Long term volunteering projects in Finland!

Hosting organization: Maailmanvaihto

Sending organization: “Common Sense” Youth Organization

Find information on the projects as well as application forms here

Project name: Lehtimäki Special Folk High School

Location: Alajärvi, Finland

Purpose of the project: Discover Lehtimäki Special Folk High School, a boarding school working with youth and adults with special needs. Offering 70–80 student placements and 40 diverse short-term courses, including rehabilitation programs like riding therapy and occupational therapy. Our curriculum emphasizes computer literacy and vocational training, promoting individuality, equality, safety, and lifelong learning. Join our inclusive community today!

volunteers between 18-30 years old (Only Azerbaijani citizenship)

Project period – 43 weeks during the period of 20/08/2024 to 19/06/2025 

Deadline: 10/03/2024

Note: Please, apply as soon as possible, otherwise the application will be closed before the deadline!

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

The volunteers will live in an apartment in the campus area. It may be that the volunteer will be sharing the apartment with people of different gender. The school restaurant provides meals. Volunteers will receive a food package when the restaurant is closed during weekends and holidays. Lehtimäki is situated in the countryside. The only public transportation nearby is one bus during the weekends to the nearest city Seinäjoki. The volunteers will get reimbursement for one weekly return trip between Seinäjoki and Lehtimäki, and the staff might also assist with moving around in the area. 

TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY

The volunteers will have an on-arrival training camp and mid-ferm evaluation camp organised by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps. In addition, they will be invited to the on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp of the coordinating organisation Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland. The volunteers will get access to the Online Language Support (OLS) tool of the European Solidarity Corps to help them learn Finnish. 

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Volunteering at Lehtimäki could suit you well if you are motivated to work with people with special needs, have good social skills and an open attitude, and are willing to do various tasks. We are looking for volunteers experience in horseback riding or working with horses as a hobby or a job. We also appreciate a musical background. Living in a small countryside village is part of the experience.

Project name: Tapola Camphill Village Community

Location: Niinikoski, Finland

Purpose of the project:  Tapola Camphill Village Community is a vibrant living and working sanctuary for adults with special needs. We offer both sheltered housing and supported housing. We have 49 residents and all together we are 75 people including also co-workers and volunteers. Our ecosystem includes homes, a biodynamic farm, weavery, creamery, maintenance group, garden workshop, activity group, and village shop. Guided by values of well-being, individual empowerment, and environmental stewardship, we celebrate diversity and embrace a balanced life. Join us in encouraging acceptance, respect, and a vibrant community spirit at Tapola.

volunteers between 18-30 years old (Only Azerbaijani citizenship)

Project period – 52 weeks during the period of 20/08/2024 to 19/08/2025 

Deadline: 10/03/2024

Note: Please, apply as soon as possible, otherwise the application will be closed before the deadline!

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

The volunteers live in the Tapola area in guest rooms. Everyone has their own room; other facilities are shared. The necessities for living are provided. Living in the community is a great opportunity to learn about others and yourself. All the houses and workshops are within walking distance of each other. Ten kilometers away is Tapola’s lakeside cabin, which can be used together or if available also with friends and families during the summer months. 

TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY

The volunteers will have an on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp organized by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps. In addition, they will be invited to the on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp of the coordinating organisation Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland. To help fit into the community and Finnish culture, Tapola offers the volunteers regular mentor meetings and Finnish lessons in small groups. The volunteers will also get access to the Online Language Support (OLS) tool of the European Solidarity Corps to help them learn Finnish. 

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Essential: Willingness to adapt and enthusiasm to learn; Motivation to learn Finnish and get familiar with the residents, community life, and the Finnish culture; Motivation to live in a countryside community and meet everyone as an individual; No specific previous experience required; We appreciate these skills: Ability to take care of others; Basic knowledge of housework such as cleaning and cooking; Tapola offers opportunities where the volunteers are free to create something new and bring in their own skills and abilities (music, sports, hobby groups, and events).

Project name: Nicehearts

Location: Espoo, Finland

Purpose of the project: Join NICEHEARTS, an NGO fostering community-based activities for women, families, girls, and young women, prioritizing gender diversity and social inclusion since 2001. In the Uusimaa region, particularly in Espoo, we seek volunteers to support our initiatives. The Community House in Espoo serves as a dynamic space offering leisure activities, courses, clubs, and events for all citizens. Volunteers contribute to creating a welcoming environment, facilitating peer support and social interactions. Flexible scheduling allows for evening and weekend activities. Be part of NICEHEARTS’ mission to promote safer spaces and community well-being in Espoo. Apply now to make a difference!

volunteers between 18-30 years old (Only Azerbaijani citizenship)

Project period – 26 weeks during the period of 20/08/2024 to 19/02/2025 

Deadline: 10/03/2024

Note: Please, apply as soon as possible, otherwise the application will be closed before the deadline!

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

The volunteer will stay in a host family in the capital area. It is essential to be flexible and motivated to interact with the family members. The lunch will be provided in the form of a lunch allowance and other meals will be provided by the host family. The community house has activities from Monday to Friday. The volunteer will have Saturdays and Sundays off and will be entitled to 2 holiday days a month.

TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY

The volunteer will have an on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp organised by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps. In addition, the volunteer will be invited to the on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp of the coordinating organisation Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland. The volunteer will get access to the Online Language Support (OLS) tool of the European Solidarity Corps to support learning Finnish.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

We are seeking a volunteer who is independent, friendly, and patient; understands safer space principles and anti-racism; is willing to learn more about them, and is ready to commit to these ideals. The ideal candidate should be self-initiative and open to creating their project within the possibilities we can offer at Nicehearts. Additionally, it would be appreciated if the volunteer has some experience working with children and young people, such as being a youth worker or facilitator, and some experience in organizing events. Familiarity with online tools like social media. Due to our activ

How to get a registration number? – If you don’t have account on European Youth Portal, please watch our instruction videos from this Link

All costs are covered by European Solidarity Corps

No participation fee! 

Language: English