ESC in Germany

                                                   ESC VOLUNTEERING IN GERMANY – DON BOSCO CLUB (COLOGNE)

HOST ORGANISATION

Don Bosco Club – Cologne, Germany
The Don Bosco Club is a children’s and youth centre run by the Catholic Church, offering a wide range of leisure-time, educational and social activities for children and young people.

The organisation focuses particularly on preventing social isolation, supporting young people in vulnerable situations and helping them in their transition from school to working life.

The Don Bosco Club works closely with professional social workers and youth counsellors, providing a safe and inclusive space where young people can spend their free time, build social skills, gain confidence and develop a sense of belonging.

The project is coordinated by the Cologne Volunteer Agency, which acts as the local ESC coordination centre.

AVAILABLE PROJECT

Youth work volunteering, leisure time activities, social inclusion, non-formal education and community support.
1 volunteering position available

DESCRIPTION

The ESC volunteer will be involved in the daily activities of the Don Bosco Club, supporting children and young people during their free time and contributing to social and educational activities.
The volunteer will work alongside social workers and youth counsellors, helping to organise games, group activities and informal educational initiatives.

The project offers a hands-on experience in youth work, with a strong focus on inclusion, empowerment and social integration of underprivileged young people. Previous experience is not required — motivation, empathy and willingness to engage are the most important qualities.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting leisure-time activities for children and young people
• Assisting in organising games, group activities and workshops
• Supporting social workers in daily youth centre activities
• Helping to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment
• Participating in community and group activities
• Supporting young people in developing social skills and self-confidence
• Contributing ideas and initiatives for activities (according to interests)

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

• Young people aged 18–29
• Interest in working with children and young people
• Empathy, patience and sense of responsibility
• Openness to social and educational work
• Good knowledge of German or English (German is an advantage)
• Motivation to work in a multicultural and social environment
• Not having participated in a long-term ESC project before
• Availability for 11–12 months

CONDITIONS OFFERED

• Volunteering duration: 11–12 months
• Working time according to ESC standards
• Accommodation and living support according to ESC rules
• Pocket money and food allowance according to ESC regulations
• Travel cost reimbursement according to ESC rules
• Health insurance (ESC)
• Continuous mentoring and support
• On-arrival and mid-term training
• Youthpass certificate at the end of the project

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Cologne is one of Germany’s most vibrant and multicultural cities, known for its strong youth scene, cultural life and central location in Europe. It offers an excellent environment for gaining experience in youth work while living in a dynamic urban setting.

PROJECT DURATION: 11–12 months (starting April / May 2026)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 March 2026 – the sooner, the better

HOW TO APPLY

Please send the following documents:

ESC application form
https://koeln-freiwillig.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ESC_application_form_KFA_2026_2027.pdf

CV with photo

Motivation letter explaining your interest in the project

Contact:
Susanne Freisberg-Houy
Susanne.freisberg@koeln-freiwillig.de

Only selected candidates will be contacted.

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