ESC in Bulgaria
WHERE: Sturgel (near Sofia), Bulgaria
HOST ORGANISATION: Association for Shared Learning (ELA)
THEMES: Environmental sustainability, Green education, Rural development, Citizenship and democratic participation, Creativity and culture
WHEN: 07.07.2026 – 07.07.2026
DEADLINE: 06.07.2026
HOST ORGANIZATION
Association for Shared Learning (ELA) – Sturgel, Bulgaria
The Association for Shared Learning (ELA) is a Bulgarian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people through non-formal education. After many years of implementing national and European projects, the organisation has focused on developing a Green Education Centre in the mountain village of Sturgel, near Sofia.
The centre is currently being renovated to become a space where children can learn, grow, and connect with nature through educational activities. Volunteers will contribute directly to this project while experiencing rural life and becoming part of the local community.
AVAILABLE PROJECT
Green Education Centre Renovation and Rural Community Support
1 volunteer position available.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
The volunteer will support the renovation of the Green Education Centre in the mountain village of Sturgel by assisting with practical maintenance and development work. Daily activities include helping with the upkeep of the building and garden, carrying out basic repairs, woodworking, and working with natural materials.
The project is ideal for volunteers who enjoy practical, hands-on work, spending time outdoors, and experiencing life in a rural environment. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to interact with local residents, including elderly people living in the village, while contributing to the creation of an educational space for future non-formal learning activities.
As the centre is still under renovation, volunteers should be comfortable living in simple and basic accommodation surrounded by nature.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supporting the renovation of the Green Education Centre
- Assisting with building maintenance and basic repair work
- Helping maintain the garden and outdoor areas
- Participating in woodworking and simple construction activities
- Working with natural and sustainable materials
- Performing general manual labour
- Interacting with the local rural community
- Contributing to the development of a future educational space for children
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
- 18–30 years old
- Motivated to participate in practical and manual work
- Interested in sustainability, environmental protection, and rural life
- Comfortable working outdoors and with natural materials
- Willing to live in basic accommodation during the renovation period
- Open-minded, adaptable, and responsible
- Interested in interacting with the local community and elderly residents
Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Ukraine.
CONDITIONS OFFERED
- Accommodation provided throughout the project
- Monthly food allowance
- Monthly pocket money
- Local transport provided
- Travel costs reimbursed according to ESC programme rules
- Introductory training before the activities
- Additional training related to project tasks
- Access to the Online Language Support (OLS) platform for Bulgarian language learning
- Continuous mentoring and personal support
- Youthpass certificate at the end of the project
PROJECT DURATION: 07 July 2026 – 07 September 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 06 July 2026 (23:59)
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send their application as soon as possible to one of the following email addresses: