📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
You will work with the Emmaus community in Escalquens, in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The secular solidarity movement of Emmaus was born in 1949 to help people in need. Under the leadership and example of Abbé Pierre, founder of the movement, the “compagnons” have been working all around the world in order to help impoverished people find security, dignity, and autonomy through work and mutual support.
They collect all kind of objects (furniture, clothes, household appliances, etc.), which they either fix and resell or recycle. The profit from the sales is used to help people in need and continue expanding the organisation’s work.
💼 What the programme involves
You will work at the “Bric a Brac” with the compagnons of Emmaus and volunteers. This will involve recycling, sorting, renovating, and selling many different objects.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will stay in tents on the site of Emmaus Escalquens. You will have access to a bathroom and showers. You will share meals with the Emmaus compagnons.
📍 About the location
You will interact with young locals and decide together on what to do during your free time.
Escalquens (6000 inhabitants) lies at the gates of the Laurageais area, nestled among sunflower-covered hills and small, charming houses. In this beautiful setting, you will find a bridge from 1772, a pink brick castle from 1568 and a 14th-century church. At the Cousquille crossroads, you will discover local shops and the Sunday market.
During your days off, you can reach Toulouse in less than one hour by bus. Toulouse is a beautiful, innovative, cultural and dynamic student city famous for its rich heritage.
In the surrounding area, you will also get to discover villages, castles, and wine estates, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site, “Canal des Deux Mers.”
⚠️ Requirements
You need to submit a cover letter in order to apply to this workcamp.
You will live with the compagnons, who may come from difficult backgrounds; they are spending a year in the Emmaüs facilities as part of their integration process. They have often experienced professional or social difficulties related to their age, health or unstable situation.
You will share the same space as the compagnons, and therefore the same rules will apply to you. You will work mornings and afternoons (about 6-7 hours a day), helping cleaning the space. Your days off will be Sunday and Monday. During the day, you will share the compagnons’ schedule, and you’ll have time to mingle with the other volunteers in the evenings. Visitors are not allowed outside working hours, and alcohol is forbidden on the premises with no exception.
Consider taking work clothes and shoes (waterproof if possible, in case of rain). Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good camping mat (for sleeping in the tent); nights can be chilly and wet. Tents will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Do not hesitate to bring activities from home, such as photos, games, musical instruments, food etc.
Foreigners from the European Union must bring their personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and all participants must bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise during the program, volunteers will need to cover all costs; they will be reimbursed upon their return to their home country.
ℹ️ Additional information
Meeting point:
Escalquens train station.
Closest airport:
Toulouse (29 km far) or Paris (693 km far).