Youth work in rural Croatia

Main task: Daily educational and non-formal learning workshops and activities, such as:
o Language learning
o Photo and video editing, journalism, newsletter creation, social media
o Arts and crafts
o Non formal learning and homework help
o Sports activities
o Sustainability, eco-construction, and eco-gardening
o Recreational games and creative play

Additional (for long volunteering):

1. Local community actions supporting social inclusion and development.
2. Office and organizational support tasks, giving volunteers the chance to learn how a
   community development NGO operates.
3. Independent initiatives and personal projects, developed with the guidance and support of
   Suncokret staff.
4. Promotion of the ESC program, solidarity, and volunteerism. Volunteers will present ESC
   opportunities and share their personal motivations for volunteering. They will also introduce
5. Community outreach and collaboration, including visits to local schools, day-care centers, and activities supporting individuals affected by the December 2020 earthquakes. Volunteers may also collaborate with partner organizations in Glina (e.g., in the day-care center or library), providing non-formal learning activities, assisting the elderly, and organizing programs for children and youth impacted by the earthquakes.

We’re looking for passionate, open-hearted volunteers who love working with children and are eager to share their skills and ideas. If you want to make a real difference, learn from others, and be part of a community that’s all about growth—then come join us! Together, we can create a space where everyone thrives.

The volunteer will receive a monthly food allowance of 210 EUR (7 EUR per day), paid directly by the hosting organization. Volunteers are responsible for managing their food budget, purchasing
groceries, and preparing their own meals.

Accommodation Details
 Type: Private room in a shared flat
 Bathroom: Shared with one other person
 Kitchen: Shared with one other person
 Facilities: The accommodation includes a washing machine; Wi-Fi is available at the
community center/workplace
 Description: The small shared house consists of two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.

Next door, there is a larger volunteer house with a spacious kitchen, living room, and
additional shared amenities.
The accommodation is within walking distance of the community center.

During volunteer camps or special activities, there may be temporary periods of shared
accommodation with larger groups.

Policies and House Rules
Suncokret maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and has specific rules regarding alcohol and smoking.

In general, there is no need for local transport because the accommodations, office and work
locations are all within walking distance. We have two bicycles available for volunteers and are
available for use with a 25 Euro deposit. Any damages to the bikes (flat tires etc.) and cost of repair is the responsibility of the volunteer. The volunteer may come to work by foot or by bike. If we volunteer in other locations (Eg. Glina and Topusko) we travel with the Suncokret car and there is no cost to the volunteer.

The association will provide daily language learning for the volunteer.

The volunteer will work 35 hours a week maximum, five days of the week and has 2 days off each week. The volunteer will have 2 days extra holidays per volunteer month, in addition to national holidays. Holidays will be taken in agreement with the host organization.

Be aware that you will be mostly working in after-school hours.

Vrginmost is a small rural town in a post-war region of continental Croatia, known for its welcoming community and peaceful surroundings. The town offers basic amenities, including one restaurant, several cafés, a supermarket, a local marketplace, and several small shops. The day care and elementary school serves about 100 children from Vrginmost and nearby villages. There are football and basketball courts, playgrounds and park, a river, and the Suncokret Community Centre and Local Volunteer Centre, which plays a vital role in local life.

Nestled among hills, forests, and rivers, Vrginmost is surrounded by beautiful nature, ideal for hiking, cycling, and walking. The area also features forest trails and a small lake for swimming during summer. While located in Croatia’s continental heartland, it remains a great base for exploring the country’s diverse regions and culture.

This rural area of Croatia was deeply affected by the 1990s war, leaving behind lasting ethnic divisions and economic hardship. Further devastation came with the 2020 earthquakes during the COVID-19 lockdown, worsening social and economic instability. The region now faces depopulation, loss of social cohesion, and limited opportunities for youth, who often leave in search of better prospects—though many express a desire to return. Our community urgently needs renewed solidarity, inclusion, and sustainable opportunities to rebuild a stronger, more connected future. For over 21 years, Suncokret has been promoting social inclusion, lifelong learning, and community resilience through free non-formal education and creative opportunities otherwise unavailable in the area.