Archive notice: some of the original links in this listing appear to be outdated or no longer working. For this reason, this opportunity is kept online mainly as an archive entry and may no longer be available in the form originally described below. We have replaced the broken website references with newer web pages that appear related to Zonca, so readers can still look for current information before making plans.
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.
The original website links previously listed in this announcement are no longer reliable. For updated background information, readers can try these pages instead: About Zonca on Casa in Mezzo and Amici di Zonca on Facebook.
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 should ask in advance about current accommodation and practical arrangements. If you would like to visit as a couple you need to contact the hosts about accommodation. If you would like to bring your children, please contact them in advance about accommodation and possible childcare arrangements.
We really hope to see you and welcome you as volunteers. Please check the updated links below for the most recent information you can find online.
Love and light!
The Zonca team
CONTACT DETAILS
Please note: the original Zonca website links mentioned in this old listing may no longer work.
Updated web references that appear connected to Zonca:
Possible contact email found on the newer web page: casainmezzo AT gmail DOT com
This announcement was left by Zonca ecovillage in one of our FB volunteer groups
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