- The minimum length to participate is 6 months. In some cases volunteers can come between 6 to 12 months and agree on the length before their arrival. - The selection is based primarly on the motivation of the volunteer. So a specific motivation letter is required to apply. - Other factors taken into account are nationality (no more than one volunteer per nationality), gender (we try to keep a balance). Having a driving licence is a plus.
PROJECT:
The values of Vir'Volt are the voluntary participation of everyone, especially of youngsters and persons with fewer opportunities, at the local, national and international projects. Furthermore the activities of the delegation includes actions for the the cultural heritage in the area, sensitisation for sustainable development, inter-generational and intercultural exchange and the concrete construction of peace.
To meet their own demands, Vir'Volt is organising international workcamps since 1995. The head office of our organisation is located in a small town called La Ferté sous Jouarre of the department of Seine-et-Marne next to the regions of Brie and Champagne and only at 40 minutes from Paris by train.
The volunteer will integrate the team of Vir'Volt. The staff of Vir'Volt has 4 employees. The headquarters are at La Ferté sous Jouarre in the North of the Seine et Marne district, on a former camping site, which enables us to host youth groups, seminars, training sessions and international workcamps from April to October.
This place is located on behalf of the river Marne and 5 minutes away from the city center. La Ferté sous Jouarre has 9500 inhabitants and is at 45 minutes by train from Paris and 15 minutes from Meaux and also close to the Champagne region. The town has one swimming pool, a public library, many associations and is on the bank of the Seine which allow to do many activities.
Vir'Volt is involved with many organizations in the local community and the volunteer will meet and work with other organizations of the region. We especially work a lot with social (Germinal), cultural (Studio CREAM, Amitiés sans frontières), sport (boxing club, Sport Loisirs Fertois) associations and with schools.
LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERS:
All year long, Vir'Volt is hosting 3 to 4 long term volunteers. The volunteer will be hosted at the site of Vir'Volt and will sharing a small house with other volunteers. The house has a bathroom, a kitchen and a shared bedroom fit to host volunteers.
The collective aspect is an important part of the project. Volunteers, employees and interns are sharing lunch during the week and only the volunteers are living in the house in the evening and weekends. Every one is responsible for the organisation in the house (shopping, cooking, cleaning).
A computer with internet access is available in the house. We provide bed sheets, as well as towels and working clothes if needed. Some bikes are also available. Once a week, volunteers will assist to a french lesson and they'll be able to take part in other activities in the town if they wish.
« If anyone is interested in doing some real volunteering and not paying stupid amounts of money to do it just visit VAP's website or drop them an e-mail. »