Introduction
The volunteering project takes place at Pühalepa Vaba Aja Keskus, a multifunctional community and youth centre located on the island of Hiiumaa. The centre plays an important role in local community life by organising cultural, educational, and recreational activities for people of all ages, with a special focus on young people. Through various events, workshops, and community initiatives, the centre encourages creativity, active participation, and social interaction.
The project offers volunteers the opportunity to become actively involved in the daily life of the centre while gaining valuable experience in youth work and community engagement. Volunteers support different activities and events, interact with young people and community members, and contribute their own ideas and skills to the centre’s programmes.
In addition to supporting regular activities, volunteers are encouraged to share their interests and cultural background by organising small workshops or activities, such as creative sessions, language cafés, or cultural evenings. The project also provides opportunities to participate in community initiatives, outdoor activities, and the promotion of the centre’s work through social media and other communication channels.
Throughout the service, volunteers receive guidance from a mentor and task supervisor, who support their learning process and personal development. Regular meetings and reflection sessions help volunteers review their experiences, set goals, and recognise the competences they develop during the project.
Location
Hiiumaa is the second largest island in Estonia, located in the Baltic Sea and known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful nature, and strong local community. The volunteering project takes place in the Pühalepa area, a rural part of the island surrounded by forests, coastal landscapes, and small villages. Hiiumaa offers many opportunities to enjoy nature through activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the seaside.
Despite its quiet and natural environment, the island has an active cultural life with local events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year. The island is connected to mainland Estonia by ferry and has regular transport links to the city of Tallinn. Living on Hiiumaa offers volunteers a unique opportunity to experience island life, become part of a close-knit community, and explore one of the most scenic regions of Estonia.
Volunteer Activities
The volunteer will support the daily activities of Pühalepa Vaba Aja Keskus and contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for young people and community members. The activities may include assisting with games, crafts, sports, and other recreational activities in the youth space, as well as helping to organise community events, workshops, exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations. Volunteers are encouraged to actively engage with young people, support their ideas, and participate in different cultural and social initiatives organised by the centre.
The volunteer will also have the opportunity to plan and implement small activities based on their own interests and skills, such as cultural evenings, creative workshops, language cafés, or cooking sessions. In addition, volunteers may help document activities, support communication through social media or photos, and take part in outdoor and environmental initiatives such as hikes, community events, or clean-up activities. Through these tasks, the volunteer gains practical experience in youth work and community engagement while contributing to the vibrant life of the local community on Hiiumaa.
Volunteer Profile
The project is looking for a motivated, open-minded, and responsible volunteer who is interested in working with young people and contributing to community life. The volunteer should be willing to actively participate in the daily activities of the centre, interact with young people, and support different events and initiatives in a positive and respectful way.
It is important that the volunteer is proactive, flexible, and ready to take initiative when helping to organise activities, workshops, or community events. Previous experience in youth work, volunteering, or organising activities is an advantage but not required. A genuine interest in learning, sharing ideas, and engaging with the local community is essential.
The volunteer should have good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Volunteers are encouraged to share their hobbies, skills, and cultural background by organising small activities or workshops. This project is especially suitable for someone who enjoys working with people, is curious about different cultures, and is motivated to learn through practical experience.
Learning Outcomes
During the volunteering period, the volunteer will gain valuable experience in youth work and community engagement. By supporting daily activities, workshops, and events, the volunteer will develop organisational, communication, and teamwork skills. Working with young people and community members will help strengthen empathy, intercultural understanding, and the ability to adapt activities to different groups.
The volunteer will also gain experience in planning and implementing small activities or workshops based on their own interests and skills. Through participation in community events and cultural activities, the volunteer will improve their confidence, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. Regular reflection meetings with a mentor will support the volunteer in recognising their learning progress and competences developed during the project, which will be documented through the Youthpass process.
Impact of the Project
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the local community of Hiiumaa while gaining valuable personal and professional experience. By supporting activities at Pühalepa Vaba Aja Keskus, you will help create a welcoming and inspiring environment for young people and community members. Your ideas, cultural background, and personal interests can bring new perspectives to the centre’s activities and inspire young people to try new things.
At the same time, you will gain insight into youth work and community engagement, develop your communication and organisational skills, and experience intercultural exchange in a unique island community. The project offers a chance to grow personally, build confidence, and become part of the everyday life of the local community while sharing your culture and learning about Estonian traditions.
Application
To apply, fill in the application form in the left column and send it to evs@estyes.ee
NB! We are flexible regarding the project dates which means we can change the service dates to some extent according to the needs of the volunteer.
The project is supported by the Estonian Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps from the Erasmus+ program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
