Esperanzah! An alternative way of making a World music festival
Description: 'Esperanzah!' was born 20 years ago as an alternative music festival, open to the world and based on discovery. Its program expresses cultural diversity and deliberately goes against the monopolies, algorithms and the mainstream. Esperanzah! also tries to develop a sociocultural approach that is meaningful, committed and sustainable. A special place is given to associations and their commitments. The Esperanzah! team wishes to demonstrate that it is possible to organize a large-scale event while respecting the environment (dry toilets, reusable cups...), while not collaborating with large multinationals and working with small local producers. It is not simply a question of participating in a festive event but above all of integrating a project that aims to a societal change through music.
Type of Work: The volunteers will help with the assembly and dismantling of the festival structures (tents, barriers, decoration, stages, etc.). The Esperanzah!-SCI team consists of 12 people. The SCI volunteers will join a larger team of around 100 volunteers. There will be also 7 general camp leaders of all festival’s volunteers joining them in the week preceding the festival. One of these camp leaders will be leading the SCI volunteers. The “decoration” team might ask volunteers for help if needed. During the festival (26/07 to 28/07), volunteers will have the opportunity to attend concerts. It will be asked to all the volunteers to take time at the beginning of the festival to visit the different stands of the associative village to learn about the different alternatives.
Study Theme: Interculturality, sustainability, music. The associations participating in Esperanzah! define together the common message they wish to convey during the festival, in order to work beyond their respective objectives, towards a convergence of different fights for a change in society. The festival is also implementing the SACHA Plan (Safe Attitude Against Harassment and Aggression).
Accommodation: Group accommodation in a large room in one of the buildings on the abbey grounds. It is important to take your own mattress (tiled floor) and your sleeping bag. The association "Collectactif" organizes the catering for all the volunteers of the festival (It is an association that fights against food waste by recovering and cooking food that is still consumable). The organization favors local short supply chains. Vegan people could however find the food repetitive (take with you some food in case of need).
Language: English is the language for communicating within the group. Be aware that the local team of the festival mostly speak French.
Requirements: One previous volunteering experience needed. Motivation letter required. Volunteers must join this project not only for its festive aspect but also for the values it defends. You should be able to get involved in the work, independently and despite the fatigue related to the festive aspect. Be aware that the work can be physical and heavy.
Approximate Location: The festival will take place at the Abbey of Floreffe, 20 km away from the city of Namur (in the South of Belgium).
Notes: Additional fee: Many SCI workcamps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover - local hosting costs; International insurance costs of the volunteer; a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects; administration costs of SCI International. If you apply through an SCI branch, the fee will be included in the fee you pay to your sending branch. If you apply through a partner organisation you will pay the fee on arrival at the project; direct to the hosting branch or through a PayPal transfer system. When accepted on the project the host branch will give you more details of the various payment options.
Camp Photographs
