Service Civil International is looking for volunteers in short term international volunteering projects all over the world.

Service Civil International (SCI) is one of the world's largest international volunteering organisations with more than ninety years of experience in coordinating international volunteering projects. Through these projects we help break down barriers and prejudices between people of different social, cultural and national backgrounds and promote a culture of peace.

SCI has more than 40 member organisations and many partners all over the world. All together they organise short, mid and long term volunteering projects and exchanges, as well as training courses and seminars where volunteers learn about and discuss a variety of topics such as peace & sustainability.

SCI is now looking for volunteers for the short term projects ('workcamps') that will take place during the spring/summer season. These projects generally last 2-4 weeks and provide the participants with an excellent opportunity to learn about other cultures and contribute in a concrete way to local communities. There are many different projects to choose from and they are open to everyone. Participants can organise animation activities for disabled people in France, help out in a natural reserve in Russia or support the development of an awareness campaign on peace building and conflict transformation in Kenya, and much more.

More information on the workcamps that are now available can be found in our on-line database at www.workcamps.info.

The fourth volume of the Family Platform Online Journal focuses on volunteering and families.

Organised by Allianssi, the Finnish Youth Council who are a members of EYV 2011 Alliance Executive Group member the European Youth Forum, EYV 2011 was opened in Finland by the President.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP4268dSYsU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfkNP-4inLQ

Since its opening in 1997, L'ENVOL pour les enfants européens has welcomed in the spring and summer close to 6,000 children (about 600 per year). All of them suffer from chronic and serious illnesses which usually confines them within a caring yet narrow world of hospital and family.

In twelve days in an exceptional setting, the domain of Echouboulains -- chateau, park plus 30 hectares complete with swimming pool and workshops -- the children discover a community through numerous activities. Their stay is safe: they benefit from constant medical supervision and a adult for every two children. This adventure allows them to live more easily with their illness and regain confidence in their bodies, their future and other people.

The involvment of many volunteers to insure the welcome of children with serious illnesses is a fundamental part of the spirit of L'ENVOL. About 30 volunteers participate at each of these camps. About 200 volunteers per year. They are totally involved in our mission for children. The volunteers are carefully selected, trained and managed by our staff. They support us to implement the activities at camp. It allows all those wishing to live a unique experience supporting children with serious illnesses.

There is a great need for volunteers, apart from taking care of children, on a permanent basis which covers the activities of doctors, nurses, activities leaders, etc. The duration of this support can be adapted to each case and the volunteer's time available.

The volunteers stay for a session in the center, attached to a group together with salaried counselors. Four counselors take care of eight children.

Volunteers are fed and lodged.

Volunteers'enrolment files should be sent to L'ENVOL according to the model given here: http://www.lenvol.asso.fr/IMG/pdf/Dossier_Benevolat_2011-5.pdf

Candidates must be more than 20 years old,  stable minded, strong and speak french. Like taking care of children is an other condition.

They can get additional information by calling Volunteer and counsellor Departement:
Christine Marques
Téléphone: +33 (0)1 60 73 58 72
Fax: +33 (0)1 60 73 58 59
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it