An exciting opportunity for 20 young people from European Union countries to join two weeks volunteering in the town of Idrija in Slovenia by the participation in "Elf around" volunteering project from 25th of November to 12th of December 2024. This volunteering project is organised by "Zveza društev Mladinski center Idrija" and funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme.
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About Idrija
Idrija is a town of some 6.000 inhabitants and is located in Western Slovenia, halfway between the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and the Italian border. Idrija is a town of rich cultural and natural heritage. It boasts the title of “the oldest Slovenian mining town” as the first miners began to search for mercury there in 1490. Later, 2nd largest mercury mine developed and Idrija became one of the most important mining centers in Central Europe. The broader town area has since 2012 been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its heritage of mercury. There are many opportunities for exploring, as the town is filled with museums and monuments of technical heritage. Especially famous is the Anthony Shaft, the oldest entrance into Idrija‘s underworld and is to this day open for visitors.
About the project
The local community of Idrija and various organisations have identified the need for a better festive decoration of Idrija and discussed how to create a more vibrant festive atmosphere incorporating the old heritage of our beautiful town. In an effort to preserve the town's rich heritag while creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all, the local community has chosen the mischievous mine elf, Becirk Perkmandelc, as the theme for this year's Christmas celebrations. This charming and playful figure, deeply rooted in the town’s folklore, will bring a touch of tradition and magic to the holiday festivities, inviting everyone to experience the spirit of Idrija in a uniquely enchanting way.
"Zveza društev Mladinski center Idrija" are excited to invite 20 volunteers who will have the freedom to express and implement creative ideas from scratch. The work will involve planning, brainstorming, designing, creating, and DIY making. The product will be presented in the official light-up night, where you can witness your success and see the happy smiles on the faces of the local people.
Organisers have planned a variety of Solidarity activities designed to help volunteers connect with local community through workshops and different events, support socially disadvantaged groups, bring joy to children, young people, and elderly, and spread a positive Christmas spirit throughout the community.
1. Exploring: In the first part, the group will get to know each other and the needs of local people in Idrija as well as the heritage of the town.
2. Planning: In the second stage, the group will start to plan under the guidance of a mentor knowledgeable in design and decorating.
3. Creating: In the third stage, the group will start creating the decorations we planned. We will mostly be using material gathered at the local collection centre, natural materials, and recycled material.
4. Light-up Night: The work will be shown in the official Light-up night in Idrija to showcase the work volunteers did during the project and the competencies we gained.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- The project is looking for volunteers who are creative, proactive, innovative, open-minded, playful, responsible, and sociable. If you enjoy hands-on work, are motivated, and have exciting, fun ideas on how to decorate a city using recycled materials to create a welcoming space for the local community, then you’re exactly who this project needs!
- Young people aged between 20-29 years old who are living in an EU country.
- Having a good understanding of English and some experience in physical work, designing, event organisation or video editing are desirable.
- There are no additional requirements, individuals from all social, geographical, economic, cultural, educational, and other backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Expenses and Benefits
- Volunteers will be accommodated at Hostel Idrija, a youth hostel managed by Idrija Youth Centre which is located 5 min walk from the historical town centre and features an amazing view with spacious summer terrace. The rooms will be shared by 2 or 3 volunteers, while the kitchen, living room area and bathrooms will be shared by the whole group.
- The group of volunteers will be responsible for preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The organisers will discuss different organizational possibilities as a group on a Zoom meeting one month prior to the arrival. Each selected participant will be informed via email about the exact date and hour.
- Each volunteer will receive 119 euros as a food allowance to cover all the food expenses during the project time.
- Each Volunteer will receive 5 euros per day as a pocket money. Money of all the days will be transferred to all the volunteers at the start of the activity.
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is mandatory to bring with you. Additionally, the volunteers will be insured through Henner insurance scheme. This will be provided for each volunteer by the organisers through Mobility Tool+ portal.
- The volunteers will have an option of obtaining a Youthpass certificate by Idrija Youth Center to prove their newly acquired skills & competencies.
- Each volunteer is entitled to a get travel reimbursement of travel costs if using the public transport. The costs of e.g. car rental cannot be reimbursed. The travel costs (for a return trip) will be reimbursed up to the amount of 309 € (if the distance is 500 – 1999 km). This amount can also be lower (211 €) in case you come from a place that is situated less than 500 km away from the place of the volunteering activity.
IMPORTANT: Do not forget to keep all your travel documents! Online boarding passes and tickets can also be forwarded via e-mail.
No documents = No reimbursement!
Timeline
Application deadline: 1st of October 2024
Final Selection: The final selection of participants will be by 20. 10. 2024 and let you know your decision via e-mail.
Arrival day: 25th of November 2024
Departure day: 12th of December 2024
How to apply?
If you are interested in joining this project, please fill in this application form by October 1st, 2024.
More Details
for more details about the project, check the info-pack or visit the opportunity webpage on the European Youth Portal from HERE
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