GAIA Alentejo - Rural Regenerative Experience

HOSTING ORGANISATION

GAIA is a Portuguese Environmental NGO that promotes agroecology and regeneration through non-formal education activities. GAIA is mainly active in the rural village of São Luís (Odemira).

GAIA focusses its activities on:

NON-FORMAL LEARNING

Implement the ESC project “Regenerar Odemira” with the Municipality of Odemira
Organise training courses in São Luis with the Co.Re Center & Erasmus +
"Escola da comunidade" host regular activities with our local & regional partners

YOUTH PARTICIPATION

EMPURRA - Youth Participation Activity, generate a Youth Forum
Activities with the regional schools
Regenerative Entrepreneurship training for rural youth

AGROECOLOGY

Implement practical ecological activities in the “Learner's Agroforest”
Support local producers and promote AgroEcological consumption with Espaço Nativa
Networking with regional partners

GAIA has been active in the Erasmus +, Youth in Action and EVS/CES since 200, promoting international volunteering opportunities for young people for more than 15 years

We have large experience in working with youth from rural areas and youth with fewer opportunities, which are target groups of the activities described in this accreditation.

DESCRIPTION OF ESC VOLUNTEERING PROJECT

ESC in São Luís consists of developing a Rural Regenerative Experience. This long-term volunteering experience is targeted at young people aged 18-30 who are aware of global environmental challenges and wish to develop competences on how to be part of the solution. We are looking for participants who are open and ready to be an active member of the local rural area of Odemira.

Volunteers are hosted in São Luís by pairs and during the program GAIA Alentejo organises activities together with the network of local partners for the volunteers to contribute to the local rural development. GAIA Alentejo is working with youth through the Co.Re Learning Center and visiting schools in the municipality of Odemira. GAIA also organises training courses within the Erasmus + programme.

The local partners are a combination of traditional community organisations in São Luís and newly established agro-ecological initiatives. Throughout the volunteering, the volunteers are encouraged to experience a variety of working realities, then gradually focus on individual learning goals and in which initiatives they can develop themselves, moving towards a final personal project that contributes to the community. For this process GAIA Alentejo puts in practice a strong mentorship program.

Their role is designed so that young people have an enriching life and learning experience in the area of the project, through a well defined set of tasks, integrating their ideas and supporting creativity, experience and autonomy. Volunteers’ needs and learning expectations are taken into consideration. The focus is the learning experience in a way to contribute to the local environment and/or community. Volunteering is driven by the will to contribute to a collective purpose and to experience solidarity.

Volunteers will be living in the village, in a rural context. São Luís community has 2000 inhabitants, is located in the Alentejo region and has many natural sites, including the natural park of Costa Vicentina. The village is quite isolated as public transports are scarce. Volunteers go through an initial process of integration in the local community, which includes learning Portuguese language and attending cultural initiatives, which is helpful for their stay in São Luís. GAIA Alentejo implements this activity in consortium with other hosting partners, so that volunteers are included in a group of volunteers that act as supporting group for each other.

GAIA Alentejo is very experienced in hosting and coordinating international volunteers.

ESC POSITIONS

Position 1 | Rural Regenerative Experience (Long-Therm, 10 months) - 1 volunteer

Duration: 10 months

Dates: 15/01/2026 - 15/11/2026

Location: São Luís (Odemira region, Portugal)

Coordinator: GAIA

DESCRIPTION

The volunteer will have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities throughout the year, coordinated by GAIA, local partners, and the local youth center. Activities follow seasonal and community needs, providing a holistic learning experience that combines agroecology, communication strategies, and youth empowerment.

MAIN TASKS & ACTIVITIES

Agroecology and Environmental Regeneration

Support the care and maintenance of a food forest and vegetable garden (planting, harvesting, food preservation).
Contribute to the construction and maintenance of ecological systems (composting, water collection, permaculture systems).
Support the organization of workshops and events on agroecology and sustainability at Centro Co.Re Learning Center.

Communication and Networking

Contribute to GAIA and centro co.re communication strategy: photo/video documentation, social media management, content creation (articles, posters, videos).
Help prepare and disseminate events, debates, screenings, and workshops to strengthen the local and regional network.
Collaborate on creative communication projects to promote the project’s values and activities.

Youth Empowerment and Community Activities

Support youth empowerment programs in schools and local youth activities (dynamic sessions, games, workshops).
Engage in initiatives that foster active citizenship and youth participation.

Youth Center Maintenance and Welcoming

Assist in maintaining the local youth center: cleaning, organizing spaces, welcoming visitors, and ensuring a friendly atmosphere.
Support logistics for events and community meetings.

Position 2 |Rural Regenerative Experience (Short-Term, 2 months) -1 volunteer

Duration: 2 months

Dates: 1/07/2026 - 31/08/2026

Location: São Luís (Odemira region, Portugal)

Coordinator: GAIA

DESCRIPTION

This short-term volunteering program combines agroecology, community engagement, youth engagement and cultural activities. Volunteers will gain practical experience in both ecological work and creative event production.

MAIN TASKS & ACTIVITIES

Agroecology & Community Regeneration

Participate in care of our food forest (planting, harvesting, eco-products).
Contribute to ecological systems (composting, permaculture designs).
Help prepare community workshops about sustainability and healthy lifestyles.

Artistic Community Festival Support

Assist in planning and logistics of Festival de Montras (artistic shop-window festival).
Collaborate with local artists in creating decorations, installations, and displays.
Support event setup, social media communication, and visitor engagement.
Help with creative workshops for children and youth during the festival.

Communication and Outreach

Document festival activities (photos, videos, interviews).
Create social media content to promote events and workshops.
Participate in storytelling activities highlighting local culture and arts.

Youth & Community Activities

Support the Empurra youth summer camp.
Assist in community meetings and creative sessions with local groups.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE (Both Positions)

We are looking for young people aged 18-30 who are:

Motivated to live and learn in a rural community.
Interested in agroecology, sustainability, and regenerative practices.
Willing to engage in creative cultural initiatives and youth empowerment activities.
Ready to live in a small rural community and discover its culture.
Curious to learn Portuguese and integrate into local social and cultural life.

Additional Skills (appreciated but not mandatory):

Experience or interest in photography, video, social media, or storytelling.
Practical knowledge of permaculture or agroecology.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

ACCOMMODATIONS & LOGISTICS

Volunteers are hosted in the village of São Luís (Centro Co.Re) in a shared rented house, with individual rooms and shared kitchen and bathroom.
The house is fully furnished and within walking distance of markets, cafés, and essential services.
Bikes are available for local transportation.
Volunteers receive a monthly food allowance and prepare their own meals.
During training courses or special activities, alternative accommodation may be arranged (approx. 4 weeks per year).

To apply:

Read carefully each of the available positions, the hosting conditions, expected tasks for the volunteers and the profile of participants. Then:

Fill in the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
Be specific to which position you’re applying to! We are expecting to read about your motivation to be a volunteer in that specific project.
Prepare a short video (simple one, homely made) of max. 2 minutes, presenting your personal profile & history
Prepare your CV in English.
Submit your application form(s) until the 8th of september.

Conteúdo atualizado em28 de janeiro de 2026às 09:20