Long term volunteering at the seaside in Oostende - 2022/2023

“Pleasant engagement”, that’s what Jeugddienst Don Bosco vzw wants to be. By challenging young people to volunteering, formation initiatives and other ways of free time spending/occupation, a contribution is made towards their complete development. 
​Please write to lien.vanhecke@donbosco.be if you are interested in these opportunities.

Volunteer work from 12/09/2022 to 12/09/2023

Activity Description

The project is developed for international volunteers who want to experience youth work in a different context and country. The service consists of 12 months of volunteering in the Flemish Don Bosco youth centre, De Takel in Oostende at the seaside. We invite two volunteers. The aim of youth centre is to create an enjoyable time for the youngsters coming to the youth centre. De Takel is a youth care centre for young people between 12 and 25 years. It is a place where they can come together for all kinds of activities and socializing. The target group for De Takel consists mainly of: young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Oostende, refugees, minors… . This creates a very multicultural audience and a large number of vulnerable young people. The volunteer is expected to accompany them in the activities and their visit to the youth centre and take part in the daily activities of the Youth Centre.

Practical information

During the service, the volunteers will have their personal rooms in a spacious volunteers house walking distance from the youth centre. All basic needs are provided: kitchen, bathroom, tv, internet…. The rent is included in the Erasmus+ grant and will be paid by Jeugddienst Don Bosco. Cooking will be done by the volunteers. The volunteers will receive a weekly budget, to cover food and household costs, and a monthly pocket allowance. A bike will be provided for the length of the program and you will receive 2 times a 10-ride train card for trips in Belgium.

Participant profile

The project is open for two volunteers.
Some requirements for the ESC-volunteer are
- strong English communication skills
- strong youth work skills/experience - able to live/work as an independent person
- strong intercultural skills
- open towards other cultures/to have an intercultural experience
- willing to work in an multicultural environment
​A bonus: - interested in sports (football) - interested in gaming and other PC games. - can speak another language: Arabic, Pashto, Russian