LONG-TERM | VISA-REQUIRED APPLICANTS ONLY
📍 Location: Vila de Cucujães, Portugal
🏢 Host Organisation: Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Delegação de Cucujães
📅 Activity Dates: 19 January 2026 – 10 August 2026
⏰ Application Deadline: 22 June 2025
🔗 Official ESC Opportunity Link
🧩 Project Summary
Join a meaningful 7-month volunteering project with the Portuguese Red Cross in rural Northern Portugal! Volunteers will engage directly with the community, working with children (including those in foster care), elderly people, and individuals recovering from addictions. You’ll also contribute to the upkeep of a local Pilgrim Shelter and support various community services.
This is a hands-on, non-desk role perfect for active, adaptable, and community-driven individuals ready to take on daily practical tasks and work closely with different age groups.
🛠️ Main Activities
- Organizing games, sports & educational activities for children and youth
- Supporting elderly care (conversations, walks, leisure time)
- Helping with meal prep, cleaning, and laundry
- Maintaining the Pilgrim Shelter and engaging in community or renovation projects
- Supporting people in recovery through social activities
🏠 Accommodation, Food & Transport
- Shared apartment (fully furnished, Wi-Fi, towels, kitchenware, etc.)
- Within 10–20 minutes walking distance from all work sites
- Monthly allowance: €330 for food and personal expenses
- Local transport arranged when necessary
- Full health insurance coverage
📚 Training & Language
- On-site, step-by-step training provided by the hosting team
- On-Arrival & Mid-Term ESC trainings organized by the National Agency
- Free online Portuguese course + additional learning opportunities
🙋♀️ Who Can Apply?
- Only for applicants who need a VISA
- Aged 18–30, available for the full duration
- Must be able to visit a Portuguese Embassy in person
- Visa costs reimbursed by the host
- Good command of English; Portuguese is a plus
- No prior experience needed, but motivation, flexibility, and teamwork are essential
🌍 Open to young people from:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Türkiye, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt*
🧠 Themes:
- Social Challenges
- Health & Wellbeing
- Physical Education and Sport
Ready to step into real community work and live an authentic cultural exchange? 🌱 Apply now and become part of the Red Cross mission in Portugal! ❤️
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