Regional workcamp at Draganac Monastery
Description: The workcamp will take place in Draganac monastery, where GAIA organized several SCI workcamps in recent years. The idea of the workcamp is to gather volunteers mainly from the Balkans region, who will support the preparation of “Slava”, an Orthodox Christianity celebration in honour of the patron saint, which is on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The regional workcamp will include work, but the volunteers will also have time to exchange among each other, share their cultures and promote the message of peace and mutual respect among each other and people they meet.
Type of Work: The main work will be helping with the preparation of “Slava”, which is together with Easter and Christmas one of the most important celebrations. The “Slava” of Draganac Monastery is on 26th of July, in honour of St. Archangel Gabriel. Volunteers will be working with monks and local people who will be supporting the organization of “Slava”, which includes cooking and washing dishes, preparing rooms for guests, cleaning and with other everyday work. They might also help with agriculture related tasks. The work can be sometimes demanding, but it is always in a good spirit and with company of others who are helping, so the workcamp will be filled with moments of fun, relaxation and celebration.
Study Theme: Volunteers will have an opportunity to learn about the monastic way of living, customs and traditions related to the Orthodox Christianity. Volunteers will be accommodated in a nearby village, where they will be camping and experiencing a simple lifestyle. There will be space for discussion and learning about local context. Volunteers will be invited to share knowledge and skills with each other. There will be a one day trip organized for the volunteers, so they can discover different contexts in Kosovo during the workcamp.
Accommodation: Volunteers will be working in the Monastery, while the evenings will be in the camp, which is less than 2 km/20 minute walk away. Volunteers will sleep in a renovated house or tents, and should bring their sleeping bags and mats. Accommodation is simple, and there is water (showers and toilets) and electricity at the camp. At the camp, volunteers will cook (schedule will be made), and volunteers will often eat in the monastery. Food will be vegetarian. There are animals and people working with them present everyday at the camp. There is WiFi and/or mobile data for internet.
Requirements: Open towards interreligious exchange and learning, good will to help with various tasks. Be prepared for a proper camp. Volunteers should be flexible, as work and working hours will vary on different days of the workcamp, sometimes we will have to wait for work and sometimes we will be busy for hours.
Approximate Location: Draganac Monastery is located between Gnjilane/Gjilan and Novo Brdo/Novobërda. There is no public transport reaching the Monastery. The Monastery is surrounded by hills and forest, and is the center of spiritual and religious life in the eastern part of Kosovo. Around 10 ha of land and forest, between Stari Draganac and the Monastery itself, belongs to the Monastery. The camp is situated a walking distance from the Monastery, and there are Monasteries gardens, orchards, animals…
Notes: Volunteers from the Balkan region can have their travel costs to this workcamp reimbursed. The workcamp is also welcoming persons from other regions, but they will need to cover their own travel expenses.