The Organisation UPENDI is searching for an AUSTRIAN volunteer. Please read the information in the article and contact the Jugend:info NÖ - Youth Information Centre Lower Austria.
IF you got contacted by Basilicata Link for the vacancy in project UPENDI please read here down or download the infopack: 
Upendi_Infopack.pdf
This call is open for young motivated volunteers from 18 to 30 years coming from Austria.
Do you want to be our EVS volunteer? Please read the description here down and get in touch with the sending organisations: Jugend:info NÖ - Youth Information Centre Lower Austria.
Brief description
Upendi is an educational center in Gravina in Puglia, opened in 2010. The center consists of young professionals in pedagogy, artistic shows and circus, engaged at the social integration of children at risk, the promotion of culture and art in all its forms, aggregation of the youth through recreational activities. Upendi is a meeting place of social and cultural interests, fulfilling the social function of human and civil growth, through the idea promoting how important music, reading and literary is, and especially broadcasting and disseminating the philosophy of the smile, the humor and self-mockery.
Upendi offers afternoon classes to support children in their studies, as well as circus classes, theatre workshops, workshops for parents about various topics, summer camps and more.
The European volunteers will be involved in daily activities and will help to create an intercultural atmosphere. They will bring a diversity and intercultural dimension to the activities, offering to everyone the opportunity to learn about new countries and cultures.
Objectives of the activities
The activities take an active role in the local community, particularly for disadvantaged children. EVS volunteers will gain an enriching experience for their personal and professional growth. The project represents an excellent opportunity for young volunteers to get know new cultures, new languages and gain new skills through non-formal education methods, working with children and in an super artistic team.
Volunteers during their period of activity will have the opportunity to prove their abilities to work with disadvantaged children in a different cultural context and to bring their experience and culture within the activities. Volunteers will be involved in the implementation of planned activities and have the opportunity to develop personal projects with the help and support of the team. They will have an opportunity to increase their skills and experience, testing their organizational and interpersonal skills. At the end, they will make their own Youth Pass, with the aim of certifying the acquired skills and use them in their future education and career path.
Dates of mobility: mid October or November for 6 or 9 months.
The volunteer will be a support for Pedagogical Center Upendi in carrying out recreational and pedagogical activities for disadvantages children, the promotion of culture and art in all its forms.
Volunteers will be involved in the following activities:
- Laboratories of Circus Art for 7 – 13 years old children
- The clown shows
- Circus arts workshops for 14 – 20 years old youngsters
- Clown Therapy Workshop
- Games and recreational activities for children
- Promotional activities of the centrum
- School support for children
- Workshops to approach new technologies
The centrum will involve the volunteers in a weekly program of activities considering their inclinations and personalities.
The activities are based on the principles of non-formal education and intercultural learning. The variety of activities need a high level of ability to learn to the volunteers.
Location of the project, accommodation, arrangements
The project will take part in Gravina in the southern Italian region of Puglia.
The apartment of the volunteers is located in the historical part of the town, which is famous for its little streets, amazing view to the archaeological area and an active night life. Gravina moreover is known for its big cathedral, many caves which are possible to visit and a big park used by the young people to hang out and organize music and traditional festivals.
The house is in the center, with kitchen, living room, toilet and washing room, and two bed rooms. The flat will be shared with max 5 other volunteers. Volunteers will need to care about it. Each month every volunteer has the right to receive 120€ for pocket money and 160€ for food money. There is no need of transport because the working and living place is 5 min away.
Criteria for selection
Young person from from 18 to 30 years who are interested to help children who are facing a difficult moment in their life. Skills for animation, art, clown therapy and musical skills are very welcome! Italian skills will help for the integration within the working team.
Please send your CV and motivation letter to the following e-mail address
Contact person: Johannes Schröer, BA
Organisation: Jugend:info NÖ - Youth Information Centre Lower Austria
Kremsergasse 2, 3100 St. Pölten, AUSTRIA
Tel.: +43 02742/24565-16
www.jugendinfo-noe.at
