ESC: Long term volunteering/ 12 months in Prešov/Slovakia

Relevant NGO is a non-profit organization based in Prešov, Slovakia. For ten years, it has focused on connecting people of different backgrounds and ages and creating an environment in which they can relate to each other on the grounds of Christian faith and principles. We help those in need and support the ones who try to help others. With a network of dedicated volunteers, we have managed to build a clubroom in the town centre that provides a pleasant non-formal environment for young people to meet after school, play games, study, watch movies, engage in discussions and attend various workshops and events. At the same time, we provide a halfway house for girls leaving foster homes, where a team of social workers, a psychologist and volunteers help them every step of the way towards integrating into the society. With an individualized approach, psychological and spiritual counseling, training and work therapy, the girls are led towards independence and responsibility. Our work with the youth also involves organizing summer camps, trips, non-formal education activities, sporting and free-time events, etc. To build bridges across generations and overcome social isolation, we have also established a visiting service and engaged several volunteers who meet senior citizens, families and individuals in need to help them deal with their difficult life situation. With our aim of helping elderly people cope with isolation and obstacles related to their age and health condition, we have established a home care service, within which they are attended by care assistants and volunteers in their home environment. The senior citizens are helped in everyday tasks and situations and offered a humane approach and spiritual support. The latest Relevant project involves launching a social enterprise to help the girls living in the halfway house integrate into a healthy social and working life. This will be achieved by creating a crafts workshop and starting an organic farm, where the girls can develop their working skills and habits as well as grow personally and spiritually.