The image depicts a majestic red brick church with two steeples, set against a serene blue sky and surrounded by leafless trees and lush greenery.
The image depicts a man and woman toasting with glasses of white wine in front of a brown wooden door, likely celebrating a special occasion.
The image depicts a dynamic scene of two gymnasts performing a synchronized routine in a gymnasium, with a crowd of onlookers seated on the floor.
The image depicts a bathroom with white walls and floor tiles, featuring a toilet, sink, and shower, with a radiator on the left wall and a skylight above.
The image depicts the interior of a white church with a large arched window, featuring three stained-glass windows and a stone altar.
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Help us transform an old Church into a community hub in Hettstedt, Germany

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome!

    We, Kiljan and Katrijn, are transforming a historic church and rectory into a vibrant community hub, and we're looking for passionate Workawayers to help bring our vision to life! Located in the beautiful region of Saxony-Anhalt, just 40 km from Halle, creativity, movement, and connection meet.

    We are two acrobats who have spent the last five years traveling across Europe, teaching workshops and performing at various events. Along the way, we’ve connected with artists and communities, learning and growing through our shared passion for movement. Now, we’re excited to bring our experience into our own new project.

    It is a non-profitable initiative and all about creating a place where people from all walks of life can come together to explore, learn, and share. Whether it's through sports, art, or community events, we want to foster an environment where new ideas can flourish.

    Our project is in its early stages, so if you enjoy getting hands-on, this is the perfect opportunity. We’re working on cleaning, painting, and renovating both the church and the rectory, as well as improving the surrounding land. There’s plenty to do, from clearing out spaces, getting rid of weeds, gardening, and even helping us install a sauna! Some rooms in the rectory are already ready for use, so you'll have a comfortable place to stay as we continue to bring the rest of the space to life.

    We aim to maintain the church's historical role as a meeting place while breathing new life into it, creating something special for both the local community and beyond. The property spans over 4,963 m², including 800 m² of indoor space and beautiful green surroundings.

    Come join us and help shape the future of this magical space!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    In our community space we value cultural exchange and the connections that come from different backgrounds. These values have always been a big part of our relationship since Kat is from the Flemish part of Belgium, and Kiljan is German, having grown up near Frankfurt.

    Since we have traveled a lot, we’ve come to appreciate the link between cultures and languages as well as the good things it brought our personal relationship with each other.

    We welcome you to join us in this exchange, whether through working together, sharing meals, or learning about each other's cultures. We are also very sportive people —Kat enjoys a morning run or yoga, and in the afternoons and evenings, we train partner acrobatics, handstands, and weight training. You’re welcome to join us in any of these activities during your stay.

  • Help

    Help

    Practical tasks such as
    - cleaning, painting, light renovation, home decorating, ...making it a cosy nest :)
    - gardening, weeding, landscaping, and general upkeep
    - building / installing a sauna.

    In addition to hands-on tasks, we’re looking for people with website building, social media, and content creation skills to help us promote our project and connect with a wider audience.

    So if you enjoy working with your hands and optionally have technical expertise, or a creative flair, there’s a place for you to contribute and grow with us!

    We provide you 3 meals a day/food that could be used for cooking. Since we love the atmosphere and exchange that gets created when cooking and eating all together.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate
    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.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Volunteers can stay in shared rooms within the rectory, which has spacious living areas, as well as two private rooms specifically reserved for Workawayers seeking more personal space. Some rooms are already ready for use, while others are still being renovated.

    Possibly to park with a campervan on our private parking lot in front of the rectory.

    The building is surrounded by a large green space, providing a peaceful and scenic environment. Basic amenities like shared kitchen facilities are available, where you can prepare meals and socialize with other volunteers. We aim to create a comfortable, welcoming space for everyone while working together on this exciting project.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We would love to host digital nomads, but at the moment we don't have a wifi connection yet. While awaiting the Wifi we are currently working on our data and can provide a hotspot (: The internet connection works well.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We offer ample parking space for those traveling by camper van, located on private property behind a gate. The parking area is spacious enough to accommodate vans of all sizes, ensuring you have plenty of room to park comfortably. Whether you're in a compact camper or a larger vehicle, you'll find a suitable spot.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 582313734527

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Photos

The image depicts a man and woman toasting with glasses of white wine in front of a brown wooden door, likely celebrating a special occasion.
The image depicts a dynamic scene of two gymnasts performing a synchronized routine in a gymnasium, with a crowd of onlookers seated on the floor.
The image depicts a bathroom with white walls and floor tiles, featuring a toilet, sink, and shower, with a radiator on the left wall and a skylight above.
The image depicts a majestic red brick church with two steeples, set against a serene blue sky and surrounded by leafless trees and lush greenery.
The image depicts the interior of a white church with a large arched window, featuring three stained-glass windows and a stone altar.

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