ESC: Working in a parents initiated Waldorf Kindergarten

Name: ESC: Working in a parents initiated Waldorf Kindergarten
Start: 2024-09-01
End: 2025-08-24
Location: Berlin, Germany

Code: 396366623f0efd44a5 Copied

Germany Culture Education European Voluntary Service Culture Education +1 Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Our partner is a German association committed to the field of education and early childhood. Founded in the form of a "Kinderladen," a concept of parental daycare, it offers an alternative educational environment for young children.

In this model, parents are actively involved in the management and daily operation of the daycare, fostering strong community participation and a shared sense of responsibility for children's education.

Our partner aims to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where children can thrive and develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

The association emphasizes child-centered pedagogical approaches, encouraging exploration, creativity, and autonomy. It strives to create a space where each child is valued and respected for their uniqueness.

Through its activities and educational programs, our partner contributes to promoting children's well-being and supporting families in their educational journey.

💼 What the programme involves

Our partner association is a day-care initiated by parents according to Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf pedagogy for children aged between one and a half to seven years. The children are in two groups with two to three educators and one intern or volunteer supporting each group. There are up to 11 children between 1.5 and 3 years in the toddler group and up to 17 children between 3 and 7 years in the kindergarten group. The volunteers can specifically bring in their own experiences and support in creative tasks according to their own abilities. The role of a volunteer in the Kindergarten has a learning and supporting character. He or she supports the educators of one of the two groups and is fully integrated into the daily life of the Kindergarten.

🏠 Accommodation on site

The project is part of a bigger project coordinated by the German volunteering organisation "ijgd" with all together 18-20 volunteers in different social projects in Berlin. The European volunteers live in different shared flats together (everyone has an own room, kitchen and bathroom will be shared). So there is a group of European Volunteers in different social projects.

🍲 Food

In Berlin, volunteers can enjoy a variety of iconic local dishes. From classics like currywurst and döner kebab to traditional specialties like eisbein and meatballs, the city's cuisine offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether indulging in currywurst at a bustling street stand or savoring schnitzel at a cozy restaurant, volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of Berlin's gastronomy.

📍 About the location

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city steeped in history and culture. From its origins as a trading hub in the Middle Ages to its pivotal role in World War II and the Cold War, Berlin has been at the center of many significant historical events. Today, it stands as a symbol of unity and resilience following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which reunited the city after decades of division.

Geographically, Berlin is located in northeastern Germany, straddling the banks of the River Spree. It is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From the vibrant street art scene in Kreuzberg to the historic landmarks of Mitte, Berlin offers something for everyone.

In terms of the nonprofit sector, Berlin is home to a thriving community of organizations and initiatives dedicated to social, cultural, and environmental causes. From grassroots community projects to large international NGOs, there are countless opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a positive impact on the city and its residents. Whether supporting refugees, promoting sustainability, or advocating for human rights, the nonprofit sector plays a vital role in shaping the future of Berlin and beyond.

🎒 Leisure activities

In Berlin, volunteers have a wealth of activities to choose from. They can explore the city's fascinating history by visiting iconic sites such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, or immerse themselves in its world-class museum scene. In the evening, they can discover Berlin's vibrant nightlife by exploring its bars and clubs. The city's lush parks also offer perfect relaxation spots to unwind. With a thriving arts scene, diverse cuisine, and a plethora of local events, Berlin provides a rewarding and unforgettable experience for volunteers who choose to explore the city.

⚠️ Requirements

The participant profile: the volunteer is interested in the Waldorf Pedagogy. The participant takes responsibility in the daily play and interaction with the children. The volunteer spends the day in the group and is given his or her own tasks, such as: preparing breakfast, accompanying the children's free play, selecting and performing finger plays or songs, accompanying the outings and walks and participates in the daily meals, accompanying regular activities such as baking or handcrafts realising his or her own ideas, e.g. working with wood with some of the children, felting, weaving, sewing, baking or painting.
Application deadline: 05/05/2024.

ℹ️ Additional information

It also includes the travel budget to and from Berlin, free public transport in Berlin and Brandenburg, language course

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, volunteers need to enroll themselves at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify their 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.