Project Location: Scoured by Ice Age glaciers, the dramatic east coast boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks which contrast with inland fertile farmlands. Natural harbours mean picture-postcard fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful sweeping views.
“Fjarðabyggð" is an association of villages in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the towns of Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Mjóifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður and Stöðvarfjörður, all tiny fishing villages with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. In this area you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with a rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife, and countless breathtaking hiking paths. You will explore the area during your stay in the east.
Work: This workcamp is about awareness. The volunteers will be the leaders of environmental education sessions in kindergartens and children schools in Fjardabyggd. The main goal is to create awareness among children and teenagers and promote protecting the environment in daily life.
The work will be divided between preparation of materials such as posters, brochure, info mobile centre with photos and explanations, power points, and videos. During the second week the volunteers will visit schools and kindergartens to perform the session. We will use different kind of art to make the awareness more interesting for the kids.
A part of this workcamp will concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening a different country will cook for the rest of the Group and will be in charge of presenting their origin country and culture in a non formal way. It could be a presentation, games, theater or however you would like to show it. Therefore we recommend you to bring food, photos or whatever you think is important and nice for the worldwide evenings.
This work camp is a way to enjoy an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while they are exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.
Leisure: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local swimming pool. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms. We will also have the opportunity to visit different villages in the area.
Accommodation and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in a nice indoor community facility offering basic facilities. Beds are provided, however volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags.
Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home!
There will be internet connection available.
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Intl. Airport: Keflavík (KEF), Reykjavík. The closest national airport to the camp site is Egilsstaðir airport which is 40 km away from the project’s site.
Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Eskifjörður for a fair price going through the North to the East of the island. After the camp we will also offer for a fair price a trip from the workcamp place to Reykjavik through the east and south of Iceland. This trip includes unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Additional Information: There is an Extra participation fee of 180,- Euro for this workcamp.