SOLIDARITY CAMPS WITH EMMAUS | CONCF-3102 | 2024-08-07 - 2024-08-28 | SOCI,CULT | Age: 18 - 99

The solidarity movement of Emmaus was created in 1949. Emmaus supports a vision of the society in which the Human Being is the heart of the system, and where everyone finds his or her place. Emmaus is a solidarity movement. It develops original and uncommon solutions to fight against exclusion and defends values such as welcomeness, inclusivity and solidarity. Since 1971, Emmaus has taken part in an international network: Emmaus International, made up of groups located in 37 different countries. Emmaus Escalquens was founded in 1995, first, to welcome international volunteers. A community area was then quickly installed, in an old building overlooking fields. Today, more than 20 companions live on the site and develop solidarity activities. Emmaus is a recognized local influencer in the social and solidarity economy. The site of Escalquens is distinguished by its often-original gifts and products, such as those related to the field of vintage or retro! Come back again in a few years to see how much your work has done for the local community!

Work: Come join one of the biggest solidarity movements in France, but also in the world! You will participate in an international workcamp of volunteers with the Emmaus community in Escalquens, near Toulouse, in the South West of France. 4 days a week, you will help and work with the companions and the volunteers of Emmaus to develop the economic, social and solidarity activity: upgrading waste, receiving and sorting donations, and re-selling second-hand objects. You will actively participate in the organization of the great clearance sale that will take place towards the end of august. You will also actively take part in the organization of the “La Grande Braderie”, a big second flea market event that could take place at the end of August. You will work approximately 30 hours per week. You will have three resting days to do activities and discover places around.

Accomodation and food: The companions will welcome you to their community. To share the same living place with the companions means that you have to respect the community rules and adapt yourself to the modalities of the collective life. You will stay in individual tents on the site of Emmaus Escalquens. You will have access to bathrooms and showers. Washing machines and Wifi are available at the accommodation.

Location: ESCALQUENS

Location and Leisure: You will interact with young locals and decide together on what to do during your free time. Escalquens (6000 inhabitants) lies at the gates of the Laurageais area, nestled among sunflower-covered hills and small, charming houses. In this beautiful setting, you will find a bridge from 1772, a pink brick castle from 1568 and a 14th-century church. At the Cousquille crossroads, you will discover local shops and the Sunday market. During your days off, you can reach Toulouse in less than one hour by bus. Toulouse is a beautiful, innovative, cultural and dynamic student city famous for its rich heritage. In the surrounding area, you will also get to discover villages, castles, and wine estates, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site, “Canal des Deux Mers.”

Airport: TLS

Train/Bus station: ESCALQUENS Train Station

Requirements: Foreigners from the European Union must bring their personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and all participants must bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise during the program, volunteers will need to cover all costs; they will be reimbursed upon their return to their home country.

The meeting point is scheduled at the ESCALQUENS Train Station at the end of the afternoon of the 7th of August. The exact meeting time will be given with the infosheet which will be sent at the latest 4 weeks before the start of the workcamp. From PARIS, you can take the train from Montparnasse train station to TOULOUSE Matabiau train station, regular departures are scheduled throughout the day (about every hour). The trip lasts for about 4.5 hours, once in TOULOUSE Matabiau train station, you will ride the regional train to ESCALQUENS train station for 15 minutes. For more information about trains: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/ If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 0

Consider taking work clothes and shoes (waterproof if possible, in case of rain). Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good camping mat (for sleeping in the tent); nights can be chilly and humid. Tents will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Do not hesitate to bring activities from home, such as photos, games, musical instruments, food etc. This project needs a lot of motivation from the volunteers, and a well understanding of the mission. Feel free to contact us before the mission if you have any questions. Please note that it is forbidden to bring and drink alcohol in the community. The departure is set on the last day (28/08), usually in the morning.