ESC: Bridging Generations
Code: 51280 Copied
Poland
European Voluntary Service
Social work
Environment
Culture
European Voluntary Service
Social work
+2
Fixed dates
About the project
ESC: Bridging Generations
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (NCU), established in 1945, is one of the largest universities in Poland, comprising 16 faculties. It provides graduate and postgraduate courses for around 18000 students, offering education in over 100 fields of study. It employs 4400 people and has 200 000 alumni. NCU has state-of-the-art research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities, excellent social, cultural and sports facilities. It participates in student and staff exchange programs at international and national levels.
The university supports local communities with knowledge, stimulates its social and business environment’s development, and is a culture-forming institution. It has extensive experience in brokering and organising volunteer opportunities.
NCU is a member of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe alliance (YUFE) – one of the first European Universities. 10 academic and two associated partners work together to promote joint educational programmes and facilitate student and staff mobility. The goal is to create an inclusive higher education landscape without borders that keeps pace with changes in society and the labour market, giving all citizens access to various opportunities that respond to their development needs. Since December 2022, NCU has led the YUFE Community and Civic Engagement Work Package, with one of the tasks aiming to increase the involvement of students in the lives of local communities and to enhance volunteering mobility.
💼 What the programme involves
Are you passionate about community, culture, and connection? Join Bridging Generations, a unique 2-week volunteering (6-19 of July) project that brings together 13 young people (ages 18–30) from across Europe with local elderly community members through gardening, cooking, craft workshops, visits to a day care centre and cultural exchange! Together, we’ll plant, cook, learn, and grow – breaking stereotypes, building friendships, and creating a stronger sense of community. Activities include working in a social garden, sharing traditional recipes, hosting a community event, and exchanging digital and life skills. This project is more than just a two-week experience — it’s a step toward building stronger, more connected communities where all generations are valued, and mutual respect and understanding are nurtured.
If you’re curious to find out what volunteering was like a year ago, visit our website: https://koi.umk.pl/pages/Projekty/?lang=en
🏠 Accommodation on site
You’ll stay just 200 m from the main every day meeting point – in a comfortable University dorm near the Copernican Integration Centre (CIC) - every day meeting point. Single or double rooms come fully furnished, with shared kitchens, laundry, gym, TV room, and 24/7 reception. The campus is chill, green, and just 3 km from the city centre. You’ll have access to public transport, bikes, and scooters. At the CIC, we’ve got snacks, coffee, and tea waiting. You’ll plan your own meals with project funds, you'll get some pocket money – and we’ll support any special needs you have.
🎒 Leisure activities
Get ready before you even arrive! As a volunteer, you’ll join online training to explore the European Solidarity Corps, the project vibe, and all essentials. You’ll take part in interactive workshops on volunteering, social impact, and cultural differences. Special sessions will help you actively prepare and co-create the project activities you’ll later carry out with local seniors in Toruń. One-to-one support will also be available to help you feel confident and inspired!
⚠️ Requirements
The Participant profile: We’re looking for open-minded, motivated young people (age 18–30) who are excited to grow, connect, and make a difference! As a volunteer, you’ll join a diverse group working with local seniors through gardening, cooking, and cultural exchange. You don’t need specific experience – just curiosity, respect for others, and a willingness to learn. This project is all about collaboration, empathy, and community. You’ll get to share your own skills, discover hidden talents, and learn valuable social and communication skills that are useful far beyond the project. You’ll meet people from different countries, build friendships, and develop your civic engagement. As a volunteer, you’ll be supported every step of the way by the organizing team and mentors. You’ll take part in training and orientation sessions to help you feel confident and prepared. We value equality, respect, and tolerance – everyone contributes equally, and we always honour self-determination and wishes of those we support. Confidentiality is the key, and we’re here to help if you face challenges or feel overwhelmed. You won’t be doing paid work, and there are no salaries or tips involved – this is about sharing experiences, not transactions. What you’ll gain is priceless: new perspectives, friendships, social skills, and a sense of purpose. Ready to co-create something meaningful? Join us!
Deadline: 05/05/2026 15:00
Deadline: 05/05/2026 15:00
ℹ️ Additional information
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 ?
Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your 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.
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 your 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, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your 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.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
PL51280
06/07/2026 → 19/07/2026
Volunteers registered
0 / 2
♂ 0/1
♀ 0/1
Deadline: 05/05/2026
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–30 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Toruń, Poland
Poland
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Poland Zloty (PLN / zł)
Exchange rate
1 PLN = 0.228363 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Central European Summer Time
Local time: 20:52 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
Polish