Dear Friends, each year we put out a call for volunteers. Our sunny ecovillage in the foothills of the Italian alps can host up to 20 volunteers during the summer. And there is plenty to do here by way of work as well as recreation.  Zonca is an abandoned village situated at an elevation of 650 meters in the Valle Antrona near Villadossola in the province of Verbano. We are close to the international train station in Domodossola which connects Milan to Switzerland and the West of Europe.

General information

There are currently ±20 people living in the village including 3 young children and we also host many friends and travellers. The lingua franca is German although everyone also understands English and most of us speak some Italian. The village is in ruins and this poses a big challenge as we attempt to salvage and restore buildings for habitation and work. Most of us are occupied with work both for income and to sustain ourselves with small gardens. Farming is organic and increasingly based on permaculture principles. We have fenced a big plot of land for permaculture but are still waiting for help to start gardening there. In addition, we have goats and chickens, although the goats are up in the alps in the summer months.

During the winter, temperatures may drop to just below freezing, however, we do not have long periods of snow cover and Zonca is on the sun side of the valley.

Volunteering tasks:

We are in urgent need of volunteers to help us with the following types of work:

• Gardening
• Building (Roofs, walls, reconstruction of terraces)
• Creation of composting areas
• Constructing a sauna
• Cutting and carrying wood
• Clearing forest and caring for damaged trees
• Creation of a nursery for trees
• Creation of greenhouse
• Preparation of guest houses
• Etc.

What do we offer?

Zonca is without doubt situated in a beautiful natural area of dense forest and high, snow-covered peaks. There are numerous things to do, including hiking and climbing, swimming and exploring the wonderful medieval villages in the area. We have a music room that is well equipped with amplifiers and used quite often for parties and jam sessions so musicians are welcome.

During the summer months, we often share meals and there are also possibilities to be hosted by individuals and share with them at mealtime.

• At least once a week there is some singing going on in neighbouring villages.
• At least once a week we show films.

We also have:

• two fireplaces and get together to eat, barbecue, (Also vegan possibilities) and play music.
• We have a sweat lodge and a small sauna.
• We have a great open-air shower place.
• We have a hot tub.

There are numerous other possibilities and we are open to suggestion.

Conditions for volunteers:

It is important to note that volunteering and visiting Zonca is subject to certain conditions that are intended to protect us as well as you.

To find out more please visit our website https://www.zonca.info/guidelines or download our guidelines which you will be asked to read and sign if you intend to volunteer. For example, it is important that volunteers take out proper travel insurance!

Volunteers are not expected to do any work they are uncomfortable with or feel it is beyond their capacity to do. Expect to work between 3-5 hours a day and to have at least 1 day off each week. In general we will do our absolute best to ensure volunteers happiness and wellbeing and to involve you in all activities including celebrations, meals, visits to other villages and to lakes, etc. We request that volunteers stay for a minimum of three weeks to ensure you really get to know us and we get to know you, and so that you can also get to know our village and experience all that we have to offer.

Dogs:

If you plan to visit with a dog you need to check our guidelines about dogs. If you would like to visit as a couple you need to contact us about accommodation. If you would like to bring your children, please contact us both about accommodation and about possibilities for childcare.

We really hope to see you and welcome you as volunteers! Please visit our website for more information.
Love and light!
The Zonca team

CONTACT DETAILS

Please visit our website www.zonca.info for more information and pictures.

More information: https://www.zonca.info/volunteering

General Inquiries
e. amicidizonca@gmail.com

This announcement was left by Zonca ecovillage in one of our FB volunteer groups

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