Lýsing á stofnuninni/samtökunum

Elegast is a dynamic organisation in Antwerp that focuses, in its help and service, on young people
and their families. From the experience in the professional field, we respond to new needs and needs
of society. Elegast annually reaches thousands of young people and their families. The most
important goal in providing assistance is to support the clients and give them the chance to grow as a
person in an environment of freedom, respect and responsibility. A large part of Elegast's provision of
assistance falls within the special youth care sector. Besides special youthcare, Elegast is also active
in schooleducation, justice, communitywork,.... A part of the organisation is specialised in special
youthcare. Educational support is given to children, younsters, families and their network. Some
examples: ‘homeguiding’ for parents, residential setting for children who cannot live (temporary) at
home, support of youngsters to live on their own,… . Another part of the organisation is the
‘community service’: it organises activities for the community and empowers people with fewer
opportunities. Some examples: free use of computers, computer lessons, play afternoons, craft
workshops, Dutch classes, cleaning actions, sports activities, community celebrations, network
meetings… It also works on awareness and prevention of possible pitfalls in life (social, financial…).
Involving volunteers in every part of the job (giving and taking responsibilities) is part of the job. In all
those activities are people involved with fewer opportinities, immigrant background and asylum
seekers. Vzw Elegast counts approximately 200 payed workers.

Viðfangsefni tengd samfélagslegri þátttöku

This organisation is willing to involve volunteers who face situations which make their participation in activities more difficult, from the following categories for different types of project:

• Cultural differences
• Health problems
• Social obstacles