Bona Fides Association is looking for Polish volunteers for an ESC project “Hands for the Community” in Italy, hosted by Associazione Mani Tese Finale Emilia and coordinated by PiGreco – SEMI di intercultura APS.
Place: Finale Emilia (near Modena, Italy)
Duration:
7 months: Beginning of August 2026 – Beginning of March 2027
5 months: End of September 2026 – End of February 2027
Hands for the Community – Volunteering at Manitese Finale Emilia
Mani Tese Finale Emilia is a non-profit association based in the rural area of Modena, Italy. Their mission is to promote sustainable local economies, combat poverty and social exclusion, and foster international cooperation and they run a variety of projects, including:
• A second-hand market to promote reuse and reduce waste.
• Ceramics and tailoring workshops focused on inclusion and creativity.
• A community garden and small farm based on agroecological principles.
• Educational activities with schools on social and environmental issues.
• Cultural and social events at our inclusive community space, Bar Al Riparo.
Volunteers are at the heart of association.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteers will support a variety of community-based projects, including:
• Community Projects & Events: Organizing public events, creative workshops, and awareness-raising activities for schools and the local community. Volunteers will assist with logistics and material preparation.
• Social Garden and Animal Care: Volunteers will help in the community garden and with animal care, learning agroecology techniques and creating social opportunities for disadvantaged people through outdoor activities.
Check out the INFOPACK for the full info
Infopack: https://drive.google.com/file/d/179OMYWD0FDuTSF8q87mzAbtfyJBPUi66/view?usp=sharing
Practical information
Volunteers will stay in a fully equipped apartment in Finale Emilia, with single or double rooms, shared bathroom, kitchen, and communal areas. Wi-Fi is available. The apartment is centrally located, with supermarkets and amenities nearby.
Volunteers will receive bicycles for travel to the association’s headquarters (15 minutes via cycle path) and access to the train station for longer trips.
A monthly food allowance will be provided. Volunteers will be responsible for cleaning, waste disposal, and preparing their own meals.
Training
• Training for all activities, alongside regular mentoring meetings.
• Participation in On-Arrival and Mid-Term Training organized by the Italian National Agency.
• Access to the Online Language Support (OLS) platform to learn Italian.
• Additional local workshops on non-formal education, communication, and sustainability.
Participant profile
We are looking for motivated and open-minded young people aged 18–30 who are eager to engage with solidarity, sustainability, and community living. Ideal candidates will be:
• Creative, sociable, and proactive.
• Interested in social inclusion, reuse, circular economy, and environmental issues.
• Basic English or Italian language skills are required.
• Interest in teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and non-formal education is a plus.
Application
To apply send us your CV and a motivation letter (in English) to: mariachiara@bonafides.pl and anna@bonafides.pl with a title: ‘ESC in Finale Emilia, Italy’
or contact us for any further information!
Check out all the projects we’re currently recruiting for
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evs4polish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonafides_wolontariat_eks/
Website: https://evs.bonafides.pl/category/aktualne-nabory/