Progetto Servizio Volontario Europeo in Francia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cercasi volontari

Ciao ragazzi,

cercano volontari per un progetto di Servizio Volontario in Francia: per chi fosse interessato non esiti a contattarci al più presto......:)

Ciao Cristina

*LTVSJ02 – Centre de Beaumotte*

Founded in 1979, the Centre de Beaumotte is a non-formal educational association, and Solidarités Jeunesses' delegation in the Franche-Comté region. The aim of the centre is to support people who have fewer opportunities and encourage them to take responsibility for their lives. With this we also encourage participation in activities that promote justice and solidarity.

*The project *

One of the most important things we do at the centre is simply participate in the everyday exchange that occurs when people from different social and cultural backgrounds live together in a rural environment. There are about 20 people who live and work at the centre, and 10 more who come to work during the day. The centre hosts youth and adults who are facing social and professional problems, and who often have difficulties functioning in society. They live at the centre from 3 months to one year. Groups of handicapped children are also hosted for short periods throughout the year. The *exchange between the volunteers and those living at the centre is extremely important*, and together they will focus their efforts to realize specific projects around the centre and in neighbouring villages. A professional will be present on each job site, and will aid in the preparation, completion and evaluation of the projects. Throughout the year we also organize different social and cultural events, such as concerts, theatrical productions, workshops, and the like. We work approximately 7 hours per day. This project requires no specific knowledge or skills.

Some examples of the work we undertake are:  Renovation of the centre (masonry, carpentry, etc.)   Preservation of the parc

    Renovation of the local heritage (fountains, ancient wash-houses etc)   Environmental projects (preservation of the river, gardening, etc.)

*Seminars*

The Centre de Beaumotte also provides training seminars to the residents. Topics include things such as the best way to search for a job, fighting alcohol and drug addiction, general health, and social and professional projects. Some seminars are more open, and deal with subjects like understanding French society, current events, and various cultural subjects. Volunteers are welcome to participate in any seminar that interests them.

*Group life*

As stated above, the daily intercultural exchange is a great way to achieve some of the goals of the project. The lives of both the volunteers and the residents are enriched as they confront their similarities and differences, and this produces some very powerful moments.

As can be imagined, it can be difficult to get things running smoothly when you are living with 25 other people. To make things easier and more comfortable for everyone, there are a few rules the must be respected at the centre The first is that, with the exception of organized special occasions, no alcohol is allowed at the centre This is out of respect for residents who have had alcohol problems in the past. Mobile phones are also forbidden. Volunteers are allowed to bring their phones, but they will be kept in the office, and are to be used only in case of an emergency. There is a fixed phone that is available to the volunteers, and internet is also provided so they may stay connected with family and friends. The final rule is that we expect all living at the centre to respect night time quiet hours.

The Centre de Beaumotte has been hosting medium and long term volunteers for the past 26 years, and each of them have left their mark. At any given time the centre hosts 8 international volunteers. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to live a *unique life experience*, to *develop your own projects*, to *learn French* and *discover the culture* here, and to be a *positive influence* in the lives of those at the centre You will work at times with local youths on projects in the surrounding areas. During your time here you will also have the opportunity to lead one or two of Solidarités Jeunesses' international work camps and to participate in events such as training seminars and general assemblies.

*The Social Environment: *

The center is located in a small, rural village where there is not much social activity. This, however, does not mean the volunteers will be either lonely or bored! At any given time there are around 30 people in the center, with many more passing through. We also have an extensive network of local partners, which means the volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to meet other young people.

*The Geographical Layout:*

The Franche-Comté is a beautiful region well known for its wines, sausages and cheeses. The center is situated on the edge of a river in the village of Beaumotte (pop. 380), in the countryside of the Haute-Saône. The nearest large towns are Vesoul (25km) and Besançon (30km), though the small town of Rioz rests just 12km away. Trips into town are organized several times per week based on the needs of the volunteers and the activity schedule. A large garden surrounds our building, and we have recently build an activity room we call "le bateau". In "le bateau" we do physical exercises and arrange cultural activities with the young residents of the center, and also organize events that the locals can come and participate in.