Svatava Shines, celebrate and Commemorate

CODE: SDA 25-104

Project:

The workcamp will take place in Svatava, a small town in the Czech Republic with a rich history and a strong sense of community. The main goal is to foster volunteerism and motivate local residents to take the initiative in maintaining public spaces while highlighting the importance of the town’s history and heritage. Volunteers will play an active role in preparing for the Svatava festival and improving community spaces, such as playgrounds and fences, while engaging with the historical site of the women’s concentration camp memorial. These activities aim to revitalize public areas, honor historical tragedies, and connect personal reflection on the past with current global awareness. You are actively contributing to the achievement of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Work:

Volunteers will be involved in setting up for the Svatava festival, which includes tasks like: preparing party tents, benches, and managing post-event cleanup, such as sorting waste. Additionally, they will contribute to enhancing public spaces, like cleaning playgrounds, removing weeds, and painting fences. Another important task is cleaning a former air-raid shelter, part of the women’s concentration camp memorial, which includes removing soil, clearing small bushes, and tidying the surrounding area to preserve this historical site. Tasks will continue regardless of the weather, so volunteers should come prepared with sturdy clothing and shoes. While no special skills are needed, a moderate level of physical effort will be required, including the use of tools like shovels, rakes, and brooms.

Study part:

At the beginning of the workcamp, volunteers will participate in a joint meeting to learn about the municipality's history, and how their work ties into the local community’s life. Additionally, a cultural exchange event will be organized, where volunteers and local residents can come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, explore each other’s customs, and enjoy a tasting session. This will offer a chance for volunteers to connect with the community;

Accomodation and food:

Volunteers will stay in a gymnasium/cultural center in Svatava with a fully equipped kitchenette. The accommodation provides four toilets and one shared shower. Volunteers are required to bring their own sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, indoor footwear, and personal items like insect repellents. WiFi and a microwave are available, but there is no washing machine. For meals, the organizer will provide hot lunches with a mixed diet. Breakfasts and dinners will be prepared by the volunteers themselves . The building is close to a small grocery store. Gluten-free diets are not accommodated

Leisure time

Svatava is close to several interesting attractions. In Sokolov, you can visit a castle, museum, swimming pool, and enjoy local cafes and restaurants. Loket, located 12 km from Svatava, is known for its historic castle and charming cafes. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Erika Nature Reserve, which is part of the NATURA 2000 network. In a reachable distance there is also Medard Lake which offers swimming and some sports activities. You can also visit the abandoned Tin Mine Jeroným for a tour, either individually or with the organizer.

Location:

The workcamp will take place in Svatava, a small town 2 km north of Sokolov, with around 1,600 residents. It has a grocery store, a school, and easy access to larger shops in Sokolov. The area is reachable by bus or train, and Sokolov offers an ATM and pharmacy.

Requirements:

Volunteers are required to bring their own sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, indoor footwear, and personal items like insect repellents.

Notes: This workcamp is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are ready to work in nature,though allergies (e.g., grass) may be a consideration. Volunteers must respect quiet hours, asresidential apartments are located above the gymnasium. Smoking is not allowed inside the building.

Directions to meeting point

Timetables may change for summer. We will provide more transport details in infoheet later. Feel free to use our application IDOS for all kind of transport around Czech Republic (buses, trains, public city transport). To have a general knowledge how to ge to the meeting point: From Prague to Svatava it takes between 2,5 hours to 3,5 hours (depends on connection). From Prague to Svatava the best conection is by bus. You need to change from one to three times (depends on specific connection).

Address: ČSA 277, 357 03 Svatava
GPS: 50.1924506N, 12.6260708E