Eco-Guardians of Polia: Rural Regeneration & Climate Resilience
KALISTRATIA ODV
POLIA, Italy
Description
Join Kalistratia in Polia, Calabria, for a specialized short-term mission (16 April–31 May) focused on environmental stewardship and community empowerment. This project bridges rural traditions with modern ecological solutions through two main pillars: land management and non-formal education. Key Responsibilities: Environmental Tech: Map hydrogeological risks, collect data for environmental reports, and digitally map hiking trails. - Regenerative Action: Build synergistic food forests and rainwater management "swales". - Education: Facilitate creative workshops for local students (ages 3-12) covering Creative Writing, Clay Art, Theater, and Recycling. - Community: Lead "Bosco Aperto" days and biodiversity monitoring. => Volunteers receive shared housing, organic local food, and ESC pocket money. Ideal for proactive spirits aged 18-30 eager to leave a tangible green footprint on a rural Italian community.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will be hosted in comfortable shared accommodation in Polia with Wi-Fi and essential services. - Pocket Money: €6 per day, plus a €50 Extra pocket money for food. - Meals: Primarily organic and homemade, emphasizing local Calabrian products (basic food). - Travel: A travel budget of €275 is available, or €320 for those choosing "Green Travel" options. - Local Transport: For travel outside the village related to project activities, transport will be provided using the organization’s vehicles.
Training during the activity
Volunteers receive hands-on training in rural regeneration and non-formal education. Key areas: - Pedagogical Skills: Designing and leading workshops for local students (ages 3–12) on Creative Writing, Clay Art, Theater, and Recycling. - Environmental Tech: Digital mapping for trail maintenance, hydrogeological risk monitoring, and "Little Meteorologist" data collection. - Sustainable Design: Building swales and food forests. - Soft Skills: Event management for "Bosco Aperto," teamwork, and Italian OLS language support.
Participant profile
We are seeking 3 proactive volunteers (aged 18-30) with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Ideal candidates should demonstrate: - Educational Interest: Enthusiasm for leading creative workshops (theatre, clay art, recycling) for local school children. - Technical Curiosity: Willingness to learn digital mapping (GPS/GIS) and practical permaculture like building swales. - Community Spirit: A positive, adaptable attitude toward living in a small rural village and working outdoors. - Communication: Basic Italian is an asset to facilitate local integration. => How to Apply: Send your CV and Motivation Letter to: kalistratiaodv@gmail.com.
Activity dates
A total of 4 week(s) during the period 17/04/2026 to 31/05/2026
Activity location
VIA SANTA CROCE SNC , POLIA, Italy
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Nutrition and subsistence agriculture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/03/2026 12:00
Project code
2024-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000231046