April 11, 2023
Age: 20 - 99
Date: 09 - 22 Jul 2023
Description: Since 2006, the Red-Cross centre in Natoye has been a shelter for applicants for international protection. The residents of the centre benefit from accommodation, food, medical assistance, and social support during the refugee status process, as well as schooling for children and trainings for adults.The centre has capacity to host around 280 people (families, women and isolated men). It has also recently opened a reception centre for a dozen young unaccompanied minors (MENA) under 18 years of age. The centre's residents come from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Guinea, and Palestine, representing thirty nationalities.
Type of Work: Based on a schedule stablished at the beginning of the project, the volunteers will propose a diverse range of recreational activities (art, cooking, outdoor games and sports) to the adults and teenagers of the centre. Material will be provided. Given the fragile condition of the residents of the centre, the volunteers will wear neutral clothes. Volunteers will have spare time during the weekends and some evenings.
Study Theme: Learning about the international protection procedure in Belgium. Meeting the residents and the team of workers at the centre. Cultivating openness and living together with the aim of a more open and tolerant society. On the first day of the project, a training on interculturality will be organized.
Accommodation: Accommodation to be confirmed near the centre.
Language: English with some basic French to communicate with the residents and staff. Some residents are non-English speakers.
Requirements: A motivation letter is required to participate in this project. Enjoy teamwork and animation. Volunteers with previous experience in entertainment and creative volunteers are particularly welcome. Budgets for the reception centres have been significantly reduced, so volunteers will be encouraged to organize activities at a lower cost and those who wish to do so can bring their own material.
Approximate Location: “The Relais du Monde” centre is located in a large forest next to the Bocq river and just a few minutes' walk from the Natoye railway station. Natoye is a village located 25 minutes by train from the city of Namur, 10 minutes from the city of Ciney and 35 minutes from the city of Dinant.
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Project fees: VSI is a small charity and we charge a fee (€55 - €155) to volunteer on our projects, this includes food, accommodation, insurance whilst on the project and VSI annual membership, more info here.
Some of the descriptions mention an additional fee (of €50.00) when applying through non-SCI organisations. VSI is an SCI branch and these fees are included in the VSI project fee.
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