Volunteering

PARTNER
ELIX is organizing two workcamps in 2014 under the framework of -Lessons of Solidarity- Project which aims to proactively support Greek Institutions in Attica, hosting and caring for children with social problems and mental and physical disabilities. The LESSONS OF SOLIDARITY Project is part of a three year initiative funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (www.SNF.org) in order to assist the increasing needs such Institutions are facing in view of the socioeconomic crisis in Greece.

SNF is one of the world leading international philanthropic organizations, making grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare. The Foundation funds organizations and projects that exhibit strong leadership and sound management and are expected to achieve a broad, lasting and positive social impact. SNF also actively seeks to support projects that facilitate the formation of public-private partnerships as effective means for serving public welfare. ELIX will organize 2 workcamps at the Institution CHATZIKONSTA, one of the oldest welfare Institutions for children aged 6 to 18, whose families are unable to support them, due to social and economic problems. Currently, the Foundation hosts some 44 children attending a boarding school. Also, 240 children who do not live in the institution benefit from several education programs organized by the Institution. Volunteers will provide the children with the opportunity to spend a quality summer time at the Institution -Chatzikonsta- through creative activities.

WORK
Volunteers participating in the 2 workcamps will host children (6-18 years old) during their summer time and hold a fun and diverse daily schedule. They will organize athletic activities, workshops, artistic events, theatrical plays, environmental and cross cultural education and much more. Volunteers will work with children from Monday to Friday from 8:00H to 14:00H. The first Sunday of the workcamp will have a short training and introduction which is necessary for the following weeks. Some afternoons will be used to prepare activities for the kids for the following days. The daily activity program for the children will be fixed by a team of experts and introduced to the group of volunteers on the first Sunday of the workcamps.

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD
Volunteers will be accommodated in the facilities of the Institution of CHATZIKONSTA. The accommodation is basic but adequate. There are toilets and common showers as well as cooking facilities. Sleeping bag and a carry mat are necessary. Two volunteers of the group will be in shifts every day responsible for keeping the accommodation place clean as well as preparing the meals of the day for the whole group.

LOCATION & LEISURE ACTIVITY
CHATZIKONSTA is located in the district of Chalandri, about 25 minutes from Athens centre. Bus connection to and from Athens centre is very easy and frequent. There are many options for volunteers to visit all the commercial, historical and cultural attractions of Athens and Piraeus (the main port of Greece). Chalandri is an
area with many shops, cafes, restaurants, and a big shopping mall etc. In their free time, participants will have the opportunity to attend events organized during the period of their stay (concerts, festival, performances, etc.). Volunteers will discuss their free time activities with their camp leaders; together they are going to organize excursions and visits.

REQUIREMENTS
ELIX is looking for volunteers that enjoy working with children and will support the daily activity program. The volunteers are invited to bring games, songs, ideas, instruments and crafts for the activities with the children! Due to the nature of the workcamp a motivation letter from the volunteer is needed, in order for us to learn more about the volunteer, her/his ideas and motivation for this workcamp. All the accepted volunteers have to provide ELIX with the original Certificate of Good Conduct.