VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES WITH AYUDH EUROPE UNDER THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS

THE ESC IS THE NEW NAME FOR THE EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERING SERVICE.

If you are between 18 and 30 and looking for an enriching experience of volunteering in a European country funded by the European commission, this opportunity is for you ! The ESC  helps young people take part in projects that benefit communities, either abroad or in their own country. 

These projects offer an inspiring and empowering experience, as well as the chance to bring change while developing your skills and competences. 

The Ferme du Plessis (ETW-France) has welcomed Irene and Bers in 2021, they are sharing their experience with us :

WHY DID YOU ENGAGE IN THE EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERING SERVICE ?

Irene : My intention applying for this volunteer service lies in the inner need to contribute to a more supportive and sustainable society and environment. Coming out of this period of Covid and lock downs, the energy to give and the urgency to act have increased.

Bers: My intention before starting to volunteer in Ferme du Plessis was to learn and grow in fields I had little or no experience before, such as organic gardening and permaculture design, as well as project coordination. Due to having a technology-related study and work background, my intention has been in the last couple of years to switch into a humanistic-oriented career. The European Volunteering Service experience in Ferme du Plessis near Paris came at the right time for me to make this career switch happen.

HOW WAS YOUR EXPRERIENCE ?

Irene:  Words cannot describe how wonderful this experience has been for me, but what I can say is that, today, its memory occupies a very special place in my heart.

I have enjoyed everything: the peaceful and natural place, full of life; the kindness of all the people with whom I have lived; the confidence they have shown me by teaching me and also allowing me to teach others; and the routine, behind which, in my own silence, I have learned to know myself better. I learnt gardening, I learnt to make bread in a wooden oven or handmade candles with beeswax and I had the opportunity to put my French skills into practice by doing guided tours of the heritage site. Last but not least, doing the "homeless runs", both participating and  organizing, brought me a real personal enrichment .

Bers:  It has been a very enriching experience, first of all with my intention to challenge myself and live for the first time in my life in the countryside. Because of that decision, at the start of my EVS experience I was able to attend a 2-week training in permaculture design, which not only gave me an introduction to permaculture design principles and techniques but also transformed and gave me deeper understanding on how to apply permaculture in my daily life in the farm. I learned and experienced in my daily life the elements of organic farming, like compost gardening, garden beds and forest gardens as well regenerative solutions that benefit both humans and environment like vegan diet, composts toilettes, and rocket stove heater.

 On the other side, this volunteering service taught me by experience to support in the logistics, administration and communication tasks of AYUDH Europe and program development of the “Cultivating Care” virtual summit with more than 60 participating youth. As part of AYUDH Europe, I had the opportunity to support the Trees for Peace initiative in the research, planning and coordination of tree planting activities.

Compared to my initial expectations in terms of my growth, learning and enjoyable experience, I can definitely say they have been all exceeded throughout the entire volunteering service in la Ferme du Plessis in France.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM TO OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE ?

Irene : Undoubtedly, it is an experience that I recommend to all those who wish to experience volunteering in a natural, ecological and cruelty-free environment. It is also a place that brings calm and serenity, which can be of special interest, as a place of transition, for those who seek answers or new directions to the course of their lifestyles or careers. La Ferme du Plessis has been a home for me and, I am sure, many others can feel welcomed in the same way. Life in community allows to know oneself in the interaction with others and can be a great experiment for those seeking an experience of community life.

In general terms, it is a comprehensive experience, which allows you to deepen in knowing yourself and others, which provides knowledge and implementation, develop and strengthen old and new skills, as well as your own human qualities. However, as in everything, how much benefit is taken from the experience depends only on each one.

Bers: I encourage young people to take that step and challenge themselves a little bit out of their comfort zones. Especially if they enjoy nature, working for and with other youth, living in the countryside or changing the perspective on any aspect of their lives. Living in a farm like Ferm edu Plessis with a community of kind committed people who love other humans and nature is a life-changing experience that will boost their skills and empower them in any step during their life.