France: The Cemetery Wall

CODE: SJ50

Work
You will work directly on the cemetery wall. The different stages of the work may include cleaning and preparing the wall, removing damaged parts, preparing mortar, carrying out masonry work, repairing joints and completing finishing work. The aim will be to gradually restore the wall while using techniques and materials suitable for the existing structure. The work will be carried out as a team and no previous masonry experience is required: participants will be supported throughout the project.

Accomodation and food
You will stay in shared dormitories at the large international Maison des Bateleurs, located at 4 Avenue d’Onda in Montendre. You will share everyday life with international volunteers. The house has showers, a kitchen, a garden, a bamboo grove, a washing machine and Wi-Fi.
You will also take part in daily household tasks, including cleaning and maintaining the shared spaces. Meals will be prepared in turns by participants and international volunteers. Food will be provided, with hot, cold, vegetarian and vegan meals available. Meat consumption will be limited in order to promote a more environmentally friendly diet.

Location and leisure
Location: 4 Avenue d’Onda, Montendre (17130), Charente-Maritime.

You will be able to enjoy the lake located near the Maison des Bateleurs and take part in various outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, cycling, picnics or activities around the lake. Trips to Bordeaux, La Rochelle and nearby towns and villages may also be organised. Some activities will be suggested by the team, while others can be chosen collectively by the participants.

Project hosted by
La Maison des Bateleurs – Solidarités jeunesses (MBSJ) is a Non-formal Education association that defends the ideas of living and doing together for a concrete peacebuilding action, promoting intercultural encounter. This International Welcome Centre, located in Montendre, Charente-Maritime (17), our association welcomes throughout the year 8 to 10 young volunteers (short and long term ESC, French and international civic service), as well as young French and internationals (individually or in groups) on our actions and projects of young volunteers.

This workcamp aims to contribute to the renovation of the cemetery wall in Montendre and to the maintenance of an important part of the local community. The project will allow participants to discover renovation and masonry work while making a concrete contribution to the preservation of local heritage. The stay will also be an opportunity to share everyday life with international volunteers at the Maison des Bateleurs and discover the Charente-Maritime region

Directions to meeting point
The team will welcome you at the Maison des Bateleurs, 4 Avenue d’Onda, 17130 Montendre. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Montendre train station. A vehicle will be available for transportation to the worksite and for some trips and activities.