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Rêve de Terre

Harsin, Belgium

Notes

This project is a volunteering team, supported by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union. Compared to the usual workcamp participation scheme, some main financial and administrative differences must be underlined:  The participation to the ESC volunteering teams is subjects to several principles and conditions, presented on the ESC webpage: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en  The volunteers do not have to pay any fee (not sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project  The volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 6€/day, once they arrive on the project in Belgium  The volunteers will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance  The volunteers need to register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal; CBB will organize their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project  The volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online by the ESC portal

In partnership with

“Rêve de Terre” is a non-profit organization active in environmental education, located in the south of Belgium. Its usual activities include activities for schools (outdoor school, activities around local food, etc.), the organization of stays in the nature for children and of walks in the nature, the animation of workshops around the transmission and sharing of know-how, activities around a traditional bread oven, the support of permaculture gardens, etc. More information: https://revedeterre.be/


Description of the Work

The non-profit organization “Rêve de Terre” has recently started occupying a new place of activity in the village of Harsin. It's a self-catering surrounded by a 2-hectare plot of land, where they work alongside another non-profit organization ("La Gatte d'Or," which promotes creative and artistic expression for all and animal-assisted therapy for people with disabilities).

The two organizations aim to transform this space into a rural community hub (called "l’Hors Lieu"): a place where artistic and agricultural activities (using ecological methods) support the social, cultural, and community network of the region. In short, a meeting place, in an inclusive spirit, for a more supportive and conscious society.

More information about "l’Hors Lieu": https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587233897586&locale=fr_FR

The volunteers ‘help is needed to continue developing this site.

They will work in the garden: preparing the soil, sowing and planting seeds. They will apply permaculture principles, guided by the expert advice of the "Rêve de Terre" facilitators. They will also build a herb tower (stacked vegetable planters that allow for the cultivation of plants with varying sunlight requirements in a small space).

The volunteers will also carry out construction and renovation work on the self-catering building.


Accommodation & Food

Volunteers will sleep on the first floor of the self-catering, in rooms with two or three beds. Two toilets and three showers are available on the same floor, as well as a dining room where volunteers will eat and cook.
The volunteers will plan their menus and cook their own meals. However, they are asked to use seasonal and local products.


Location & Leisure

“L’Hors Lieu” is located in the small village of Harsin, in the district of Nassogne, about 10 km by car from the small town of Marche-en-Famenne. It is an isolated place, in the countryside, with no shops nearby. Shopping will be done by or with the association’s staff members, at producers and in shops of the region.

Volunteers will be able to take advantage of the organization’s good knowledge of the region and its magnificent natural heritage during break times. Among the possible activities: walks with the donkeys of "La Gatte d'Or," swimming in a nearby pond, or exploring local nature attractions. During the weekend, volunteers can attend the concerts at Music Day in Marche-en-Famenne. Rêve de Terre also plans to organize a small party so that volunteers can meet the project's beneficiaries and supporters.


Appointment

Friday the 12th of June in Marloie train station at 5pm.

Find your route on: www.belgiantrain.be


Host Organization

Compagnons Bâtisseurs asbl is a non-profit organization created in 1977. It is recognized as a youth organization by the ministry from the French Community of Belgium. This association proposes different kinds of voluntary activities to youngsters : work camps in Belgium and abroad (during week ends and during the summer), short, medium and long term voluntary services, leisure activities for and with disabled people. All our activities aim to help the young people to develop theirs abilities in order to integrate actively the society as responsible citizens. The realisation of these activities would not be possible without the participation of a network of around 400 belgian volunteers, 150 volunteers from abroad during summer holidays and a team of eight employees. The organization is also a member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations. We participate to the European Programme EVS both as sending and hosting Organization since 1997. www.compagnonsbatisseurs.be