Fully Funded Volunteering Opportunity in Portugal Supporting Education and Community Work 2026

DOTS – Cooperativa de Inovação Social para a Transformação Social has announced the opening of applications for the All4One VI project, a funded international volunteering opportunity under the European Solidarity Corps program. The project will take place in Portimão, Portugal, for nine months, from October 2026 to June 2027.

The project aims to promote a culture of solidarity, support disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups, and encourage young people’s active participation in community life. DOTS cooperates with the Municipality of Portimão and several local civil society organizations to implement activities that bring together local and European volunteers.

The volunteering opportunity focuses on two main areas: solidarity in education and solidarity in meeting basic needs. Volunteers will contribute to educational, recreational, and non-formal learning activities for children and young people. They will also support social initiatives targeting families and individuals in need, while promoting mobility, learning opportunities, European initiatives, and active citizenship within the local community.

This volunteering opportunity in Portugal provides an international experience that helps participants develop their personal and professional skills, work in a multicultural environment, and contribute to community projects with a direct impact. Funding includes accommodation, a food allowance, pocket money, and travel expenses.

Volunteering Areas

The project focuses on two main areas:

Solidarity in Education

This track includes:

• Educational activities for children and young people.
• Recreational and cultural activities.
• Non-formal education.
• Promoting mobility, exchange, and learning opportunities.
• Raising awareness of European initiatives.
• Promoting active citizenship.
• Encouraging participation in European programs.
• Strengthening intercultural understanding.

Solidarity in Meeting Basic Needs

This track focuses on:

• Supporting disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups.
• Contributing to local social initiatives.
• Helping provide beneficiaries with essential needs.
• Participating in solidarity and community support activities.
• Cooperating with local institutions and civil society organizations.

Benefits and Funding

Selected volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Free, safe, and fully equipped accommodation.
• Internet access at the accommodation.
• A monthly food allowance of €150.
• Monthly pocket money of €180.
• Direct transfer of the food allowance and pocket money to the volunteer’s bank account.
• Coverage of local transportation required to carry out volunteering activities when necessary.
• Arrangement and reimbursement of travel costs from the volunteer’s home country to Portugal and back.
• Travel reimbursement calculated according to European Solidarity Corps program rules.
• Pre-departure training and preparation.
• Online meetings before arrival to discuss practical arrangements.
• Participation in at least two training sessions during the project.
• Monthly follow-up meetings.
• A final evaluation of the experience and learning outcomes.
• Participation in training sessions organized by the Portuguese National Agency as part of the ESC training cycle.
• Practical experience in education, social work, and community engagement.
• Development of communication, teamwork, and intercultural skills.

Volunteer responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the implementation of educational activities for children and young people.
• Contributing to the organization of recreational and creative activities.
• Preparing and delivering non-formal education activities.
• Helping children and young people develop their personal and social skills.
• Supporting initiatives targeting disadvantaged groups.
• Participating in the collection and distribution of essential supplies and materials.
• Cooperating with the Municipality of Portimão and local civil society organizations.
• Promoting international learning and mobility opportunities, as well as European youth programs.
• Raising awareness within the local community about European Union programs available to young people.
• Encouraging young people to participate in community life and practice active citizenship.
• Supporting activities that promote intercultural understanding and communication.
• Contributing to the organization of community events and workshops.
• Collaborating with local and international volunteers to implement project activities.
• Participating in regular meetings, follow-up processes, and evaluations.
• Contributing to the documentation of project activities and outcomes.
• Upholding the values of solidarity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate strong motivation and a genuine interest in volunteering.
• Show initiative and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Enjoy working as part of an international and multicultural team.
• Be willing to participate in educational and social activities.
• Be interested in supporting children, young people, and disadvantaged groups.
• Be able to cooperate and communicate effectively with others.
• Commit to participating in project activities throughout the entire volunteering period.
• Respect the principles of equality, diversity, and non-discrimination.
• Be willing to learn and develop personal and professional skills.
• Be registered on the European Solidarity Corps portal.

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