ZEMLYA Volunteering Teams: Build inclusive communities & support Ukrainian youth in Bulgaria
Foundation Situation Center Open Doors
Sofia, Bulgaria
Description
ZEMLYA is a Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project bringing together young people from across Europe to co-create practical solutions for the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees. You will work in an international team of 16 participants, at least half with Ukrainian background, engaging in workshops, community activities and collaborative projects.
Volunteers will explore topics such as employment, entrepreneurship and social inclusion, while developing ideas that respond to real community needs. Through hands-on learning, teamwork and peer exchange, you will gain practical skills and contribute to initiatives that support displaced youth.
The project also focuses on documenting good practices, storytelling and sharing impact, contributing to a growing Library of Sustainable Inclusion for organisations across Europe.
If you are curious, open-minded and motivated to create positive change, this experience is for you.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will stay in shared accommodation near the FSCOD headquarters in Sofia, with shared rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities. Food is provided through a weekly group budget for shopping and cooking together, complemented by meals from a partner restaurant. Participants receive €7/day pocket money. Travel costs are reimbursed according to ESC distance bands. Local transport is covered. Youthpass certificate is provided.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will take part in a structured learning programme including onboarding, team-building and facilitation workshops. Training covers social inclusion, community engagement, and working in multicultural teams. Participants will also develop skills in communication, storytelling and documenting impact (photo, video, social media). Ongoing mentoring and reflection sessions will support personal development and learning outcomes, leading to a Youthpass certificate.
Participant profile
We are looking for motivated young people aged 18–30 (not older than 31 at the start of the activity) who are legally residing in ESC countries and can stay in Bulgaria without a visa for up to 30 days. At least half of the group will be young people from Ukraine.
No specific background is required, but interest in social inclusion, community work and teamwork is important. Experience in facilitating activities, organising workshops, or skills in media, storytelling or communication are an asset.
Participants must not have exceeded 11 months of previous ESC volunteering.
Activity dates
A total of 0 week(s) during the period 04/05/2026 to 02/06/2026
Activity location
Triaditsa district, 12 Graf Ignatiev str., 3rd fl., Sofia, Bulgaria
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, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Education and training
Employment and entrepreneurship
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 08/05/2026 15:00
Project code
2025-1-EACEA-VTHPA-101239301