Rebuilding spaces - imagining the future

  Portugal

Coimbra

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: September 7 - September 21

Description: Action for Justice and Peace is an association that has as objective to build a culture of peace, based on the rights of all persons, on inclusive and participative democracy, on social and cognitive justice and in an environment that is able to give and preserve life. Their mission is to promote dialogues on feminism, peace and demilitarization, to strengthen actions against poverty and violence, to develop counter-hegemonic bonds between the local and the global. The association works in the following areas: Equality of Opportunities and Parity; Human Rights Training and Education; Community Development and Solidarity Alternatives; Voluntary Work; Participation in Networks and Platforms; Production of alternative knowledge.

The international volunteers will rebuild and paint the surroundings of the church square and will participate in a traditional folklore festival. The group will also take part in the promotion of intercultural interaction and an educational tour with the community.

Free time activities: Time will be taken to visit the region, namely the city of Coimbra and the beach of Figueira-da-Foz, as well as the city of Oporto.

The project is based in the village Granja do Ulmeiro which belongs to Soure, District of Coimbra.

Cost in US$: USD 290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit

Age Range: 18 - 30 years old

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Portugal Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.