SFERA – coordinating organization:Interregional youth social movement of support of voluntary initiatives “SFERA” has been established in March 2007 by uniting the efforts of youth non-governmental organizations from different subjects of Russian Federation. The geographical representation of “SFERA” movement is constantly expanding and nowadays it is represented in 15 regions. The aim of the organization is development and support of youth initiatives by providing young people with access to volunteering regardless of nation, religious, social status and disadvantages. The main activities are: international voluntary workamps, EVS and other long-term voluntary projects for youth, educational activities for youngsters and organizations involved in social service, promotion campaigns of volunteering, charity and social services. The most of the organizational activities allow to exchange experiences, knowledge and skills between youth from EECA, European Union and other countries of the World in order to inspire a sense of solidarity, tolerance and mutual understanding. “SFERA” movement operates at European level by organizing common projects and events with permanent partner organizations from all over the Europe. There are 83 permanent partners from all EU member countries and all EECA countries as well as from other parts of the World. The headquarter is situated in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. More information about organization is here: http://dobrovolets.ru/eng.php
Liberte language school – hosting organization:Liberté Language Centre, one of the leaders in teaching foreign languages in Kursk. Our language school is situated in the centre of the city on the 8th floor of a modern building with a magnificent view on the neighbourhood. Liberte is a company which inspires people to learn languages and to communicate. We are sure that one of the most important things is the possibility to talk to each other using foreign languages. We teach students of different ages, prepare them for international exams and organise trips abroad. This summer we are making an intensive language course which will include speaking clubs with native speakers of English so that our students have an opportunity to practise real language.
Website:
http://liberte.su/
Activities description:
Volunteer will be in charge of organizing English language speaking clubs for students of our language school and engaging them into cross-cultural communication, stimulating interest to the English language and the culture of English-speaking countries.
Some tasks the volunteers will be engaged in:
Discussions of some issues that our students can be interested in Organizing games for groups of students both indoors and outdoors Participating in picnics and excursions around the city Doing some workshops for students (if the volunteer is good at some arts and crafts) Making presentations about the volunteer’s country, its culture and traditions
The city – Kursk:Kursk is one of the oldest cities in Russia which is now 980 years old and where you can enjoy picturesque landscapes as well as outstanding architecture of different epoques. Kursk is the regional centre with the population of about 500 000 inhabitants. Its historical significance as one of the main battlefields during the Second World War can be seen in various sights and museums of the city. Kursk is also famous for its unique steppe Nature Reserve.
Conditions and Environment of the project:
- Volunteer pays travel and visa costs. - Volunteers will get 100 euro per month for food and 90 euro pocket money. Local transport from home to work and back will be provided or covered. - Volunteers are provided with a local telephone number and all expenses on calls within the city are covered. - Volunteers will work 35 hours per week, 5 days a week (Sunday and Saturday are free. There will be activities organised for the volunteers at the weekends).
The project is located in the office of the language centre, in spacious and well-equipped classrooms situated on the 8th floor of a modern business-centre in the heart of the city. The volunteers will have enough space to organize their activities with different groups. It will be possible to use computer and Internet at the office, if it will be needed for the project. Volunteers will live together in a rented flat. The flat will be rented in the same district of the city, as working place. There will be maximum two people in one room. All domestic facilities will be shared by the volunteers within the flat. All the necessary kitchen tools and bed-linen can be provided to the volunteers. Every volunteer will have a mentor from the local youth speaking English on the level enough to communicate. There is a supervisor in Liberte, who is available for volunteers 24 hours a day for emergency situations. Volunteers will be provided with phone numbers of other staff members of Liberte in case of unpredictable unavailability of supervisor.
Requested skills:
No special education or training is needed. A person who decides for the project has to understand that s/he is coming into a new environment.
Who is our ideal volunteer?
- A native speaker of English
- Age:
18+ - It is preferable to have some teaching experience or experience of taking part in educational projects, camps, etc. as the volunteer will work with schoolchildren and youth - Very sociable, open-minded, energetic and active - Willing to spend time with students and organize activities for them - Basic Russian skills are a good bonus, but if the volunteer has never studied Russian we will provide a course and instant language practice for him/her. - The most important criteria is strong motivation and wish to work and share knowledge!
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
