ESC: I know how, empower the group, and heal the Earth
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About the project
ESC: I know how, empower the group, and heal the Earth
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Our partner was created in 1998 in Sofia.
Main objectives:
- to promote skills and inspiration for sustainable and ecological lifestyle, building a community, sharing these values and inspired by nature;
- to apply and promote innovative methods and practices for education in the sphere of formal and non formal education;
- to safeguard Bulgarian historical, cultural and spritual values, traditions and crafts;
- to assist the creation of European cultural identity;
- to promote volunteering.
Since 2008 our partner has started a Permaculture demonstration center in the town of Shipka where educational activities are organized, in 2011 a book on permaculture has been translated into Bulgarian and published. Since 2014, our partner has been cooperating with the local Community center and other institutions for the attraction of young people to Shipka, improvement of bonds between people, for building a community of aware people and organizing activities for preservation of the authentic skills, crafts, traditions. In 2019, our partner created an educational center , named Golden Apple for children aged 5 to 11 years at the town of Kazanlak.
Target groups 1: children and youth (4-18), in their role of future citizens, who are to develop and add for the global good. Together with them are their parents (18+), who take care for the (conscious or unconscious) acquired knowledge of their children to remain permanent and developing.
Target group 2 - older citizens above 50.
💼 What the programme involves
Join our community of people, focused on enhancing biodiversity, social unity, and personal growth! Master and be the host of our places. Give a hand and share authentic lifestyles!
During your stay we will be focused on :
- self-improvement;
- family and community life;
- healthy daily regime and habits, morning practices, regular sharing circle, healthy nutrition, teamwork;
- helping local community and eco/educational projects in Shipka and Zhelen, Bulgaria;
- developing green skills : handling tools, growing food sustainably, renovate and build a home, organise an eco-friendly household, balance between nature, local community, markets, & institutions, regenerative ecology and agriculture, simple living and natural birth, learn to create sustainably productive living environments under changing conditions and climate change.
Please, read: http://vegetarium.info/our-rule and https://omind.org/about/.
The project is split between 2 locations : Shipka and Zhelen.
🏠 Accommodation on site
🍲 Food
Cooking and meals are arranged on a communal basis with taking turns for cooking. Communal meals are vegetarian.
📍 About the location
Zhelen Vegetarium home is one hour walk from the train station with regular connection to Sofia (60km) / Svoge (15km).
Shipka and Zhelen, located in central Bulgaria, have a rich historical significance dating back centuries. Shipka is renowned for the Battle of Shipka Pass during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, where Bulgarian and Russian forces fought against the Ottoman Empire for liberation. The Shipka Pass Monument and the Memorial Church of Shipka stand as symbols of this victory. The region is nestled within the scenic Stara Planina Mountains, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring nature trails. Additionally, the area boasts a vibrant community sector with various associations and organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and supporting local development initiatives. These groups play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and preserving the historical and cultural identity of Shipka and Zhelen.
🎒 Leisure activities
In Shipka and Zhelen, Bulgaria, volunteers can discover the rich history of the region by visiting iconic sites such as the Shipka Monument and the Memorial Church, which commemorate the Bulgarian and Russian victory in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. They can also explore the natural beauty of the Stara Planina Mountains with scenic hikes and relax in the tranquility of the Bulgarian countryside.
⚠️ Requirements
Application deadline: 15/06/2024.
ℹ️ Additional information
Old bikes are available (Shipka) for local transport, bus every one hour to Kazanlak train station (12km).
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 your project;
- round-trip travel reimbursement;
- accommodation and food;
- pocket money;
- language course;
- return week-end;
- Youth Pass and SVI international volunteer passport.
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📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
BG39153
01/09/2024 → 30/11/2025
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
Gabrovo Center, ul. "Dobri Kartalov" 22, 22 6150, 5300 Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Bulgaria
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Bulgaria Lev (BGN / лв)
Exchange rate
1 BGN = 0.515905 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Eastern European Standard Time
Local time: 21:41 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken