ESC Youth Work & Special Needs, 1.11.2019 – 31.10.2020, in Toledo, Spain

Are you ready to relocate to Spain for 12 months? We are looking for two volunteer who are motivated to work with young people with special needs in the beautiful city of Toledo! If you are keen to experience a new working environment and culture, are a caring person who is passionate about active engagement in society and open to work with diverse people with special needs, this is your perfect ESC project!

Dates: 01.11.2019 – 31.10.2020

Location: Toledo, Spain

What is the project about?

You will be involved in the work of Cecap Joven, a youth organisation in Toledo that works with young people at risk of social exclusion due to special needs. This project has been created to support these young people with special needs through providing non-formal learning experiences in their free time, promoting their active role and social participation, and facilitating their social inclusion in Toledo and Spain.

What does my hosting organisation do?

Cecap Joven is an experienced organisation, which has hosted 22 EVS/ESC volunteers since 2008,  and is located in one of the highest cultural neighborhoods of the city of Toledo. The Buenavista neighborhood is also an inclusive neighborhood since many of the direct beneficiaries of Cecap Young (people with special needs) live here and engage in the daily activities of the centre. Check out their website for more information!

What can you learn?

You would be involved in the development and management of social media networks and platforms, as well as the website in order to increase public awareness of the activities of the hosting organisation and the topic of social inclusion. Furthermore you would organise daily activities within the centre for young people with special needs (physical and mental) – such as games, workshops, excursions.

Through these activities, you can develop, first and foremost, your self-management skills, sense of initiative, and communication skills, as the daily work requires both independent and team working skills.

Where would I live?

Your accommodation will be organised and paid for by your host organisation. You will live in a shared flat with other volunteers or local Spanish youngsters, but you will have your private room. The flat will be furnished and equipped with all necessary utilities.

Toledo is a smaller, historical city not far from Madrid, located in a beautiful region of Spain.

Training and Learning

You will be supported by your coordinator throughout your voluntary service, to discuss your weekly schedule and own ideas. You will meet on a regular basis to discuss your development, ideas and tasks. As a volunteer, you are expected to be an active contributer – you will provide a new vision and perspective and be a valuable member of the team.

In addition, you will have a mentor who will help you integrate into life in Toledo, make connections outside of your workplace and immerse yourself in the culture.

You will be enrolled to the OLS Spanish course so you can improve your language skills throughout your stay in Spain.

In addition, you will participate in an on-arrival and a mid-term training, organised for all ESC volunteers in Spain in the beginning and towards the end of your voluntary service.

You are entitled to 2 days for holidays per month. Working hours are 6 per day, while weekends are free.

Can I apply?

You can apply, if you fulfil the following criteria:

• You are between 18-30 years old
• You are a resident of Germany
• You are a dynamic person and motivated to work with young people with special needs
• You are ready to adapt to a different living and working environment – be aware that the hosting community might be very different from what you are used to in terms of culture, language, people, infrastructure, night life, food etc.
• You have an interest in social media and graphic design (preferably even basic skills in these areas)

How much does this cost?

Your accommodation including all bills will be covered by the project grant. You will receive a monthly pocket money of 180€ for food and 120€ for personal expenses. Your travel costs will be covered up to 275€.

You will receive the official health insurance CIGNA.

In case of any questions, feel free to contact Irma: [email protected]

You can apply through the form below – the more information you give, the better! After the first selection round, we will invite 4-5 candidates for a Skype interview. The application forms and notes of the Skype of 2-4 final candidates will then be forwarded to the Spanish hosting organisation for the final selection.