Help us taking care of the building and garden at our ecological care and learning project in Ellecom, Netherlands

Details

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  Description

  *** We have just moved to a new place where we will continue our project. It takes some time to settle here, so starting in September we are open again to volunteers who want to join us!***
  
  *** We are mostly looking for a person or couple (25+ years old) that could help us to take care of the building and gardens. So doing some household chores together with the youngsters that stay here, cooking meals together and basic gardening tasks like mowing the lawn, weeding and watering. Taking care of the chickens and cats is also part of the help that we need.
  If you have experience with car mechanics, this could be a great addition for us.***
  
  We run a small-scale and non-profit place for gifted youngsters that need a different environment than the regular educational system in order to develop their knowledge and skills. Based on ecology, permaculture and performance arts we offer these young people - age 13 till 23 - a creative community where they can learn to trust and belong and work on their values and talents in life.
  
  At this moment we have a group of 12 youngsters guided and supported by a team of 5 mentors. In general our day looks like this: as a group we join in during the opening and closing of the day and during lunch. In the morning the youngsters follow their individual plans and projects while in the afternoon we have creative ateliers: music, role play, arts, gardening, etc. Although we follow each day as it comes...
  
  We are open for the daycare youngsters on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9:00 till 16:00. Some of the youngsters stay here all week, and also live here on Wednesdays and in the weekends. But on these days we do all sorts of creative and maintenance help in the building and the gardens.
  
  There are two buildings on the terrain. In the old school building we host the daycare. There is a living room/kitchen space, a creative space and a music room/gymnastics room. But we are still settling and sorting out how we want to use the building. The other building on the terrain houses a few youngsters who live here, as well as some of the mentors. We are renovating a gypsy wagon as well, which could be your room if you come to stay here.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You can learn to be part of an alternative project where young people are allowed and encouraged to make a difference. You can learn to understand how ecological principles can be translated into an educational setting. We like people to come with a curious, autonomous and keen mindset!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are looking for a person or couple (friends/relationship) from 25 years or older, who would like to help with cooking meals and household chores in and around the buildings. It's nice if you are also passionate about spending time with young people, and sharing and exchanging experiences.
  
  If you have any experience with fixing cars, this could be a great addition to our team.
  
  Preferably you have experience with working/living together with youngsters aged 13-23.
  
  Along with that we have learned that we are looking for people who can stay for a minimum of two to three months (with the first month being a trial period to see how it feels for both you and us) and a maximum of six months.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Turkish: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  As a volunteer you'll have your own private bedroom in the project building or in the gypsy wagon that we are renovating. Meals are included and are eaten together with the youngsters, mentors and other residents.

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  What else ...

  The place is in the middle of the small village Ellecom and 3 km from the nearest town Dieren. There is a busstop at the big road, a few minutes walking from our place. The cities of Zutphen, Deventer and Arnhem are well reachable by train. The surrounding countryside and forest is green and diverse and lovely to explore by bike.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  There are children, cats, rabbits, dogs and free ranging chickens so your pet should be able to handle this :)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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