Long term volunteering in part of historical place in Głuchołazy, Poland

Details

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  Description

  The foundation was established in 2014 and since then has been taking care of a part (2 ha) of historic Spa Park and historical building in Głuchołazy – southern Poland. The other parts of the Spa park belong to Głuchołazy commune and Nysa poviat. The history of the park dates back to the end of the 19th century, it was established shortly after the town received the status of a health resort. Głuchołazy is a border town with a rich, 800-year history. The virtues of Głuchołazy (Bad Ziegenhals) health resort to this day are: healthy air, light, diet and cold water used as per the recommendations of Vincent Priessnitz. Those four virtues turned out to be effective means of treatment at the turn of 19th/20th. In 2016 We reconstructed part of historic park basing on archival postcards. There are paths with educations boards and places with benches and tables to relax surrounded by variety of plants. In 2019 Głuchołazy commune revitalized the big part of the park, there are playgroungs, outdoor gym, health path, pavments and places for rest. In 2018 the poviat eldership in Nysa built in their part of the park a brine graduation tower.The park is renewed and willingly visited by tourists, but still it requires care and maintenance. Besides, the park lies within the boundaries of the landscape park “Góry Opawskie” and in the part belonged to the foundation there is a breeding colony of rare species of a bat strictly protected by Polish law and therefore there is a special protection zone in here. In 2021 Foundation finished a reconstruction project of a historical guesthouse and since then runs th Artist's House in there. It organises cultural activities such as presentations, concerts, lectures, open-air activities, artistic workshops, etc.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will have polish classes and also will participate in the on-arrival and mid-term training organized by the National Agency, having opportunity to meet other volunteers in Poland.
  History and nature. These two will be present during your stay with us. You will learn about history of the region of borderland and Ballestrem family (magnates in Upper Silesia untill II World War) and also about the rare species of plants and animals found in this area – Opava Mountains Landscape Park. If you are lucky, you will see more than 100 bats in one attic! And finally, you will experience why it is so important to care for the preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.
  Our project is cofinanced by European Union, that’s why you need to register in European Solidarity Corps database.
  You will get insurance, pocket money and refundation of the travel costs.

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  Help

  Are you thinking about gap year? You can stay with us from up to 12 months ! What would you do? Taking care of the park in general: gardening, forestry, cleaning and maintenance works in a historic park (including mowing, weeding, transplanting, sawing wood, collecting deadwood, laying wood, removing snow and leaves, painting small architecture, etc). More over, helping with open air events and exhibitions organised by the Foundation and helping in Artist’s House – maintenance and reception tasks, chores and organising workshops for locals and tourists. If you are willing to spend time in a beautiful park’s nature surrounded with 130-years old beech trees and want to help in maintaining the park with a rich history, meet artists and attend different cultural events, create a place where people like to comeback, let us know!
  We would love someone who’s happy to do gardening or general cleaning. Carpenter skills are also very welcome!!
  If you have a soul of artist, this place is for you.
  We are looking for passionate nature lovers, interested in landscape protection. You also have to be moderately fit, can chop and saw wood, like gardening and forestry works. If you are in the age between 18-30, apply now!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Polish: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  You can learn polish while staying with us
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  Accommodation

  Shared-room in a rented flat with fully equipped kitchen and bathroom in walking distance from the park and Foundation office. You will get the bicycle for your use.
  The international travel will be reimburse according to the EU regulations.
  The volunteer will get the food equivalent every month plus pocket money paid in Polish zloty.
  The project is coofunded by European Solidarity Corps, that's why there is possibility to refund the food costs for volunteers

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  What else ...

  During your free time you can explore the neighbourhood - There are numerous hiking trails around Głuchołazy and the Opava Mountains (Eastern Sudetes), perfect for hiking and walking trips after work. It is a beautiful, mountainous areas with rich flora and fauna, clean, healthy air and many architectural monuments so when you will have time you can just go for a hike. The mountains are not very high (around 1000 m a.s.l). There are a few small charming towns in Poland or Czech Republic that are worth visiting. Or you can make a bigger trip to Wrocław or Opole.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

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