European Children City Ottopia (2026)
Bildungsnetzwerk Magdeburg gGmbH
Magdeburg, Germany
Description
You already have some experience working with children? You are creative, always up for a challenge and not afraid to get your hands dirty – this project is for you! During your stay at EJBM you will have the chance to support the building/dismantling and implementation of our Children's City. The only adults allowed in the city are supervisors who will support the children in their play and help them to implement their ideas. For two weeks we transform our garden into Ottopia – a children city, for up to 400 local and international (French and Polish) kids, aged 8 -14. Children work in various professions, earn their own currency, pay taxes, and decide on how to live together through elections. It promotes an understanding of democracy, independence, and social skills in a playful way. You will have the unique possibility to experience what happens to a city run entirely by children. There will be a mandatory online training prior to arrival for all selected volunteers.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms with up to four people (towels and sheets are provided) at our facility. Since our facility is available to external groups all year long, the living arrangements can be subject to change. Food and accommodation are fully covered. Volunteers will be provided with 3 meals a day prepared by our kitchen staff. On free days, a budget for food will be provided. Additionally, pocket money of 7 € per day will be provided. Travel expenses will be reimbursed based on the traveling distance according to the Erasmus+ rates.
Training during the activity
After arrival you will receive all the relevant information about the project and your role in it. Additionally, the volunteers will receive guidance and support from the pedagogical staff as well as our long-term volunteers. We will also take care of team-building and preparing you for the two weeks with kids. Throughout your stay, the EJBM team will be there to explain the tasks and responsibilities, as well as available to answer any questions that may arise. During their stay, the volunteers are expected to work independently and support each other in executing the assigned tasks.
Participant profile
We are looking for volunteers interested and/or experienced in working with children, non-formal education and democratic participation. It is important that you align with the European values. The volunteers are expected to be able to understand and communicate freely in English, as it is the working language of the project. Knowledge of German is welcomed. We value a wide range of skills and qualities and would like to see participants who identify with at least one of the following: independence, creativity, dedication, eagerness, open-mindedness, curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving. We are looking for people who show their own initiative and have a sense of responsibility.
Activity dates
From 26/07/2026 to 31/08/2026
Activity location
Lüttgen-Ottersleben 18a , Magdeburg, Germany
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Citizenship and democratic participation
Education and training
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 28/04/2026 23:59
Project code
2025-1-DE04-ESC51-VTJ-000347493