NUORISO- JA MATKAILUKESKUS HYVARILAOY
Nurmes, Finland
โญ๏ธ Activity Title
Kekri Celebration in North Karelia 2026
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๐ท Activity Details
Description
Kekri is an autumn festival of harvest, transitioning from summer and light to winter and darkness in Eastern Finland. It is a time for cooking traditional and local food, bringing community and generations together, remembering ancestors and celebrating light. Volunteers explore the Finnish culture and nature, sustainability, creativity and work with the local community of different age groups from children to elderly people. The activities vary from learning about traditional harvest season foods and cooking and renovating and building traditional fence to creativity and video-making activities, recycling and crafts, and meeting local community members and organizing activities with them (schools, elderly home and museums). Volunteers will work 30-35 hours per week with two days off.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers stay in hostel accommodation in Hyvรคrilรค youth centre. Rooms for 2-3 persons with shared showers and bathrooms. Bed linens and towels are provided. Meals are served in the cafeteria, some volunteers cook together. Food is mostly vegan and vegetarian, it is good and healthy. Volunteers will have a chance to use saunas on designated days. Volunteers can use bicycles to go to Nurmes town (approx. 4 km away). Travel costs are reimbursed based on ESC program distance limits. !! Arrivals to Nurmes 29.09., departures 21.10. Nurmes is a remote area, a 7-hour train ride away from Helsinki
Training during the activity
On-arrival training on the first day of the project and a pre-departure online meeting is organized by the hosting organization.
Participant profile
We welcome volunteers who enjoy staying in a small and isolated rural community surrounded by nature and serenity. Openness to meet the local community and people with different backgrounds is essential. The project suits well to people who have interest in some of the following areas: traditional culture, arts and crafts, nature and outdoors activities, cooking and sustainability. The project is open for young people 18-30 years old. Please, apply if you are certain you are available through the whole duration of the project. Selected candidates will be contacted within 20-30 July 2026
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๐ Key Information
Activity dates
From 30/09/2026 to 20/10/2026
Activity location
LOMATIE 12, Nurmes, Finland
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 19/07/2026 23:59
Project code
2025-1-FI01-ESC51-VTJ-000345956
๐ Official Project Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/52929_en
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๐ค What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering โ and why does it matter for you? Most people know about sending and hosting organisations in ESC projects, but the role of the supporting organisation is far less understood โ and far more important than it appears. This article clearly explains what a supporting organisation does, how it fits into the structure of an ESC project, and how its involvement directly affects the volunteer's experience and support throughout the programme. A must-read if you want to fully understand how ESC is structured. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/6051/
๐ก What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes โ it's about showing the right combination of values, attitude, and genuine motivation. This article digs into the skills and personal qualities that make a real difference during the selection process, and explains why some candidates stand out while others don't. If you want to understand what a strong volunteer profile looks like before you apply, this is essential reading. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/13941/
๐บ๏ธ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? โ The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states โ but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/15124/
โ ๏ธ Important Notice
1๏ธโฃ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the source.
2๏ธโฃ No Affiliation
YouthWorks Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the projects listed. All applications must be submitted directly to the project coordinator or hosting organisation through the original link, email, etc.
3๏ธโฃ Content May Change
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy and details of the opportunity. Deadlines, eligible countries, activity dates, and other details may change, or the announcement may be withdrawn entirely, at any time after publication. Always check the original link before applying.
4๏ธโฃ Funding
All funding, travel reimbursements, and allowances are determined and provided by the project coordinator or National Agency. YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any payments or financial matters.
5๏ธโฃ External Links
Listings may contain links to third-party websites, forms, or documents (e.g. the ESC Portal, infopacks, application forms). YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of these external sources.
๐ก Final Note: All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
