ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Casa Santa Chiara promotes initiatives aimed at minors, young people, and adults with different types of disabilities who lack adequate support and are in need of education, socialization, and inclusion. The organization protects the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals, supporting them in their search for well-being and in the development of their potential as active citizens. At the heart of its mission lie volunteering and solidarity, considered key elements of the educational and social path that CSC has pursued from the very beginning.

The contribution of young volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps fits into this perspective, enriching the integration and socialization activities offered to people with disabilities, especially within day centers, leisure programs, and family-style homes located throughout the metropolitan area of Bologna. International volunteering brings added value both to the service users and to the educators and staff, strengthening the intercultural dimension and raising community awareness on disability and inclusion.

ESC volunteers commit to 35 hours per week over five working days, excluding weekends. They will work alongside staff, educators, and other volunteers in daily activities, contributing to three main areas of intervention:

• Manual and practical activities: woodworking and painting workshops, gardening and animal care, sewing and craftwork.

• Rehabilitation activities: support for play-based motor activities, dance, water-based activities, hippotherapy, and pathways to stimulate personal abilities.

• Socialization activities: accompanying users during excursions, museum visits, cooking workshops, recreational and cultural events.

In addition, volunteers may be involved in awareness-raising, promotional, and communication activities, including the preparation of handmade materials, management of the charity shop, online support to families, and participation in advocacy and information initiatives.

The role of volunteers includes:

• Implementing personalized and creative activities for service users;

• Assisting in daily tasks and routines;

• Promoting opportunities for social interaction and inclusion;

• Encouraging participation in group and community activities;

• Collaborating with the project team and learning through interaction with sector professionals.

Thanks to specific training and the constant support of educators, ESC volunteers will develop personal, social, and professional skills. The experience will allow them to:

• Develop a sense of responsibility and solidarity towards vulnerable individuals, experiencing active citizenship firsthand;

• Gain relational, communication, and intercultural skills;

• Promote awareness in civil society of a vision of disability based on inclusion, going beyond approaches rooted in charity or pity;

• Improve their linguistic and cultural skills through immersion in the local environment;

• Develop creative and organizational abilities by proposing new ideas for center activities.

In line with the principles of the European Solidarity Corps, Casa Santa Chiara offers volunteers a non-formal, inclusive, and participatory learning environment. The shared goal is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through personalized educational, rehabilitative, and socialization activities, while at the same time fostering the human, civic, and professional development of young volunteers.

To learn more about the hosting organisation, take a look at their Facebook page and website!