Bona Fides Association and Associazione Joint are looking for Polish participants (citizens or residents of Poland, aged 18-30) for a 1-month ESC TEAM project with Ostello dei Balocchi, in province of Reggio Emilia Italy!
Place: Casalino di Ligonchio, Appenino Tosco National Park in Reggio Emilia, Italy
Dates: 18.04.2026 – 18.05.2026
Duration: 1 month
About the hosting organisation: Ostello dei Balocchi
The Ostello dei Balocchi is an Environmental Education Center (EEC) managed by Legambiente Ligonchio, an association of young volunteers who have chosen to live in the Apennines. The Ostello has become a dynamic and multicultural place, active at local, regional, and European levels. Its commitment stands out for educational innovation, environmental sustainability, and local cultural and tourist development. Located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, it is the only one offering tourism with donkeys, a symbol of local traditions. The hostel also offers educational- artistic workshops that encourage reflection and personal sensitivity through experience. It is a reference point for families and schools seeking educational moments and holidays in contact with nature.
Activities
In the first days of the project you will have on arrival training when you will learn more about the hostel, the daily tasks, some rules and the other volunteers in order to create a familiar space where everyone can feel comfortable together.
Meal preparation is part of the volunteers’ daily activities: cooking will be done in shifts in groups of three people.
Most activities will take place outdoor at the Ostello dei Balocchi venue and in the Ravin’art park: a regenerating artistic path in nature, managed by Ostello dei Balocchi, that engages communities through participatory works. These site-specific creations stem from artist-community collaborations, enhancing cultural heritage and youth inclusion. For any activities held at other locations, the hosting organization will arrange and provide transportation.
Maintenance & hostel taking care:
• Building maintenance in the Ravin’art
• Green area maintenance;
• Cleaning the path leading to Ligonchio.
Donkey care & trekking:
• Donkey care sessions outside;
• Trekking with donkeys.
Educational & social activities:
• Visit the Atelier of Onda in Onda;
• Intercultural meeting with seniors.
Volunteer profile
• aged 18 to 30;
• legal resident or citizen of an EU country;
• interested in living in a precious and protected environment far from the chaos;
• ready for activities with donkeys;
• open for physical or manual work and “getting hands dirty”;
• ready for trekking experiences;
• ready to cook for yourself and others;
• ready to share private spaces with the team;
• be open minded;
• positive and peaceful attitude;
• flexibility to adapt to possible changes;
• proactive and respectful;
• ready to go out from comfort zone, experiment, and explore;
• at least intermediate knowledge of English.
Volunteers will have activities 4 days per week from 8:30 to 18:00 with breaks, for maximum 36 working hours per week.
Please note that if you are working or studying and need to dedicate time to those commitments, you will not be able to join this project. The project requires your full availability: activities may take place from morning to evening, and in your free time, it is advisable to rest, travel around Italy, and spend quality time with the group
If living for a month surrounded by nature in an isolated area, away from all the usual comforts, isn’t your vibe, this project might not be your cup of tea!
Download the INFO PACK for more details
Application
If you are interested in this project send your CV and a motivation letter (in English) to: mariachiara@bonafides.pl and anna@bonafides.pl with a title: ‘ESC in Casalino di Ligonchio, Italy’ or contact us for any further information!
Check out all the projects Bona Fides is currently recruiting for
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