LUSERNA SAN GIOVANNI (TORINO)

Villa Olanda is an old manor in Luserna San Giovanni, a small town in Pellice Valley near Pinerolo in the province of Turin. In 1800 the manor was the residence of local lords, in early 900 it became a hotel, then a shelter for Russians during the Revolution and the 2nd World War. Lately it has had different usages and has been left in decay. Villa Olanda is a big manor with a wide park, its potential has remained unexploited for a long time. The Synod Commission for Diaconia Valdese is working to give this manor back to the local territory making it a meeting, educational and training place.Now, it hosts several activities: a local radio, Radio Beckwith , a hosting centre for refugees and a meeting centre for local youngsters, where international programs are organized, to put the rural people in touch with different cultures.The Synod Commission for Diaconia Valdese supports youth mobility, international exchanges and international volunteer service to promote an inclusive multicultural society.Volunteer work has always been a milestone for our association and considered by young people as an experience of growth and non formal learning.This considered, the Synod Commission for Diaconia Valdese wants to organize a summer workcamp supported by IBO: a group of 12 volunteers from all over the world will take part in a 11-days workcamp, together with 12 volunteers from Diaconia Valdese and IBO Italia.