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PARTNER

The non-profit organization "I Girasoli" was founded in 2004 by then is involved in social project promoting hospitality, protection and integration of refugees and asylum seekers. Main aim of the organization is providing work opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers, and sensitize local community about migration. The organization manages several SAI (Reception and Integration System) offering hospitality and protection including an integration process aiming at refugees and migrants’ personal needs, social and mental well-being. This process includes: school, work, health, bureaucracy and personal expression thanks to cultural and artistic activities. This activity is part of ESC High Priority Area ‘VEIL-CORPS’ funded by the European Union in the frame of the European Solidarity Corps Programme.

WORK

The volunteers will support activities at the Mandorleto house (almonds’ house), helping to organize and maintain the space by dividing it into garden and poultry areas, repairing fences and pathways, and engaging in tasks such as olive harvesting. They will also create olive oil and skincare beauty products. Special collaborative days will include an ecological cleanup with local schools and the Plastic Free association, raising awareness about environmental sustainability. In partnership with Slow Food, volunteers and locals will focus on preparing and sharing an intercultural dinner with young people from the Mazzarino refugee minors center. Volunteers will also take part in an ecological bike ride organised by Legambiente and Arci MazzArt which will end in the painting of a mural in honour of the victims of the Mafia. Through these activities, volunteers will promote ecological values, sustainable food practices, and artistic expression while fostering integration and personal growth among participants.

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD

Volunteers will stay in a house equipped with a 6-bed room and a 4-bed room, ensuring shared but comfortable living arrangements. Meals will be prepared on-site, with access to a kitchen and refrigerator for use as needed. The association will be responsible for purchasing groceries, taking care of specific dietary needs such as vegetarian preferences, allergies, or intolerances. The house also includes a Wi-Fi connection to support volunteers during their stay.

LOCATION & LEISURE ACTIVITY

The house is located in the province of Caltanissetta, near the Mandorleto, offering volunteers a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. While the location is remote and far from public transport stops, the association will provide transportation during free days. Volunteers, together with their group leader, will plan visits to Caltanissetta and other nearby attractions, ensuring a balance between relaxation and cultural exploration.

REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers must be prepared to participate in a variety of activities throughout the activity, including agricultural tasks and interactions with children, young people, and the local community to foster inclusive and joyful experiences. Adaptability and a proactive attitude are essential. Participants should bring comfortable clothing, outdoor-appropriate footwear, autumn clothes, a hat for sun protection, mosquito repellent, a towel, personal hygiene items, an umbrella, and anything else suited to outdoor activities and weather conditions.

Host organization

ASSOCIAZIONE INFORMAGIOVANI

The association "Informagiovani" was founded at the end of 2001 by a group of volunteers who ran the Municipal Youth Information Centre of Palermo.
The association has the following aims: a) to promote and defend human and civil rights, with particular attention to the rights of children and young people; b) to promote the right to information and participation of young people; c) to defend social and collective rights, with particular attention to the rights of young people and students; d) to promote volunteering as a tool for social change and active citizenship.
Throughout its existence, the Association has carried out various information, training and counselling activities and, since 2006, has begun to focus its activities on promoting and developing tools for the social inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, also through local/international volunteering.
Since 2010, InformaGiovani is the coordinating body of a European network of youth organisations with 16 members in 14 countries.

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L'associazione "Informagiovani" � stata fondata alla fine del 2001 da un gruppo di volontari che gestivano il Centro Informagiovani comunale di Palermo.
L'associazione ha i seguenti scopi: a) promuovere e difendere i diritti umani e civili, con particolare attenzione ai diritti dei bambini e dei giovani; b) promuovere il diritto all'informazione e alla partecipazione dei giovani; c) difendere i diritti sociali e collettivi, con particolare attenzione ai diritti dei giovani e degli studenti; d) promuovere il volontariato come strumento di cambiamento sociale e di cittadinanza attiva.
Nel corso della sua esistenza, l'Associazione ha svolto diverse attivit� di informazione, formazione e consulenza e, dal 2006, ha iniziato a focalizzare le proprie attivit� sulla promozione e lo sviluppo di strumenti per l'inclusione sociale dei giovani con minori opportunit�, anche attraverso il volontariato locale/internazionale.
Dal 2010, InformaGiovani coordina una rete europea di organizzazioni giovanili con 16 membri in 14 Paesi.