REgenerate

CODE: YS-2025-01

Work:

The project initiated by Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile, stemming from their 2010 Outdoor Education Center, is a commendable effort to foster environmental sustainability through an innovative sustainable farm-training center. This initiative aims to serve as a platform for the dissemination of information and knowledge about sustainability on both a local and global scale.

The project invites international volunteers to participate in a work camp that adopts a holistic approach to everyday life. Volunteers will engage in various tasks based on weather conditions and real needs, spanning fields such as agriculture, farming, restoration of natural areas, and traditional building preservation.

Key activities within the work camp include:

Permaculture Garden Development: Volunteers will work on creating and maintaining a permaculture garden, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

Animal Care: Volunteers will have the opportunity to care for animals on the farm, including sheep, goats, rabbits, etc. This involves building pasture paddocks and preparing food for the winter season.

Restoration of Natural Areas: The project involves restoring natural meadows by clearing them of bushes and purifying rivers from overgrowth, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems.

Nature Path Creation: Volunteers will engage in creating a nature path in the forest by removing bushes and planting trees, enhancing the natural beauty of the area and providing educational opportunities.

In addition to these hands-on activities, the work camp will incorporate non-formal education sessions focused on eco-activism. These sessions aim to empower volunteers by developing their competencies to implement activities within their communities. The methodology for these educational sessions has been developed within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Youth Action For Nature and Well-being" (www.yafnaw.eu).

Overall, the project represents a comprehensive and collaborative effort to address environmental sustainability through practical initiatives, education, and the engagement of international volunteers. The inclusion of various activities ensures a well-rounded experience for participants while contributing positively to the environment and local communities.

Accomodation and food

Living conditions are very basic. Volunteers will be accommodated in a rural farm. Sleeping will be in tents provided by the organisers. We will provide mattresses as well. Toilets and washing facilities will be provided. Cooking will be done by volunteers themselves in the outdoor kitchen. Volunteers should bring their sleeping bags. Do not forget some traditional or typical food from your home country for the international evening.

Location and leisure

Work camp will be organized in Bārbele village, Bauska municipality. Farm is located in a rural area around 6 km from village. Nearest bus stop is 3 km away.
The administrative centre of the municipality is Bauska located 60 km from Rīga (capital city of Latvia).
During a work camp we will have possibilities to visit different cultural and historical places. Volunteers will have possibilities to organise intercultural events, etc.
More information about region - https://www.tourism.bauska.lv/en/.
More about Latvia - https://www.latvia.travel/en.

Project hosted by

Founded in 2005, Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is an energetic non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people in the Bauska region and beyond. At the heart of our mission, we are a values-driven community committed to empowering youth to innovate, share experiences, and foster a sense of togetherness.

Our Vision: Empowering Youth, Enriching Communities

Create: We ignite local and international projects that open doors for learning, participation, and self-expression in safe, nurturing environments.

Experience: We offer dynamic experiences that are both local and global in scope, designed to enhance personal development and prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Be Together: We are dedicated to building a vibrant community where young people can develop essential competencies that contribute to the growth and vitality of their local communities.

Our Impact: From sparking youth-led initiatives to providing enriching educational opportunities through non-formal settings, our work is centered around fostering intellectual and creative growth. We ensure that young individuals enjoy their leisure constructively, gain access to critical developmental resources, and acquire life skills that are integral to lifelong success.

Join Us: Our community thrives on the contributions, energies, and passion of our members, ranging from children to young adults aged 7-30. We sustain our impactful programs through memberships, contributions, and significant grants from prestigious sources such as Erasmus+ programs, European Solidarity Corps, and State youth programs.

Embark on a journey with Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile—where you create, experience, and connect in meaningful ways. Together, let’s smile, share, and inspire!

Directions to meeting point

Meeting point will be in Gaisma bus stop. Please let us know about your arrival time at least day before camp. For volunteers who don’t have experience to travel alone we will organize meeting in Riga bus station.

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