RURAL IS THE NEW BLACK, Veliki Gaj

This workcamp is organized for the first time, and it is a part of the project “We DO it NOW - A project to strengthen the cooperation between youth volunteering organisations in the Danube region”, funded through “Baden-Württemberg Stiftung”. The project is bringing together countries of the Danube region, the second longest and one of the most important rivers in Europe. It’s historic, social and economic importance for the development of the continent can be followed centuries back. The goal of the project is to bring together young people from the Danube region into an intercultural environment and to raise awareness of the richness and similarities, as well as of the diversity in the Danube region. The aim of the camp is to increase active citizenship and participation in rural area where the camp is going to take place, by bringing an international group of young people to work together with the local youth on restauration of the Great Park, small nature protected area in the center of the village. Workcamp is located in one of the poorest municipalities in Serbia, where presence of international group of volunteers and their contribution can make a big difference. Work : The work in the camp will be very interactive. Restoration of the Great Park, established in late 18th century, will be one of the main activities. Alongside, participants will organize promotional activities for the local community on issues related to sustainability, mostly regarding the reasonable use of water, which is one of the biggest challenges in Serbia, where citizens use too much water for the gardens in the summer, which often causes problems with the supply of fresh water in villages. Finally, the participants will have an opportunity to work on the renewal of the garden of Magnet House and think of the ideas for sustainable vegetable production within the youth center. All the ideas about permaculture, different plants, growing of vegetables in the cold areas are welcome and strongly encouraged! Study part: The key difference between this camp and many others is its educational component. During the camp, participants will have an opportunity to take part in couple of workshops regarding the borders, migrations and growing nationalism in Europe today. As Veliki Gaj is located right on the border with Romania, there are frequent issues with migrants who are trying to cross borders on their way from war affected areas towards Western Europe. One of these routes goes through Serbia and Veliki Gaj has witnessed several incidents in the past. Therefore, we would like to offer opportunity and space to discuss this important topic, and invite locals to join in, while using workcamp as a tool not only for the education for the volunteers, but also for the local community.