IRHOV
VISUALLY IMPAIRED EDUCATION AND WORK SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL AISBL
IRHOV fondamental
Liège, Belgium
Description
The hosting organisation, the Institut Royal pour les Handicapés de l’Ouie et de la Vue (IRHOV), comprises two specialised schools for youth aged 3 to 21 with visual and hearing impairments. IRHOV is dedicated to innovative projects in both formal and non-formal education, incorporating sports and cultural activities tailored to the needs of those with sensory impairments. During the volunteering experience at IRHOV, the volunteer will engage in various activities for students and their families. Key roles will include: • Supporting and organising extracurricular activities such as sports days, theatre, and reading sessions; • Enhancing connections between families and strengthening community bonds within the school; • Raising awareness about visual impairment and supporting others in understanding the barriers and challenges faced by persons with visual impairments; • Promoting a positive image of visual impairment to students from mainstream schools to foster inclusivity.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The volunteers' apartment features two bedrooms and a spacious shared living area. Volunteers will either have a private room or share with another young person, with shared kitchen, bathroom, and toilet facilities. The apartment is equipped with tactile markers on appliances, contrasting tableware, and labelled storage boxes to ensure ease of use and accessibility. Located in the vibrant Sainte-Marguerite neighbourhood of Liège, the area offers opportunities for independence, supported by mobility and orientation classes.
Training during the activity
During their first two weeks, visually impaired volunteers will receive orientation training, as well as sessions on daily living and professional skills. The schedule for these sessions will be arranged in agreement with supervisors, taking into consideration individual needs and preferences. Intensive French classes will also be provided during this period, using adapted materials and taught by a specialised instructor with extensive experience teaching visually impaired students.
Participant profile
We are seeking visually impaired individuals aged between 18 and 30 with a beginner level of French (A2). If you are motivated, eager to be actually involved in the working team, and strive for autonomy in your daily life, you are a perfect fit for this ESC project. Essential qualities include openness, good listening skills, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Activity dates
From 02/10/2024 to 02/07/2025
Activity location
Rue Monulphe 78, Liège, Belgium
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia
Activity topics
Social challenges
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
No application deadline