For the past few years, JAVVA has been organizing workcamps in Red Cross Centers for Asylum Seekers. Indeed, the whole issue of refugees, asylum seekers and migration in general is one of the main issues Western European countries deal with nowadays. The aim of these workcamps are not only to allow volunteers to have an “up close and personal” experience of the issue, and therefore have a different view on it than what can be seen in the media, but also to bring some “fresh air” to the residents in the Center.
The Red Cross Center for asylum seekers "Le Merisier" hosts 300 people. The volunteers will take part in the life of the Center, together with the asylum seekers. Renovation work will be organized, as well as animation with the residents.
ACCOMODATION:
In a guest house
LOCATION:
Fraipont is in the countryside, not far from Liège, one of the biggest cities in Belgium.
REMARKS:
This workcamp takes place in Red Cross Center for asylum seekers, which is somewhat isolated. Volunteers should have an interest for the issue, and a will to interact with the asylum seekers. Many (but not all) asylum seekers come from French-speaking African countries, so some notions of French are welcome (but English remains the language of the workcamp).
Participants will help with the renovation of the Braine l’Alleud Youth Centre (www.leprisme.be): painting, gardening…please bring some old clothes, physical work involved.
ACCOMMODATION:
volunteers will sleep in an old castle next to the Youth Centre. Sleeping bag and sheets needed. Possibility to have vegetarian and halal dishes (please advise beforehand)
Volunteers will work on different tasks in the park of the “Domaine de Mozet”: taking care of the trees, painting, renovation in the castle and houses in the park…Expect physical work!
Free time:
Weekends and evenings will be free.
Daily work:
5-6h, from 8 to 15h30.
ACCOMMODATION:
In a little scout house near the castle of Domaine de Mozet. Please bring your sleeping bag.
LOCATION:
Mozet is a wonderful small village in the South of Belgium, situated at about 14 km from Namur, 75 km from Brussels.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »