Project start:
26. Juli 2026
You must be on site no later than this date
Project end:
3. Aug. 2026
Arrival from:
26. Juli 2026
The earliest date for arrival
Departure until:
3. Aug. 2026
The last date for departure
Application deadline:
8. März 2026
2026-03-08 08:38:31
Applications must be submitted by and including this date
Applicable age group:
18-30 years
Refers to your age on the first day of the project
Working language(s):
English
Applicants should be able to speak and understand one of these languages at least to some extent
Participants:
40
Maximum number of participants
For applicants from:
Become part of an international volunteer team and help bring the European Children City Ottopia to life! During this project, you will support children in creating and running their own city while gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, participation and non-formal education.
Topic, Learning Goals and Methods:
This volunteering activity focuses on democracy education, participation and non-formal learning through the simulation of a children-run city. By supporting the European Children City Ottopia, volunteers will gain practical experience in working with children and facilitating participatory learning environments. The project aims to strengthen competences such as teamwork, intercultural communication, initiative, problem-solving and responsibility. Volunteers will learn how democratic processes can be introduced to young people in a playful and accessible way, for example through elections, decision-making processes and shared community rules. Learning will take place through hands-on involvement in the preparation and implementation of the children’s city, peer learning within the international volunteer team, reflection sessions and continuous guidance by the pedagogical staff. Non-formal education methods such as experiential learning, group reflection, collaborative problem-solving and learning-by-doing will form the core of the activity.
Interests and Traits:
We are looking for motivated volunteers who are interested in working with children and contributing to a participatory educational project. Applicants should be open to non-formal learning methods and curious about topics such as democracy, participation and community life. Since the project includes practical tasks such as building, preparing activity spaces and supporting daily activities in the children’s city, volunteers should be willing to work hands-on and adapt to different roles within the team.
Important personal qualities include reliability, initiative and a strong sense of responsibility when working with children. Volunteers should feel comfortable working in an international team, be open-minded towards different cultures and enjoy collaborative problem-solving. Creativity, flexibility and a positive attitude towards challenges are highly appreciated. Previous experience in youth work, education or group facilitation can be helpful but is not required; motivation to learn and actively participate in the project is most important.
Accommodation and Meals:
Volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms with generally four people (towels and sheets are provided) at the European Youth Educational Centre Magdeburg. Since our facilities can also be booked by outside groups, the living arrangements can be subject to change due to bookings by outside groups. The volunteers will be provided with food to prepare meals with the group (unless meals are provided by the organisation) as well as pocket money.
Project schedule:
| Week 1 |
Arrival, getting to know each other, teambuilding, introduction to EJBM and preparation for the European Children City Ottopia |
| Week 2–3 |
European Children City Ottopia – supporting activities with children, assisting in workshops and professions, facilitating participation and daily city life |
| Week 4 |
Dismantling of the European Children City Ottopia, reflection on the activities, supporting ongoing tasks at EJBM |
| Week 5 |
Supporting current tasks at EJBM, project evaluation, final reflection, preparation for departure |
Reimbursement of travel expenses:
Travel expenses will be reimbursed based on Erasmus+ rules, up to a certain limit.
The Erasmus+ Programme Guide for 2024 has updated the reimbursement rates for travel costs based on distance, and the new values are as follows:
| Distance |
Green Travel (€) / person |
Non-Green Travel (€) / person |
| 10–99 km: |
€56 |
€28 |
| 100–499 km: |
€285 |
€211 |
| 500–1,999 km: |
€417 |
€309 |
| 2,000–2,999 km: |
€535 |
€395 |
| 3,000–3,999 km: |
€785 |
€580 |
| 4,000–7,999 km: |
€1,188 (both green and non-green travel) |
| 8,000 km or more: |
€1,735 (both green and non-green travel) |
You can get an estimate of the distance that applies to you with the Erasmus+ Distance Calculator.
Green Travel: Travel that use low-emissions means of transport for the main part of the travel, such as bus, train, bike or car-pooling. Please check the Eramus+ Programme Guide for further information.
Participants are encouraged to book economical tickets, and all original travel documents must be submitted for reimbursement.
General information about the European Solidarity Corps:
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an amazing opportunity for young people who want to travel abroad and make a positive impact on communities and society. It's a program run by the European Union that gives young people between the ages of 18 and 30 the chance to volunteer or work on projects that make a real difference in the world.
Whether you want to help others, learn new skills or gain valuable experience, our ESC projects have something for everyone. With a wide range of projects available, you can choose to work on something that matches your passions and interests. From helping the elderly and disabled to protecting the environment and promoting cultural diversity, the possibilities are endless.
Not only will you make a meaningful contribution to society, but you'll also develop new skills, make new friends and broaden your horizons. You'll have the opportunity to learn from other cultures, build your network, and gain experiences that will last a lifetime.
So if you're looking for a way to make a positive impact, grow as a person, and have the time of your life, an ESC project at EJBM is the perfect opportunity for you! Apply now and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and meaningful future.
ESC Official Website ESC Official FAQ
How to apply:
The button below will take you to this volunteering opportunity on the European Youth Portal. We can only consider applications that you submit there.