Project partners: NGO “Shag vpered” (Step forward)
Project: Our partner “Shag vpered” (Step forward) – is a local NGO, which has the main aim – to activate young people on the local level. They organize different trainings, events, charity actions for youth and children and with youth. Their biggest achievement is the creation of the 1st Youth Center in the south-eastern Ukraine, which prepares coordinators of volunteer groups.
Khartsyzk is situated 30 km from Donetsk, regional center. It has a population of about 65 000 inhabitants. There are several schools and high-schools. Industry in a town is the strong side of it. There are several plants, such as pipe plant, engineering plant, furniture plant, bread factory etc. This camp will be organized for the first time. This town has never seen a group of foreigners from different countries, neither the children. Most of the children come from the poor families and they might never get a chance to go abroad and to see other’s lives. Playing games with these children will have a long time impact; give them an opportunity to learn more about the outside world and to learn possibilities, which they have when they grow older. It is very important to activate local children and youth to work for the local community, to promote volunteering and active eco life style. For the local NGO it will give a chance to attract more donors and find volunteers to help out even after the camp is over.
Work: we invite volunteers for intercultural exchange with the local children (12-16 years old). The idea is to develop and teach 6 life lessons on different topics (e.i. team building, ecological education etc). We want to provide open space for volunteers to bring their ideas and help to implement them. Volunteers will have 2 days for each topic: 1 day to prepare and 1 day to perform. One of the lessons will be taught to the leaders and active volunteers of the regional partners-NGOs. The last 3-4 days will be in the regional landscape park Zuevka, where volunteers together with the representatives of NGOs will spend in the eco-style, living in tents and cooking in teams. Special program will be prepared for that part.
Accommodation/Food: Volunteers will live in the dormitory, 5-6 people in a room. All the facilities are available. Food will be provided 3 times a day in the local canteen. On the last 3-4 days meals will be cooked on the team basis.
Location: Khartsyzsk, Donetsk region
Terminal: Donetsk
Nearest airport: Donetsk, Donetsk region
Leisure time: At the free time volunteers will have an excursion around the town. There are rocks for climbing, paintball club and nice parks to visit. Volunteers can also visit Donetsk with a help of local youth.
What to bring: sleeping bag, pictures/postcards from your country, flags, music, games, recipes, arts and craft ideas and games\program to play with the children!!! Musical instruments are welcome! Bring working clothes and shoes. We will have the opportunity to swim in the river – so, please, bring your swimming suit, slippers, sunscreen and towel. Bring mosquito protection spray/lotion!
Language: English
Remarks: alcohol is strictly forbidden on the project site. Smoking in front of children is not acceptable. We are waiting for volunteers who are interested to work with children, have good ideas and need space to implement them.
Motivation letter is required!
Travel from Kiev to Donetsk takes around 12-14 hours by train over night. Staff of Alternative-V will help you in organizing your trip from Kiev to project site. One-way ticket costs around 25 Euros.