Description

Volunteer programme at the Kitezh Children's Community in Kaluga Region, western Russia: Kitezh is a rural village community of foster parents and teachers who take children from orphanages and raise and educate them along with their own children. Kitezh is an entirely child-centred, therapeutic education community. On 100 hectares of land it has a number of wooden houses, a school, a church and a farm, with natural woodlands and a lake nearby. Volunteers live with a family, teach English to children and take part in the daily working and social life of the community.

Highlights

At Kitezh, Russia: I learned to be brave and not give up! I learned to live without a phone! I learned what it is to be open and to share everything with everyone else. The generosity I encountered was a wonderful contrast to the materialistic mentality of the UK. Russia is perceived in the west as a cold, unwelcoming place. Kitezh doesn't conform to that stereotype. Finally, I learned to really communicate in Russian!

By the time I left I really felt at home, I felt I knew the people and knew my way around. The children are great and give so much, in little things, in unexpected moments, that's very valuable. The place and the nature is beautiful. I liked very much to witness the winter slowly changing into spring.

Qualifications

Minimum age 18. Most volunteers are 18-30, occasionally older. No special skills are needed though any of the following would be useful at Kitezh:

Some knowledge of Russian and/or the desire to learn, TEFL or experience teaching English, experience working with children (sports, arts and crafts, music, drama), building, cooking and gardening. An interest in children and a willingness to adapt to a different culture and to participate fully in the life of the community are essential.

Languages

• English
• Russian

Cost in US$:

2,328 for 3 months

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure preparation and orientation, in-country support, post-volunteering reorientation and support; Internal transport, accommodation, food.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Often but not exclusively gap-year young people, Russian language students

Age Range

18-45

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 months

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Ecologia Youth Trust's Mission Statement

Ecologia Youth Trust offers volunteer opportunities at Kitezh Children's Community in Russia. We promote the welfare of young people by providing safe secure learning environments in which they can discover and develop their potential to make a contribution to their communities while safeguarding the environment.

Year Founded

1995