We are an international community comprising approximately 12 individuals residing within the project itself. Led by a yogic monk, many of our volunteers practice meditation, although it is not obligatory.
English and Italian are the primary languages spoken, but German, Spanish, and Russian are also widely used. Our primary focus is on an afterschool program catering to children aged 4 to 14 in a disadvantaged area of Catania.
Our mission is to provide these children with a secure environment where they feel loved and cared for. Volunteers strive to embody healthier life choices, dreams, and ambitions.
We assist children with homework, conduct literacy workshops, offer creative and artistic activities, teach English, organize team games, and provide training in football, rugby, and volleyball. Additionally, we engage in gardening with children and arrange day trips to natural sites, museums, factories, and farms. In June and July, we host a summer camp and take the kids to the beach.
As for accommodation, food, and transport, we house our EVS volunteers within the project in spacious double rooms, each equipped with a private shower and toilet.
The kitchen and dining room are shared among volunteers, with cooking ingredients provided by the Foundation. Reflecting our commitment to nonviolence, we exclusively prepare healthy vegetarian meals. Volunteers receive a monthly pocket money of approximately 180 euros, and bikes are available. T
ravel expenses to and from the project will be reimbursed following the European Commission’s procedure. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited within the Foundation.
Upon arrival in Catania, volunteers undergo general volunteering training and receive specific teaching training tailored to their responsibilities within the project, with a focus on the local social and cultural context.
Regular meetings are held to discuss progress, contributions, and challenges. An Italian language course is offered to improve communication skills with locals, and each volunteer is assigned a mentor for guidance and support.
We do not require volunteers to be professional educators or have prior experience with children. The emphasis is on learning alongside others in the community.
What we do expect is a sincere desire to support children’s growth, offering love, patience, and teaching discipline. Ideally, volunteers with a vocation for teaching, arts, or sports are sought. Essential qualities include flexibility in living and working with others, tolerance for cultural differences, and creativity in working with children.
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