Eco Volunteers in a Fairytale Village

CODE: SK-INE 10.2501

Description: The Slatinka Association was established in 1993 as a reaction to the construction of the Slatinka water dam on the Slatina River. The associations mission is to work at the basin of the Slatina River, to protect the environment and preserve natural areas while spreading consciousness of the projects effects on nature. One of their main aims is to bring life back to the village of Slatinka, since many people had to leave due to the dam construction. Workcamps like this one have been organized in Slatinka since 2011.

Type of Work: The work will be done around and in the village of Slatinka. The volunteers will help with cleaning the area in Slatinka: cutting the grass, taking care of the trees, collecting herbs. Help will include restoring the wetland and cleaning wells. The working hours are from Monday to Friday divided as follows: 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. There are no special skills required. By participating to this project you contribute to protecting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (UN SDG 15).

Accommodation: Volunteers will stay at a local school called the Eco Center. The center has an outdoor shower that requires participants to manually heat the water before each shower, and the toilets are dry (outhouses). There will not be access to running water, so water will be delivered or taken from a well pump for showers. Drinkable water will be provided by the local partner. On-site access to electricity and mobile signal is available. There are two bedrooms with mattresses, but a sleeping bag is required. Volunteers will be responsible for cleaning the accommodation site. Meals will be prepared by the volunteers themselves. Volunteers will be divided in the kitchen teams and will cook together; the groceries will be provided. The food will be mostly vegetarian.

Language: eng,

Requirements: Bring a sleeping bag, working clothes, warm clothes, cap, raincoat, strong boots, swimming suit, headlamp and a smile on your lips :) You can also bring some games from your country.

Approximate Location: Slatinka is a little village near Zvolen located in the Central part of Slovakia. The village is surrounded by beautiful nature with many touristic routes and hiking opportunities. The volunteers may visit Zvolen, where they will find a castle, a historical center and other interesting sites.