Summer TALKOOT 2025
NUORISO- JA MATKAILUKESKUS HYVARILAOY
NURMES, Finland
Description
We invite you to experience the Finnish tradition of Talkoot - bringing the whole village to help and do something together. As a part of our biodiversity initiative, we are growing a wildflower meadow. The meadow has to be cut down every year and grass needs to be taken away in order not to over-fertilize the soil. The grass should be cut, not chopped, and the best way to do it is by scythe. Scything used to be a regular activity for all, but nowadays mostly older generations have the skill. Talkoot in Hyvärilä are a good opportunity to bring together generations and exchange skills, stories, and share quality time in a meaningful way. Together with the local community, volunteers will be cutting grass with a scythe on a wildflower meadow in Hyvärilä youth centre and build insect hotels. You will learn about local cultural and natural heritage, visit local museums. You will plan and run activities for the local community during Talkoot week. Prepare to share your experiences online!
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers stay in forest cabins in Hyvärilä youth centre for 14 days. Rooms for 2-3 persons with a toilet. Showers in a utility building nearby. Bed linens and towels are provided. Meals are served in the cafeteria. Food is mostly vegan and vegetarian, it is good and healthy. Volunteers will have a chance to use saunas on designated days. Volunteers can use bicycles to go to Nurmes town (4 km away). Travel costs are reimbursed based on ESC programme rules. Nurmes is a remote area, travel from Helsinki takes 7 hours by train, prepare for an adventure, and stock up on snacks for the road.
Training during the activity
On-arrival training is organized during the first two days of the activity to expolre the Finnish nature, culture and traditions. Application guidelines: please mention if you have experience in Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps program in your motivation statement. Motivation statement should be written in English. Before applying, google "NURMES" and "HYVÄRILÄ YOUTH CENTRE" and learn about our work on Instagram @hyvarilainternational. Good luck!
Participant profile
We are looking for young people (18-30 years old) who want to experience internationality and learn about sustainable living and biodiversity. Join us if you want to organize activities for the local community of Nurmes: from children to seniors. Prepare to work in the field cutting grass with a scythe - it is not easy! We welcome participants who also want to share their experiences with others on social media. Find us on Instagram @hyvarilainternational and @volunteers_eastfinland to see if Nurmes is the right place for you!
Activity dates
From 25/06/2025 to 08/07/2025
Activity location
LOMATIE 12, NURMES, Finland
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (Republic of), Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 12/05/2025 22:59