ESC: A Step Towards a Fair Future - PLOVDIV

Name: ESC: A Step Towards a Fair Future - PLOVDIV
Start: 2024-09-01
End: 2025-11-30
Location: Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Code: 39708662b7971e2e3d Copied

Bulgaria Culture Education European Voluntary Service Culture Education +1 Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Our partner association was founded on 31 August 1993 and registered as a non-profit charitable organisation at Sofia Court of Justice on 20 April 1994. The 1990s saw our partner exclusively focused on providing urgent humanitarian aid to help people survive the heavy economic crisis. Long-term care and assistance provision began in early 2000 as our partner registered at the Agency of Social Inclusion and at the State Agency for Child Protection, which enabled the licensed provision of a range of social services. Our partner's mission is love and kindness to their neighbor which brings them to those in need. Leaning on Christian values as their guidance, them, the employees and volunteers of the organization, assist the most vulnerable members of their society in finding their way to dignity and justice regardless of their religious beliefs, race, gender and other differences. Our partner association is a voice and example of the Social teaching of the Catholic Church. Every person is created in God’s image and in his face they see God. Following the words of Jesus - “What you have done to my youngest brothers and sisters, you have done unto me” - they help the most vulnerable and suffering in the same way that they would take care of Him. Having no means of their own and heavily relying on project funding, they cannot unfortunately cater for the needs of individual cases. Elderly people, vulnerable families and children, refugees, people addicted to narcotic substances, women in need and homeless people all form their target group. Additionally, they also support people wanting to volunteer. The organisation is based in Sofia and assistance is provided in cities and towns where the Catholic Exarchate is present: Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Malko Turnovo, Kuklen, Pokrovan, Banya and Veselinovo.

💼 What the programme involves

Have you ever considered living, working, and exploring one of Europe's cultural capitals for six months? Plovdiv is the oldest livable city in the world, where you can explore different cultures. You will work with the team of Caritas Sofia and our volunteers and serve the community of Plovdiv and the municipality of Kuklen. In Plovdiv, you will work with refugees and home care. In the Community Support Center in Kuklen, we work with at-risk children and their parents and relatives living in the Kuklen municipality. As a volunteer ambassador of Caritas Sofia and our volunteer program in Plovdiv! We seek innovative and dedicated individuals who can use their talent and creativity to promote our cause and inspire others to join us. As a Volunteer Ambassador, you will work closely with our team to promote the benefits of volunteering, encourage community involvement and support the development of volunteer programs.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Our partner will provide accommodation in a single room in an apartment with shared space for cooking and engaging with the other volunteers Plovdiv. All the costs for rent, electricity, water and internet are covered. Participants with fewer ppportunities under certain circumstances will be classified for additional support.

🍲 Food

The organization will transfer the participants' monthly pocket money and food allowances to the bank account in BGN.

📍 About the location

Located in the heart of Bulgaria, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, bearing witness to millennia of history and culture. Founded by the Thracians over 6,000 years ago, the city thrived under the rule of the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Its rich architectural and archaeological heritage makes it a sought-after destination for history enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. In terms of the nonprofit sector, Plovdiv is home to a variety of organizations working in fields such as education, social assistance, environmental protection, and cultural promotion. These associations play a crucial role in supporting local communities and preserving the city's social fabric.

🎒 Leisure activities

In Plovdiv, volunteers can engage in a multitude of enriching activities. They can explore the city's historical remnants, such as the ancient Roman theatre and the picturesque old town. Plovdiv also offers a dynamic cultural scene, with festivals, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances throughout the year. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the green parks and hiking trails nearby, while food enthusiasts can sample Bulgarian cuisine in the city's many restaurants and cafes. As volunteers, they will also have the opportunity to get involved in community projects, meet locals, and contribute to the social development of Plovdiv.

⚠️ Requirements

The participant profile:

social orientation and sharing of the values of the organization;
humanities education or other relevant experience;
personal experience as a volunteer;
excellent command of English and one other language;
desire to learn Bulgarian;
communication and social skills;
good computer skills and experience using social media.

Application deadline: 30/06/2024.

ℹ️ Additional information

Volunteers will have a mobile sim card with a Bulgarian number and a card for city transport. Travel costs will be reimbursed.

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

Training before and after the project;
health insurance during the project;
round-trip travel reimbursement;
accommodation and food;
pocket money;
language course;
return week-end;
Youth Pass and SVI international volunteer passport.

Before applying for this volunteering project, volunteers need to enroll themselves at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify their European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.