ฮฃฯฮฑฮณฯฮฝฮตฯ / Stagones Social Cooperative is based near Kirinthos on Evia Island, Greece. The community brings together several families with young children who want to โlive lightly and meaningfully on earthโ. They work with natural building, organic farming and democratic education, and host volunteers who would like to learn by doing in a rural environment close to nature.
Eco-building ESC project (past call)
As part of the European Solidarity Corps, Stagones planned to host four young people, ages 18โ30, for 6 months, from late March to late November 2020. The range of activities included:
- Natural building
- Organic and natural farming
- Permaculture in a broad, practical sense
Volunteers needed to be comfortable around young children and interested in democratic, self-directed education. Life was simple and rural, in a remote place, with learning mainly through hands-on projects and everyday activities.
About Stagones Social Cooperative
Stagones started as an informal group of young people and later became a social cooperative. Today four families with small children live and work in a natural environment on Evia Island.
Their aims include the promotion of:
- a healthy way of life
- sustainable everyday practices
- protection of the environment
- democratic education
Main areas of activity
- Natural and organic farming. They grow much of their own food and cultivate vegetables and pomegranates for the local and wider market. Income supports the goals of the cooperative.
- Natural building. They design and build eco-friendly constructions such as small houses, earth ovens, benches, fireplaces and kiosks, and run workshops for people who want to learn through practice.
- Cultural and creative exchange. They organise small projects and art events with the local community, including small festivals.
- Transformation of education. They promote democratic education and Agile Learning through workshops and information days.
In all activities, people learn through non-formal education, mainly experiential learning. Everyday life is approached in a holistic way, connecting food, shelter, community and education.
Location
Greece | Kirinthos, Evia Island
European Solidarity Corps Quality Label
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label, which confirms that it can host ESC volunteers according to programme principles. New ESC calls are published through partner organisations and the official channels.
Non-ESC volunteers
Stagones can also host non-ESC volunteers who join the daily activities, which change with the seasons. Volunteers usually help for about five hours per day. There is a three-day trial period, after which the group discusses a possible extension of the stay.
They offer food and space to set up tents, plus the chance to share experiences and knowledge with the community. Life is simple, outdoors and close to nature.
Outdated listing warning
This listing may be outdated. The specific ESC dates mentioned (MarchโNovember 2020) are in the past. Stagones Social Cooperative is still active and continues to host projects, but current opportunities, dates and conditions may be different. Please contact the organisation directly or check their information page for up-to-date calls for volunteers.
Contact details ๐๐ง
Those interested can send a CV, cover letter and availability dates to:
volunteering AT stagones DOT org
General info email: info AT stagones DOT org
Website: www.stagones.org/en/information
Additional contact: onelovepeople AT stagones DOT org
Hi,
I found your wonderful project when looking for a volunteering work in eco villages. Learning more about your place I think that it’s such a wonderful space where people enjoy time together while working with the natural surroundings. I live in London at the moment but would like to learn more about the life style and work you do. And see if it’s the path I could take in the future. I can be available for April and/or May.
I’m the most interested in doing simple works like working with land, learning how to build simple structures for living, I love cooking and come with a graphic designer experience. Living and working in London for over 10 years I developed a big yearning for simple life. Please don’t hesitate to ask about anything.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hanna
Hello Hanna, the best way to get in touch with the host is by using the relevant links in the contact details section at the end of the announcement (hosts usually don’t read the comment section)! Thank you and good luck with your volunteering experience. ๐