ESC: Eco-Guardians of Polia: Rural Regeneration & Climate Resilience
Code: 50099 Copied
Italy
European Voluntary Service
Environment
Culture
European Voluntary Service
Environment
+1
Fixed dates
About the project
ESC: Eco-Guardians of Polia: Rural Regeneration & Climate Resilience
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
We want to reduce carbon footprint doing permaculture, "greenbuilding", to promote new way do live in the nature in harmony
Kalistratia, the name our association, is a "greanica" word (from Calabria, originated from Greek culture), means good trip. So we want to promote new way to live in contact with nature. Our ideas is to live an experience here, in Calabria (Polia mainly), later when come back in in their own land. To sow a new way of living in contact with nature always in function of the different latitudes but with the principle of respecting the hidden harmony of the relationship between man and nature.
Kalistratia, the name our association, is a "greanica" word (from Calabria, originated from Greek culture), means good trip. So we want to promote new way to live in contact with nature. Our ideas is to live an experience here, in Calabria (Polia mainly), later when come back in in their own land. To sow a new way of living in contact with nature always in function of the different latitudes but with the principle of respecting the hidden harmony of the relationship between man and nature.
💼 What the programme involves
Join Kalistratia in Polia, Calabria, for a specialized short-term mission (16 April–31 May) focused on environmental stewardship and community empowerment. This project bridges rural traditions with modern ecological solutions through two main pillars: land management and non-formal education.
Key Responsibilities:
Environmental Tech: Map hydrogeological risks, collect data for environmental reports, and digitally map hiking trails.
- Regenerative Action: Build synergistic food forests and rainwater management "swales".
- Education: Facilitate creative workshops for local students (ages 3-12) covering Creative Writing, Clay Art, Theater, and Recycling.
- Community: Lead "Bosco Aperto" days and biodiversity monitoring.
=> Volunteers receive shared housing, organic local food, and ESC pocket money. Ideal for proactive spirits aged 18-30 eager to leave a tangible green footprint on a rural Italian community.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will be hosted in comfortable shared accommodation in Polia with Wi-Fi and essential services.
- Pocket Money: €6 per day, plus a €50 Extra pocket money for food.
- Meals: Primarily organic and homemade, emphasizing local Calabrian products (basic food).
- Travel: A travel budget of €275 is available, or €320 for those choosing "Green Travel" options.
- Local Transport: For travel outside the village related to project activities, transport will be provided using the organization’s vehicles.
🎒 Leisure activities
Volunteers receive hands-on training in rural regeneration and non-formal education. Key areas:
- Pedagogical Skills: Designing and leading workshops for local students (ages 3–12) on Creative Writing, Clay Art, Theater, and Recycling.
- Environmental Tech: Digital mapping for trail maintenance, hydrogeological risk monitoring, and "Little Meteorologist" data collection.
- Sustainable Design: Building swales and food forests.
- Soft Skills: Event management for "Bosco Aperto," teamwork, and Italian OLS language support.
⚠️ Requirements
The Participant profile: We are seeking 3 proactive volunteers (aged 18-30) with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Educational Interest: Enthusiasm for leading creative workshops (theatre, clay art, recycling) for local school children.
- Technical Curiosity: Willingness to learn digital mapping (GPS/GIS) and practical permaculture like building swales.
- Community Spirit: A positive, adaptable attitude toward living in a small rural village and working outdoors.
- Communication: Basic Italian is an asset to facilitate local integration.
=> How to Apply: Send your CV and Motivation Letter to: [email protected].
Deadline: 10/03/2026 12:00
Deadline: 10/03/2026 12:00
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
IT50099
17/04/2026 → 31/05/2026
Volunteers registered
0 / 2
♂ 0/1
♀ 0/1
Deadline: 10/03/2026
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
89813 Polia, Province of Vibo Valentia, Italy
Italy
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)
Timezone
Central European Standard Time
Local time: 22:16 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
Italian