ABOUT FIYE AND INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

FIYE is a vibrant Polish non-governmental and non-profit organisation. Ever since it was established in 1989, FIYE has been active in the field of voluntary service and particularly committed to international youth exchange programmes. Throughout the years, FIYE has developed and successfully carried out a considerable number of volunteer projects with special regard to short-term summer projects (workcamps) and long-term programmes lasting 6-12 months. FIYE considers voluntary service programmes as a unique and excellent form of maintaining international contacts, fostering youth exchange, enabling participants to fight cross-cultural barriers, and developing bonds of long-lasting friendships. Furthermore, FIYE aims at popularising the currently vital concepts of mutual help, solidarity, peace and civic awareness. Volunteers participating in FIYE's projects always emphasise the fact that due to their "Polish experience," they have grown more responsible, open-minded and above all, have managed to stand up to a challenge, test themselves in demanding conditions and initiate a cross-cultural dialogue, which they consider rewarding and valuable in today's world.

¢ We will accept applications to our workcamps since April 1st
¢ There are no reservations on FIYE workcamps
¢ Individual applications are not accepted
¢ FIYE does not provide any type of insurance for international volunteers, excluding first aid treatment. Therefore all volunteers are recommended to obtain their own insurance before coming to Poland.
¢ FIYE sends all exchange-related documents to the partner organisations concerned (not directly to the volunteers) and expects the same procedure from its partners.

SOME GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS:
All volunteers who wish to take part in projects organised by FIYE are required to fulfil the following criteria:

" Be between 18 and 30 years of age (there are some exceptions - see FIYE 105).Volunteers above 30 are also welcome to apply - individual cases will be considered)

" Speak some English, be able to understand simple instructions, follow safety regulations, and take part in workcamp life related discussions. Volunteers applying to work and teach English in the course of a workcamp must speak English fluently and possess some basic pedagogical skills in order to run workshops, teaching English to foreigners, etc. They should be open, interactive and tolerant.

" For certain social projects, volunteers are expected to be highly motivated and dedicated to working with disadvantaged and disabled individuals. They should be ready to provide all kinds of assistance to the local staff, be responsible both for themselves and others, and be flexible and open-minded. If explicitly stated, FIYE might require some recommendations or documents certifying language skills or previous experience and involvement in similar social projects.

SOME INFORMATION CONCERNING WORK:

Volunteers will be expected to work approximately 30 hours a week. The work plan is largely up to the co-ordinator(s), but suggestions from participants are more than welcome. Weekends are usually free, however, some projects may require weekend work as well. In such cases, volunteers will need to be flexible and adjust to the institution's regulations. Leisure time is largely up to the group and co-ordinators.

WHAT IS PROVIDED ON THE WORKCAMP:

FOOD - usually, the volunteers are served three meals a day in a local canteen. Alternatively, if explicitly indicated in the brochure, the volunteers prepare their meals themselves.

ACCOMMODATION - is provided at local schools, youth centres or sometimes in tents, all having access to all basic facilities (toilets, showers). Sometimes the volunteers are requested to bring sleeping bags, as indicated in the brochure.

One workcamp LEADER and possibly a WORK CO-ORDINATOR - The leader acts as a group coordinator and is responsible for assuring that the whole workcamp runs smoothly and that all potential problems and misunderstandings are quickly resolved. He/she is also a volunteer and doesn't get paid for being the leader. She/He makes sure that the volunteers feel well and that the food and accommodation are satisfactory. He/she monitors and supervises all works. Moreover, he/she tries to live up to the group's needs and is responsible for coordinating free time activities (e.g. organising trips and excursions). Above all, his/her role is to integrate the participants and to maintain a friendly atmosphere throughout the workcamp. Should there be a work co-ordinator, he/she is responsible for making sure that all volunteers are aware of their duties. He/she distributes and supervises daily tasks, makes sure that all volunteers have the proper equipment and is in close contact with the local host. All co-ordinators work alongside with participants.

WHAT THE VOLUNTEER NEEDS TO PROVIDE:

" The volunteer covers all costs related to travel and insurance (health, personal belongings and luggage)

" A sleeping bag/mattress if explicitly stated

" Pocket money: the volunteers receive no money in return for their work and need to cover expenses related to the leisure time activities (bus fares, pubs, museums, discos, restaurants and transportation).

" Proper work clothes: this is particularly important for construction, renovation and manual projects.

" In certain cases of educational camps, where the volunteers teach English to kids, they are expected to prepare respective teaching materials before coming to the workcamp.

" Any extra materials and supplies that a volunteer may need for interactive games and role playing. Something typical from his/her home country (a costume, album, tape or postcard) to present to others are more than welcome.

For more information about FIYE click here: www.fiye.pl

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