Jour Fixe (monthly ESC community meetings)
What challenge inspired this recipe? In order to strengthen the personal contact with the volunteers and to find an alternative to constant “check in emails”, as well as to strengthen the connection of international volunteers and the local community, the idea of “jour fixes” – regular (voluntary) meetings in cafés, bars, or also free outdoor […]
Welcome folder
What challenge inspired this recipe? Before arrival to their host country, the volunteers receive all important and relevant information for their project start via e-mail. However, as we have experienced that many volunteers don’t read the information sent to them via e-mail, especially in the hurry/excitement before their departure from the home country, we always […]
Welcome days
What challenge inspired this recipe? Often volunteers have to wait 1-3 months (or in special cases even longer) for the on-arrival training provided by the National Agency. We therefore host “welcome days” for all newly arriving volunteers within the first week after their arrival. In the 1-2 welcome day program, Grenzenlos provides the volunteers with […]
Mental health resource Padlet
What challenge inspired this recipe? Many volunteers are facing mental health struggles during their ESC volunteering project. The Padlet presents different resources, exercises, information etc. on various mental health issues and support options. ✍️Grenzenlos Ingredients : Resources to collect all the info, to check it regularly and keep it up to date Resources to explain […]
Mental Health support infosheet
What challenge inspired this recipe? Many volunteers are facing mental health struggles during their ESC volunteering project. The causes, symptoms, and consequences are very diverse. Many youngsters will not openly speak about it or ask for help when they need it. To lower the barrier for them to seek help, we provide them with an […]
Mental Health and Illness Awareness Breakfast
What challenge inspired this recipe? The topic of mental health (and illness) is receiving more and more attention in society, but is unfortunately still subject to enormous stigmatization. The idea was therefore to raise awareness, inform and provide support within the framework of volunteer activities. ✍️Grenzenlos Ingredients : I communicate the meetings in good time […]
Emergency contact list
What challenge inspired this recipe? Participants needs to be informed about the local emergency institutions, phone numbers, support options, and emergency contacts for them during their stay in the host country. ✍️Grenzenlos Ingredients : Collection of all relevant emergency phone numbers and contacts Collection of relevant local and international emergency information Sending the infosheet online […]
Mental health support for volunteers
What challenge inspired this recipe? When being in a completely new environment and culture, many ESC volunteers can need psychological support in adapting to these changes. However, seeking out help in a new country can seem difficult and unmotivated at times and the support system provided by the National Agency might not always work the […]
Monitoring the progress and well-being of volunteers with the Monthly Diaries
What challenge inspired this recipe? Regular monitoring if well-being of volunteers is crucial. As we all know, in the course of service various problems may occur and, if not dealt with, it may lead to a conflict, which in its turn potentially may end up with volunteer interrupting the project. But generally, volunteers are happy […]
Supporting personal initiatives of volunteers within their projects
What challenge inspired this recipe? All ESC volunteers staying on long-term project have a chance to submit (a simple) application for a personal initiative to be implemented on their hosting project. EstYES allocates some money from a tiny hosting budget to cover the costs of it, encourages volunteers to take an initiative and supports with […]