ESC: Volunteering at animal shelter “Lesė” in Vilnius

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Lithuania European Voluntary Service European Voluntary Service Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Our partner is a dedicated organization committed to the welfare and protection of animals in need. Operating with compassion and care, our partner provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and homeless animals, offering them shelter, medical treatment, and rehabilitation. Through adoption programs and advocacy efforts, the organization works tirelessly to find loving forever homes for these animals and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues in the community. With a team of dedicated volunteers and staff, the organisation strives to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and promote a culture of compassion and respect towards all living beings.

💼 What the programme involves

The organisation was founded in 2007. In the shelter, we have cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes. Our goals include finding new homes for homeless animals, providing them temporary shelter and veterinary treatment, carrying out “Catch-Neuter-Release” programs for cats, and much more. Our mission is to provide high-quality supervision for sheltered animals and share information about animal welfare with the public. Our volunteers are caring for cats and dogs in the shelter: feeding, cleaning cages, walking the dogs, cleaning cat rooms, getting them ready for photoshoots and preparing them for the trip to the veterinary office. Besides that, they are taking part in all sorts of events, and festivals to spread the word about animal welfare and volunteering.

🏠 Accommodation on site

As a volunteer in Vilnius, you will have the opportunity to be hosted in a comfortable flat alongside other like-minded volunteers who share your passion for community service. You will have your own private room, providing a space for rest and relaxation.

🍲 Food

The volunteer will receive a monthly stipend for food.

📍 About the location

Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania, is rich in history, intriguing geography, and a dynamic associative sector. Founded in the 14th century, the city served as the center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, playing a crucial role in European history. Its historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a striking blend of Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassical architecture, bearing witness to its diverse and storied past.

Located in the southeast of the country, Vilnius is surrounded by hills, winding rivers, and vast green spaces, providing a picturesque backdrop for its residents and volunteers. The urban skyline is dominated by the soaring spires of churches and the domes of cathedrals, creating a unique backdrop for the city's cultural and social activity.

The associative sector in Vilnius is thriving, with numerous organizations dedicated to various causes, from preserving Lithuanian culture to environmental protection and human rights. Local initiatives such as cultural festivals, volunteer projects, and educational programs strengthen the city's social fabric and foster a sense of dynamic and engaged community. In summary, Vilnius is more than just a capital—it's a crossroads where history, geography, and associative engagement converge to shape a vibrant and dynamic city.

🎒 Leisure activities

In Vilnius, volunteers have a wealth of activities to choose from, catering to a variety of interests and passions. History enthusiasts can explore the city's rich heritage by visiting iconic landmarks such as Gediminas' Tower, Vilnius Cathedral, and the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers can enjoy leisurely walks or picnics in the lush parks and green spaces scattered throughout the city, including Vingis Park and Bernardine Gardens. For those interested in culture and the arts, Vilnius offers numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. Additionally, volunteers can participate in community engagement initiatives, such as volunteering at local shelters, organizing educational workshops, or assisting with environmental conservation projects. With its diverse array of activities, Vilnius provides volunteers with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the city's culture, history, and community spirit.

⚠️ Requirements

The participant profile: We're looking for highly motivated individuals who share our passion for animal rights. If you're patient, willing to help, and full of initiative, then this is the opportunity for you! As a volunteer, you must have a positive attitude towards your work and be able to withstand certain smells, you should not be afraid of dogs or cats and should let us know if you have any allergies. In your motivational letter, we want to know why YOU should be selected for this opportunity. Be specific about how this volunteering experience will benefit both you personally and the shelter (it is mandatory).

ℹ️ Additional information

No application deadline.

The volunteer will get:

- a monthly bus card;

- a monthly stipend for pocket money;

- a team of dedicated professionals, including a mentor for personal support, a project coordinator to help you get the most out of your experience, and a tutor from the hosting organization to guide you every step of the way.

Maximize your potential and make the most of your volunteer experience with our comprehensive support system! As a volunteer, you will receive On-Arrival and Mid-Term trainings organized by the National Agency, as well as regular meetings with our dedicated Coordinating Organization. We understand that reflection is key to personal growth, which is why hosting organisation offers regular reflection sessions. These sessions provide a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences, learn from one another, and grow both personally and professionally.

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

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.