ESC: Volunteering in Lousã: Local Development Project - 3 Placements

The Participant profile: In general: 1. Awareness of your responsibilities as a volunteer within the project, including confidentiality and safeguarding; 2. Flexibility and readiness to collaborate with staff, other volunteers and community partners across different activities; 3. Respect, empathy and a positive attitude during your volunteering, either where you will be staying, either during your volunteering schedules; 4. Openness to live abroad and adapt to life in a small, authentic Portuguese village, taking part in local community life; 5. Willingness to contribute to local initiatives and non-profit activities, supporting events, workshops and daily actions; 6. Desire for personal growth and learning, including participation in trainings and reflection sessions (Youthpass); 7. Curiosity and openness towards diversity, intercultural exchange, and new experiences; 8. Commitment to learning basic Portuguese to improve daily communication and integration; 9. Willingness to share your own culture, skills and ideas while engaging in community life. Specific to each placement: 1. Working closely with children and teenagers: Enthusiasm for organizing activities like sports, arts, and games. Introducing the intercultural exchange element on it. A positive "can-do" attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed - helping them to prepare for an activity or helping your tutors organise something. Open-minded attitude. Awareness of adolescent development - some of them are more shy to talk in English. Some of them don’t know that much English. Initiative to learn and practice basic Portuguese. Sensitivity: we ask you to be empathetic and avoid asking too personal questions. Bring simple and comfortable clothing and shoes. Phone use is not allowed for them, there is a period when they can use Espaço J’s computers. Never take photos or share stories on social media. Punctuality 2. Working closely with elderly: Enthusiasm for organizing activities and being aware of some physical limitations; introducing the intercultural exchange element on it. Sensitivity and being proactive Open-minded attitude A positive "can-do" attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed - helping your tutors organise something, for example Initiative to learn and practice basic Portuguese, as they won’t be able to speak in English Following the indications of your tutor for specific situations Bring simple and comfortable clothing and shoes. Never take photos or share stories on social media. Punctuality 3. Working in cafeterias: Initiative to learn and practice basic Portuguese Initiative to learn how to do different types of Portuguese coffees Proactive and dynamic Being approachable, friendly, patient, and able to communicate clearly with diverse groups. Punctuality 4. Working with our partner in a hospital and with communication: Interest in the arts and creative expression: Including visual arts, illustration, art education, and design. Social sensitivity and empathy: Especially regarding relationships with children and young people facing illness, vulnerability, or prolonged hospital stays. Communication skills and active listening: The ability to create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for children’s emotional expression. Collaborative spirit: To work in coordination with the "Pedrinhas" team and support the project psychologist in developing the sessions. Creativity and initiative: Contributing to artistic activities that stimulate the participants' imagination and self-esteem. Emotional maturity and responsibility: Essential qualities for working within a hospital setting. - Preferred Qualifications for the 4th option: We particularly value candidates with a background or interest in arts, education, psychology, social intervention, or art therapy, as well as previous experience in volunteering, community projects, or working with children.
Deadline: 08/04/2026 23:59