Long Term ESC Volunteering in Youth Centre De Takel
Jeugdhulp Don Bosco Vlaanderen vzw
Oostende, Belgium
Description
Do you want to experience youth work in a different context and country? Do you want to live in the Belgian coast? Then, here is your opportunity! The project consists of up to10 months of volunteering in the Flemish Don Bosco Youth Centre De Takel, in Oostende, Belgium. The aim of youth centre is to create an enjoyable and safe space for youth in the city. Young people between 12 and 25 years enjoy their free time with us and also participate in activities and trips we organise. Everyone is welcome but the main group that joins is youth from disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Oostende, immigrant background, refugees and asylum seekers. This creates a very multicultural environment always full of fun and learning opportunities. The volunteer is expected to participate in daily activities, but also be active- coming up with activities and carrying them out. Furthermore, we have two ongoing projects: about promotion of sports and active lifestyle; and female youth empowerment.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
During the service, the volunteer will have their personal room in a spacious volunteers house walking distance from the youth center. All basic needs are provided: kitchen, bathroom, tv, internet… The rent is included in the ESC grant. Cooking will be done by the volunteers, so you will receive a weekly budget (to cover food and household costs) and pocket money. A bike will be provided for transportation around the city, plus you will receive a train discount ticket and the possibility to discover Belgium.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will have the opportunity to follow the On-Arrival and Mid-Term training organised by the National agency, where they will meet other projects and volunteers. They will also have the opportunity to follow a training course organized by DBYN (Training for young people on youth leadership) and any other opportunities that Bosco Base (the coordinating organisation) is part of. Besides; the volunteer will be able to follow an language course, Dutch or English to make their stay more inclusive.
Participant profile
The project is open for one (1) volunteer. Some requirements for the ESC-volunteer are: - Stay until at least until August of 2026 - Between 20 and 30 years old, it is not a requirement, but the target group we work with is 12-25. - Strong English communication skills. - Strong social skills. - Youth work experience is a plus. - Interest in social challenges and non formal education experiences. - Enthusiastic to create, plan and lead activities. - Able to live/work as an independent person. - Open towards other cultures, intercultural experience. - Motivated and eager to learn. A bonus: - Interested in sports, any sport is welcome. - Can speak other languages.
Activity dates
A total of 32 week(s) during the period 01/02/2026 to 30/09/2026
Activity location
Elisabethlaan 221, Oostende, Belgium
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Social challenges
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Working against discrimination (including gender discrimination)
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 12/01/2026 23:59
Project code
2025-1-BE05-ESC51-VTJ-000347237