic routes and hiking opportunities. The volunteers may visit Zvolen, where they will find a castle, a historical center and other interesting sites.

⚠️ Requirements

Bring a sleeping bag, working clothes, warm clothes, cap, raincoat, strong boots, swimming suit, headlamp and a smile on your lips :) You can also bring some games from your country.

ℹ️ Additional information

Study Part: The workcamp will have a rich environmental study part as the local partner is an ecologically-focused organization. Volunteers will learn about environmental protection efforts in Slovakia and all the issues related to the dam construction. Participants will also learn about the history of Slatinka and Zvolen. The volunteers will prepare the "Feast of cultures" - an international food evening. Part of the program is “volunteering footprint“ workshop and an educational workshop about current events in Europe. Our camps will follow the rules of Sustainability campaign. Attention: The camp is for nature and ecology lovers! Mostly vegetarian food and eco camp! For more info and pictures about the project please see: www.slatinka.sk. You can also watch video from workcamp in Slatinka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgtH03v7310&t= Important: This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. Volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; volunteers need to enrol in the PASS, the ESC Portal; then INEX Slovakia will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project. Summary: Live in peace with nature and learn about other cultures at Eco-Slatinka! Don\'t miss your adventure in Slovakia!

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