Cleaning up of Svitene Manor Park | YS-2024-01 | 2024-03-31 - 2024-04-09 | ENVI,MANU | Age: 18 - 99

"Mums pieder pasaule" was founded in 2011 as a non-profit youth organization dedicated to community development and active citizenship. With a focus on sustainable development and community engagement, "Mums pieder pasaule" aims to create a positive impact on local community and nature through volunteer-driven initiatives and to improve the quality of life of young people in the countryside. The main activities that we offer are workshops, seminars and local events, but from 2024 – workcamps as well.

Work: Volunteers will play an active role in the rejuvenation and enhancement of the historic Svitene Manor Park. Their main responsibilities will encompass: Gathering fallen branches and trees dispersed throughout the park after winter winds. Undertaking thorough garbage collection to maintain the park s pristine condition. Clearing and upkeeping pathways to bolster safety and ease of access. Crafting birdhouses to foster biodiversity and offer refuge to indigenous bird species. Strategically positioning these birdhouses within the park s premises. The tasks, while physically intensive, promise a fulfilling experience. Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation of Latvia s rich cultural and environmental legacy. Even though certain tasks may seem monotonous, the entire endeavour guarantees a mix of practical work, educational insights, and bonding with nature. It s essential for volunteers to be adaptable, especially since the work is predominantly outdoors and the schedule might be influenced by weather conditions. This might mean that certain tasks or activities could be postponed or altered. No prior experience is required; however, the nature of the work demands good physical health and a genuine enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will be housed in the Svitenes Youth Center, located within the vicinity of the Svitene Manor Park. The Youth Center offers a spacious communal room for everyone to stay together. Situated on the second floor of the Svitenes Community Center (tautas nams), the facility provides shower amenities on the same floor, while the kitchen for meal preparations is on the ground floor. The environment is basic yet comfortable, ensuring a restful stay. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be responsible for their cooking and cleaning. An intercultural evening will be organized, so we encourage you to bring traditional food, recipes, or drinks from your country. Some ingredients might be expensive in Latvia, so consider bringing them from home.

Location: Svitene

Location and Leisure: Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. Svitene village is 20 km from the municipal centre of Bauska and 89 km from Latvia s vibrant capital, Riga, Svitene offers a harmonious blend of nature and history. Svitene, with its rich history and natural beauty, is home to the Svitene Manor and its Park, a testament to Latvia s architectural and cultural legacy. Also, it is surrounded by rich cultural and natural landmarks. Notably, in close proximity to Svitene is the Rundāle Palace, one of the most magnificent Baroque and Rococo architecture masterpieces in the Baltic region. Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to assist the gardeners of Rundāle Palace for a day, after which they can immerse themselves in the historical ambience of the palace and its regular French garden. Additionally, nearby attractions include the Mežotne Hillfort, a site of ancient Semigallian settlements, the medieval Bauska Castle, and various other historical and scenic spots. These locations offer a blend of Latvia s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring that volunteers have a fulfilling and enriching experience during their free time. This workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Latvia with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues, and intercultural learning.

Airport: RSC

Train/Bus station: Bauska

Requirements: Volunteers should be prepared for physical work and be adaptable to changing weather conditions. English will be the primary language used during the project; however, high proficiency is not mandatory. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and sturdy footwear, is recommended. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and respect for cultural differences are essential.

12:00 a. m. 31 March 2024 at Bauska city bus station. To get there from Riga Airport (RIX), take the 22 bus which stops right outside the airport terminal to the "AUTOOSTA" or "CENTRĀLTIRGUS" stop - the price is 2.00 EUR and can be purchased with a QR code on the bus or at the NARVESEN kiosk in the airport, or online: https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/lv/biletes/bilesu-klasts-un-cenas-1/bilesu-iegade-22-marsruta-autobusa/. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. At Riga Bus Station, look for the RIGA-BAUSKA bus (7480 AS NORDEKA), which departs approximately twice per hour (https://www.1188.lv/satiksme/saraksti/rigas-sao/bauskas-ao/105317/105624/diena/2023-04-08 ) and goes all the way to the final stop, Bauska city bus station, where our representative will be waiting for you.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 250 EUR