Curious to learn what a farm life looks like? Would you like to support young people with migrant and refugee backgrounds through environmental education? Then volunteering at Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof might be a perfect opportunity for you!
Dates: 07.10.2024 – 31.08.2025
Location: Bremen, Germany
Hosting Organisation: Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof
Together with Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof we are looking for a volunteer to join us!
About your hosting organization and the tasks
Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof, part of the AfJ e.V. Kinder- und Jugendhilfe Bremen, is a dynamic and innovative youth farm located in the Gröpelingen district of Bremen. The farm provides learning opportunities for young people and their families, with a commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Their approach, based on experimental education, encourages young people learn about nature conservation and climate protection and spend time in the nature.
Situated in the Gröpelingen district, a community characterized by migration and immigration, Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof serves as a place for international encounters and cultural exchange. The farm offers a wide range of free activities designed to engage families and their children in meaningful and educational experiences. By emphasizing nature and environmental education, the farm aims to address pressing global issues and inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to become advocates for the environment. This mission is particularly crucial in a district where many families face challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social isolation.
Erlebnisfarm Ohlenhof’s work extends beyond environmental education to address the broader needs of the community. The farm offers a space for recreation and learning, helping disadvantaged families gain knowledge and tools to protect their environment. By engaging young people in outdoor activities, the farm promotes both mental and physical health benefits. With its experienced staff and a strong focus on supporting youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds, AfJ e.V. ensures that the farm remains a place of growth, learning, and international cooperation.
Instagram: @erlebnisfarmohlenhof
As a volunteer you will have an opportunity to:
- Work in a team with experienced professionals, while being supported by a permanent supervisor.
- Get a hands-on experience of a farm life.
- Contribute to reducing disadvantages for children and young people and promoting their participation.
- Develop your own ideas and turn them into projects.
Your main tasks will include:
- Working at a farm with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
- Assisting with environmental education activities, including practical and manual tasks such as redesigning mainly outdoor areas;
- Supporting open afternoon activities for children and young people, developing and implementing creative projects such as photography workshops, nature exhibitions, or photo books.
- Contributing to the farm’s social media visibility by updating the Instagram account with the latest news and events.
- Learning about the care and basic maintenance of farm animals;
- Planning and implementing events together with the other volunteers for the community of Bremen.
Don’t worry, previous experience is not required, it is more important that you are patient, willing to learn and open to ask questions. You will receive training from the staff at the farm and learn as you go along.
Logistics
Our organisation, NaturKultur Bremen e.V., will be the coordinating organisation in charge of all logistical matters.
You will be accommodated in a flat directly on the farm with one other ESC volunteer. You will have your private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom and other spaces in the flat with the other volunteer. Please have in mind that living at the space you are working at can be quite demanding. Also you will need to use a bike preferably to reach the closest shopping places as well as tram stops, since the farm is a bit more remote without very close neighbours.
Bremen is a city in North-West Germany (around 500.000 inhabitants), not far from Hamburg and the North Sea coast. Bremen is a vibrant, multi-cultural city with a lot of young people and both a historical centre and newer areas of towns.
As an ESC volunteer, you will receive health insurance, monthly pocket money for food and other expenses (290€ + 210€).
Travel costs will be reimbursed depending on the travel distance (normally between 211-395€).
You will be supported by a Coordinator and a Mentor to help you get settled in your work place and the city of Bremen. You can also attend our German conversation class of at least 1 hour per week and will be provided with a German course.
But – how is it to volunteer in Bremen?
And if you’d rather watch a video – here you can check out some stories from our volunteers.
Or find out more about Maria, who was volunteering in a school in Bremen.
You can apply, if you…
- … are a resident of an EU Country (not Germany)
- … are between 18-30 years old (on the day you start your ESC)
- …are weatherproof and do not mind getting your hands dirty
- … can communicate in English (A2-B1) OR German (A2) and are willing to improve your language skills in German and English.
- … are interested in environmental education, experiential education, sustainability, organic farming, animal welfare and environmental protection and would like to gain some practical experience in these areas.
- … enjoy working with children and young people and care about helping them grow.
- … love animals and would like to take care of them at the farm.
In short, this ESC project will give you the opportunity to learn and gain experience in a new professional environment, develop your self-awareness and knowledge about people with different backgrounds, learn more about a new culture and language, find your strengths and interests in an unforgettable, unique 12 months in Bremen!
The European Solidarity Corps is financing the voluntary service. The mission of the ESC is to bring people from different backgrounds together to form a society based on mutual acceptance, solidarity and cohesion.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Lina: [email protected]
Sounds like your dream project? Apply below!
E-Mails that contain CV’s or motivation letters, will not be answered. Please only apply through the form.
Deadline: 18.08.2024