Helping youth with Mic-ados – Marche-en-Famenne

Looking for one volunteer

Trip type

ESC Volunteering

City + Country

Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium

Dates of the next project

From 1st of March 2024 to 31st of January 2025

Deadline to apply

27th October 2023 (11:59 PM)

Hosting organisation : Amo Mic-ados

Mic-ados is an AMO-“aide en milieu ouvert”: a prevention service with an open scope of intervention, which means we can be active on the streets or anywhere else.

Our public is made up by children and youngsters (0-22) and our mission is helping them keep a balanced relation with their social, family and educational backgrounds.

We work with and for youngsters to improve their skills in order to foster their autonomy and social emancipation.

Equality of opportunities and equal access to services are values we stand for in our daily activities.

Micados is recognized and financed by the Belgian Youth social service of Wallonia-Brussels federation. We are based in Marche-en-Famenne and we work in Marche-en-Famenne administrative district which is made-up by 8 rural or mid-rural municipalities (Marche, Hotton, Erezée, La Roche, Barvaux, Nassogne, Tenneville and Durbuy).

We have two branch offices: in La Roche and Barvaux.

Our action is based on two main working axes:

Individual support

A social and educational service based upon a listening, accompanying, orientation, support and mediation work, whose aim is to foster youngsters thriving in their family, scholar and social environment.

We intervene up to a youngster or their family’s request, always respecting youth social service moral code. The youngster can decide to stop asking our support at any time.

Community action

The objective of the community actions is to improve youngsters’ environment and to bring a global answer to individual problems and to the individual social demand.

We work to develop a local dynamic network: many initiatives are taken and projects implemented as a response to the needs expressed by individuals and families or as a consequence of our field analysis.-

We work with youngsters around different themes:

– How to deal with addictions (for example to drugs…);

– Schooling and school dropout (since several years now we are implementing a project called “Sac Ados”: a civic gap year, whose aim is to support youngsters who left school and to encourage them to try to find again their place in the official education system or to start a professional training);

– Parenthood, and relations with parents;

– Leisure activities, always entailing reflection moments (workcamps, sport activities…);

– Self-esteem and youth representation.

Our ESC volunteer will especially take part in the “Sac Ados project”, devoted to youngsters’ orientation. At the same time our ESC volunteer will also take part in other collective and community projects Micados is active in.

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CBB host around 25 international volunteers around Wallonia. The ESC team of CBB tries its best to connect this network of volunteers together through different collective activities, seminars etc…

Support organization : CBB

In addition to this, the hosting organization is supported by the Association des Compagnons Bâtisseurs, aka CBB located in Marche-en-Famenne. CBB is a non-profit, non-political youth organisation recognized and financially supported by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The organisation proposes different kinds of activities, based on volunteering and non-formal education: local and international workcamps, medium and long term voluntary services (including ESC), and leisure time activities for and with disabled people, camp leaders trainings…CBB is active within the different European Programmes of volunteering and non-formal education since 1997 and also hosts ESC volunteers each year.

CBB’s role as a support organization is to:

Promote the project and link between local and the international networks;
Support in the selection and preparation of European volunteers before arrival;
Manage of administrative matters: budget allowances; support in the creation of the bank account and enrollment at the municipality; enrollment in insurance; preparation of activity agreement;
Provide pedagogical support for the volunteer and the hosting organization: ensures the participation in the NA seminars; organization of evaluation meetings for the volunteer and the hosting organization to reflect on learning outcomes;
Handle practical arrangements: information about health insurance system in Belgium; indications about French lesson possibilities; online language tool…
Create networking between all ESC volunteers of the hosting organizations we support.

Activity 1: The “Sac Ados project”

Our ESC volunteer will have as main mission to be involved in the project «Sac Ados» (3 or 4 days/week).

The aim of this project is to allow youngsters between 15 and 22 years old in school dropout situation, to have a reflection period about their future by taking part in manual works, creative activities and social actions which are useful to all our community (cultural activities and visits, building and painting activities, open space maintenance activities, activities for elder people, children or refugees, …).

By taking part in these activities, these youngsters have the opportunity to reflect about their future (go back to school, starting a professional training…).

«Sac Ados» activities will take place next to our local partners which are based not only in Marche-en-Famenne but also in villages around (a local rest home for elderly people, the asylum seekers center of Melreux, the environmental education center Natagora, Music Fund, Accueil Famenne…). Our aim is that these youngsters will develop personal and social know-how such as punctuality, ability to take responsibilities, solidarity, social commitment, better self-esteem and ability to live in a group.

Under the frame of the «Sac Ados» project:

– From March until June – the volunteer will take part in the activities for the youngsters participating in «Sac Ados» program;

– From July until October– the volunteer will take part in the evaluation of the project to understand what to change for the next edition (finding new partners, preparation of workshops, accompanying the youngsters having participated in the project in their future personal initiatives…). Additionally, they will take part to other activities of Micados, essentially summer camps,

– From October until January – the volunteer will contribute to implement the activities of «Sac Ados» project for the next edition and next ESC volunteer.

The volunteer will always work with the educator of MICADOS who is in charge of the «Sac Ados» project (they will also be always followed-up by another educator of MICADOS as their tutor). Thanks to this, the volunteer will have the opportunity to develop skills in accompanying youngsters, listening to them, supporting them, orienting them AND will have the space to propose animations/activities based on her/his personal interests.

The volunteer will also develop practical skills (gardening, building, painting…).

According to their skills and interests the volunteer will have the possibility to propose other activities and to implement a personal project.

The volunteer can also be involved in other activities proposed in MICADOS: welcome the youngsters in the open space; redirect phone calls; support the youngsters in their management of their living space ; cooking workshops; animations in local youth houses;….They will also take part in our weekly team meetings and will help us in some administrative tasks at the office.

Activity 2: Collective activities with other ESC volunteers

The European Solidary Corps volunteering activities within Compagnons Bâtisseurs are part of an ESC group project that aims to increase European awareness among youth in the town of Marche-en-Famenne and to maintain a close collaboration among the local youth services. For that reason, some activities will be run with other ESC volunteers (hosted by other local youth organizations). It will be asked to all the ESC volunteers in Marche-en-Famenne and from near towns around to regularly join collective activities as co-animator or participant of CBB activities like environmental volunteering days and week-end and summer workcamps. The volunteers will work together especially during special events organized once a year in Marche-en-Famenne: intergenerational events, youth services opening day…. The volunteers will help to prepare and follow-up these events. In some occasions, they could hold an information stand presenting ESC programs and youth exchange opportunities. They could organize a “European night” in the local youth house to present their country and traditions.

Accommodation in Marche-en Famenne

The AMO-Micados is located in Marche-en-Famenne, a 17 000 inhabitants town in the province of the Belgian Luxembourg. This unique situation will allow the volunteer to share the semi-rural life style of the area, but also to meet young people coming from different realities and horizons.

During their ESC volunteering activity, the volunteer will live and mostly work in Marche-en-Famenne. The town offers all modern facilities (shops, supermarkets, bars, sport center, cinema….).

For the urban-life-style-lovers, it is however IMPORTANT to note that our town is located in a semi-rural area. Even if it is not far away from the biggest Belgian cities (57 km from Liège, 106 km from Brussels, 47 km from Namur) and well connected by train, Marche-en-Famenne can sometimes look remote and very quiet.

The volunteer will be in contact with other ESC volunteers who are participating in other projects in the municipality.

This project is therefore very suitable for volunteers who are not attracted by a very lively nightlife, but appreciates living in a small town which will be resourceful, quieter and will give you a break from your usual routine.

The country - BELGIUM

Squeezed between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium is one of Europe’s tiddlers.
The north is flat, the south dominated by the picturesque Ardennes and the 65km North Sea coastline monopolized by resorts, except for a few patches of windswept dunes. The 4 seasons are well divided, cold and white winter and warm and sunny summer… But be ready for grey skies at least for half part of the year.

But the Belgian population is usually warm. A lot of cultural and frees events in the streets happen during the year, which can make your journey in this little country fun and resourceful.

This project will be taking part in the south of the country which is French speaking. Be therefore ready to learn and speak French! Especially in this project involving kids.

Specialities: FRIES, BEERS and FESTIVALS
AREA: 30,518 sq km
POPULATION: 11.492.641 million
CAPITAL: Brussels (pop: 1.212.352)
REGIONS: Flanders (North), Wallonia (South), Brussels – Capital
COMMUNITIES: Flemish-, French- and German-speaking community
LANGUAGE: Dutch (±59%), French (±37%) and German (±1%)
CURRENCY: Euro

Working Hours

Working days will be mostly during the week. During the “Sac-Ados” projects, you will work 5 days/week from 8:00 until 16:00. Mondays are usually dedicated to team meetings. Days off will compensate for the extra shift hours if necessary to keep an average of 35 hours a week. During the summer period (July and August), the volunteer is involved in the preparation and animation of the residential summer camps. The volunteer usually takes part in two different residential camps (from Monday until Friday).

Food

You will receive a budget and will prepare your own meals.

Accommodation

You will live in a house that will be shared with 6 other volunteers. It is located in the centre of Marche-en-Famenne and has all the modern facilities.

Pocket Money

Participation in the European Solidarity Corps is free of charge, except for exceptional contribution to travel costs. You will therefore receive free board and lodging during the whole activity. In addition, you will receive pocket money for personal expenses throughout the duration of the activity, including holidays

Language course

EU Academy + French lesson.
An online linguistic tool (EU Academy) is provided by the European Commission. The volunteer can also ask to join French conversation tables organized in the region by a local non-profit organization.
We recommend that the participant starts practicing French prior to their arrival in Belgium and that they participate in as many activities as possible in order to get better at the language.

Insurance

You get covered, throughout the activity period, by the obligatory European Solidarity Corps insurance plan (Henner) that the European Commission sets up. This coverage is only complementary to the mandatory coverage of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which you must obtain prior to departure.

In certain cases, when national rules deprive participants from coverage under EHIC for the duration of the placement, Henner will provide full coverage. However, you must provide proof that obtaining the EHIC in your case was not possible. You should contact your National Agency for advice on your specific circumstances. You must read carefully the insurance-related information here.

Profile of the volunteer

Aged 18-30 years old
Because the majority of the youngsters attending MICADOS activities don’t speak any other language than French, it is advised to have a good basis in French before starting the service.
Our project is open to anybody motivated by volunteering and who wishes to be involved in our organization and working with children and youngsters regardless to their nationality, religion, believes, diploma, professional experience.
We expect the volunteer to be open-minded and pro-active. We would appreciate that the volunteer shares with us the values of active citizenship, cultural openness, pluralism and is ready to work with people coming from different social backgrounds
We expect the volunteer to build an atmosphere of confidence with the youngsters; be ready to involve themself in the several tasks we do with them (practical and artistic skills are welcome!); be able to work together with the staff; be interested in social inclusion and youngsters’ support and be ready to bring new ideas, new energy and enthusiasm!
The volunteer has to provide copy certificate of good conduct related to the work with minors before starting the activity
Prior to departure, the volunteer should be in contact with a support (sending) organization in order to receive information and preparation. Lookup for a support organization in your region via this link: https://europa.eu/youth/volunteering/organisations_en

Alessio, volunteer at Micados in 2022

“I can’t describe my experience in MICADOS in a few words, I can say that I admire the strongness of my coworkers, the dedication to help that they have shown and be there for others and also that sometimes has been a challenge, but now I believe that those hard moments are the ones that mostly taught me something. Thanks to that I can say that I really changed my vision of things, I learnt to be more open minded, to absolutely not judge a book from its cover and that in a story, there’s never, never only one version, but different truths.”

Livia, volunteer at Micados in 2020

“My experience at Micados has been a challenge because there we face really difficult situations. But I still remember and admire the patience, the availability and the strength of the team while helping people in need!”

José, volunteer at Micados in 2018

How to apply ?

Deadline: 27th October 2023 (11:59 PM) (Brussels time).

1. In the frame of the new program of the European Commission, the European Solidarity Corps, you first need to create a profile on the new data base: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en (“JOIN THE CORPS”).

2. Answer the questionnaire below (NB: you will be asked to attach a CV at the end of the form)

3. (optional) if you’re feeling creative, please feel free to send us any addtional material related to your application: esc@compagnonsbatisseurs.be

The creation of a profile on the ESC portal AND fulfilling the form are compulsory for us to take your application into consideration.

In the days following the application deadline, the pre-selected volunteers will be contacted for a Skype interview.

ESC Micados / Apply form and motivation letter

Step 1 of 4 - Personal Data

Personnal data
By filling the information below, you provide us with personal information. You are aware of the fact and agree that the pieces of information will be used in the frame of the call for candidates for the Erasmus+ volunteering project. Your personal data will be used by the persons in charge of the selection of volunteers in the sending and coordinating/hosting organizations. Each part mentioned takes the responsibility of erasing the documents containing your personal data once the selection procedure is over.
Name*
Surname Name
PNR*
If you already have it: it’s a super long number you receive when you get registered into the PASS.
Birthdate*
Day
Month
Year
Phone number*
Current address*
Street Address City ZIP / Postal Code Country
Email adress*
Do you need a visa for this project ?*
Languages spoken*
Please specify which level you have whenever possible
Availability period for the project*
Preference will be given to the volunteers able to join the project for the whole period.
Have you ever taken part in a volunteering project under ERASMUS+?*
- YES
- NO
If yes, what was it and for how long ?
Sending organization (Name, Accreditation or PIC number, post address, phone number, contact person’s name and email address)*
What are your (long term) travel experiences?*

Long term

Short term