Workcamp Details

Description: The Slatinka Association was established in 1993 as a reaction to the construction of the Slatinka water dam on the Slatina River. The association’s mission is to work at the basin of the Slatina River, to protect the environment and preserve natural areas while spreading consciousness of the project’s effects on nature. One of their main aims is to bring life back to the village of Slatinka, since many people had to leave due to the dam construction. Workcamps like this one have been organized in Slatinka since 2011.

Type of Work: The work will be done around and in the village of Slatinka and in the city park in Zvolen. The volunteers will help with cleaning the area in Slatinka: cutting the grass, taking care of the trees, cleaning the educational trail. They will be helping also at the park of Lanice, close to the town of Zvolen. The working hours are from Monday to Friday divided as follows: 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. There are no special skills required. By participating to this project you contribute to protecting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (UN SDG 15).

Study Theme: The workcamp will have a rich environmental study part as the local partner is an ecologically-focused organization. Volunteers will learn about environmental protection efforts in Slovakia and all the issues related to the dam construction. Participants will also learn about the history of Slatinka and Zvolen. The volunteers will prepare the "Feast of cultures" - an international food evening, and will join the “volunteering footprint” workshop. Our camps will follow the rules of Sustainability campaign.

Accommodation: Volunteers will stay at local school called the Eco Center. Center has an outdoor shower that requires participants to manually heat water before each shower, and toilets are dry (outhouses). There will not be access to running water, water will be delivered or taken from a well pump for showers. Drinkable water will be provided by local partner. On-site access to electricity and mobile signal is available. There are two bedrooms with mattresses, but a sleeping bag is required. Meals will be prepared by the volunteers divided in the kitchen teams. The groceries will be provided.

Requirements: Bring a sleeping bag, working clothes, warm clothes, cap, raincoat, strong boots, swimming suit, headlamp and a smile on your lips :) You can also bring some games from your country.

Approximate Location: Slatinka is a little village near Zvolen located in the Central part of Slovakia. The village is surrounded by beautiful nature with many touristic routes and hiking opportunities. The volunteers may visit Zvolen, where they will find a castle, a historical center and other interesting sites.

Notes: This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. Volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; volunteers need to enrol in the PASS, the ESC Portal; then INEX Slovakia will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project. Volunteers will receive pocket money once they arrive on the project in Slovakia.

Live in peace with nature and learn about other cultures at Eco-Slatinka! Don’t miss your adventure in Slovakia!