ST-U Seeds of Change: Sustainable Development through Volunteering
SINDESMOS SISTIMA KAI GENIA
EL ABROJO
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay
Description
The "Seeds of Change: Sustainable Development through Volunteering" (SDV) project is a 24-month initiative that integrates environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction through community-based approaches in Uruguay and Ecuador. Leveraging the expertise of our consortium, the project focuses on environmental education, risk mitigation, and sustainable development practices. Key components include enhancing waste management, promoting sustainable agriculture, conducting educational workshops, and engaging volunteers in practical environmental activities. The project aims to build local capacity, strengthen community resilience, conserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources, all while adhering to principles of safety and community involvement.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers, they will be accommodated in volunteer houses provided by the project, which will be a shared house with communal facilities, including a kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Local/international transport, will be discussed and agreed upon between the volunteers and the hosting organization prior to the activity. While efforts will be made to meet the needs of both parties, the final decision on all arrangements will be made by the hosting organization.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will take part in a pre-departure and an on-arrival training to support their preparation and integration. Activities will include getting-to-know-each-other sessions, icebreakers, team-building exercises, and the creation of personal profiles. Profiles will be analyzed to form balanced teams. Participants will also get to know the host location, accommodation, and the host country, helping them feel prepared, informed, and safe in the new environment. The training will include mentorship, meetings, linguistic courses and reflection groups.
Participant profile
The ideal participants for the volunteering activity in Uruguay, under the “Seeds of Change: Sustainable Development through Volunteering” project, are young individuals aged 18 to 35 who demonstrate a strong interest in environmental conservation, sustainability education, and community development. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of young people who face fewer opportunities, such as those experiencing economic, educational, cultural, or geographical disadvantages, as the project promotes equal access and active participation. Volunteers should be highly motivated to engage in non-formal education activities in schools and communities, contribute to environmental conservation through reforestation and waste management actions, and facilitate workshops on recycling, composting, and sustainable practices. While no formal qualifications are required, previous experience or motivation in environmental studies, education, social work, or youth activism will be considered an advantage. Participants are expected to work collaboratively with local partners and communities, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute constructively in both urban and rural settings, sometimes in modest living conditions. A basic knowledge of Spanish is recommended to support community engagement, although language training will be provided during the initial phase. Volunteers will receive pre-departure training and continuous on-site support from mentors and coordinators. This short-term placement offers participants a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable development, environmental education, and community engagement. Volunteers will also develop key soft skills, green competencies, and a broader understanding of global citizenship. Through their active participation, volunteers will contribute to building resilient communities, raising ecological awareness, and supporting inclusive, locally driven initiatives in Uruguay. ELIGIBILITY: Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member States, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Turkey), and have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months. Please follow up on the following Google doc and fill in the needed information: https://forms.gle/etZZw3DayN5T2hr38 The Google Drive form must be completed only after you have submitted your application through the European Youth Portal. Please note that submission of the Google Drive questionnaire alone will NOT be considered a complete application.
Activity dates
From 12/02/2026 to 13/03/2026
Activity location
SORIANO 1153, MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Disaster Preparedness
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 08/12/2025 23:59
Project code
2024-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101192160