SERBIE 2008       + 18 ans

Nos deux partenaires en Serbie sont VCV et YRS-VSS. Actuellement nous n'avons pas les programmes de VCV)

About YRS – VSS

“THINK BIG – do little: start an avalanche!” is the motto of the Young Researchers of Serbia – Voluntary Service of Serbia, a non – governmental and a non – profit youth organisation.

Our vision is to be the driving force for all those whose aim is to make our planet a more peaceful, just and healthy place. For over 30 years we have been gathering young people round our research projects, voluntary camps, educational programmes and environmental campaigns, thus stimulating scientific creativity of young people and motivating them for voluntary work, environmental protection and nature conservation.

Year of foundation: 1976

Aim and objectives: Motivation and training of young people for scientific research; Promotion and development of voluntary exchange and workcamps; Encouraging creativity among young people; Protection of the environment.

Activities: are thematically different: environmental or social sciences mostly realized through fieldwork in the form of research camps, field trips or expeditions.

International workcamps & Volunteer exchange

In 2008 Young Researchers of Serbia – Voluntary Service of Serbia will organize nineteen international voluntary workcamps. Most of these are environmental and are organized either by the YRS clubs or societies or together with local NGOs and municipalities. As a member of the Alliance and a partner of SCI and YAP, YRS – VSS exchanged almost 900 volunteers in 2007 (more than 630 outgoing and over 260 incoming). We are hosting and sending EVS. We receive/send MTVs from/to the region of SEE and Europe.

Educational programmes: are for pupils and students who apply for the first time for a research activity. Educational programme with the longest tradition is environmental training or “eco – school”

Environmental protection: including nature conservation and sustainable consumption.

Publishing: Monographies with students’ scientific papers, regular or special issue bulletins.

Organization of thematic gatherings, Campaigns

General conditions:
There is no upper age limit. We accept volunteers who are 18 and older.
The language of the camps is English.
There are small participation fees in some camps: either because these are study camps or art workshops, or to cover the costs of excursions.
Some camps (e.g. art workshops) have special requirements.

LES CHANTIERS 2008

SURCIN

ENVI

27/07 – 08/08 

RAVNI I

KIDS

10/07 – 20/07

RAVNI II

KIDS

21/07 – 31/07  

KOSJERIC I

ARTS

01/08 – 15/08

KOSJERIC II

ARTS

01/08 – 15/08

KOSJERIC III

ARTS

01/08 – 15/08

KOSJERIC IV

ARTS

01/08 – 15/08

ENVI

27/07–  09/08

ARTS/HERI

03/08 – 13/08                     

ENVI

03/08 – 13/08                     

ENVI

04/08 – 13/08

YOUTH CENTER

CONS/RENO

15/08 – 25/08

STARA PLANINA

ENVI

17/08 – 27/08

DELIBLATO SANDS

ENVI/CONS

17/08 – 31/08

GRADAC

ENVI

01/09 – 10/09

SR 01 TRSIC, Loznica   Environmental/Study   Dates: 19/05 – 29/05

Trsic is a small village famous as the birthplace of Vuk Karadzic, the reformist of Serbian language and orthography. Because of its historical importance, this village has turned into a museum. Today it is a place frequently visited by tourists. The local partner organization (www.trsic.com) works on development and improvement of rural and eco tourism. This workcamp’s goal is to educate local people in the field of preserving heritage and other values for the sake of generations to come.

Work: Volunteers will work on cleaning the forest from garbage, clearing the vegetation and marking the paths connecting Vuk’s birth house and 5 km distant XIV century Tronosa monastery. Apart of the manual work, the volunteers will take part in educative workshops together with the locals. That is why the students of Serbian and other Slavic languages are very welcome.

Accommodation: In a house nearby, built in the same style as Vuk’s house from the eighteenth century. Volunteers will prepare food themselves.

Language: English

Location: Trsic is situated close to Loznica in the western part of Serbia

Terminal: Belgrade

SR 02 LUDAS LAKE I, Subotica   Environmental   Dates: 15/06 – 23/06

Lake Ludas, an eolic lake surrounded with marsh, steppe and forest habitats, is famous as an ornithological reserve. It is one of the oldest protected areas in the world and listed as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site from 1977). Apart from preserved natural values (bird, fish and wetland plant species), the area boasts rich cultural heritage (archaeological findings, rural and sacral architecture, traditional culture, especially good rural cuisine). The beauty of the landscape and of the lake with the tall reed beds represents a special value of the Reserve.

Work: Volunteers will be included in the project of preparing a wooden walkway (wooden pillars posted in the marsh mud, covered with planks). This project is a part of the umbrella–project of bird–monitoring which will continue throughout the summer.

Accommodation: in the Research Station “Ludas”. Food will be provided in a local restaurant.

Language: English

Location: Lake Ludas is located 12 km from Subotica

Terminal: Belgrade

Participation fee: 15 €

SR 03 LUDAS LAKE II, Subotica   Environmental   Dates: 06/07 – 14/07

Lake Ludas, an eolic lake surrounded with marsh, steppe and forest habitats, is famous as an ornithological reserve. It is one of the oldest protected areas in the world and listed as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site from 1977). Apart from preserved natural values (bird, fish and wetland plant species), the area boasts rich cultural heritage (archaeological findings, rural and sacral architecture, traditional culture, especially good rural cuisine). The beauty of the landscape and of the lake with the tall reed beds represents a special value of the Reserve.

Work: Volunteers will be included in the project of wet meadows revitalization by removing reed, tree branches and clearing other vegetation.

Accommodation: in the Research Station “Ludas”. Food will be provided in a local restaurant.

Language: English

Location: Lake Ludas is located 12 km from Subotica

Terminal: Belgrade

Participation fee: 15 €

SR 04 CAJETINA, Uzice   Renovation/Environmental   Dates: 07/07 – 20/07

Cajetina village is situated on the mountain Zlatibor, a well-known tourist resort near Tara Mountain National Park and the authentic ethno village of Sirogojno. Mokra gora and the famous film director Kusturica’s Ethno–village Mecavnik are also nearby. Zlatibor offers unforgettable scenery and a unique climate.

Work: The volunteers will clean the surrounding of an old spring water fountain. The project includes revitalization of dry grasslands by cutting bushes and weeds, making the signs and marking the walking paths, construction and installation of garbage cans, as well as construction of a stone wall.

Accommodation: in a school.

Language: English

Location: Cajetina is a small town in the western part of Serbia, about 200 km from Belgrade.

Terminal: Belgrade

Special remarks: There is a possibility for long walks and a lot of opportunities to discover flora and fauna of this mountain region. Local volunteers will be involved in the work.

Participation fee: 15 €

 SR 05 SURCIN, Belgrade   Environmental/Renovation   Dates: 27/07 – 08/08

Surcin is the youngest Belgrade municipality. It’s located 17 km west from the city centre. Sava River is close by. The place is surrounded by a cultivated area and remnants of old oak forests. It represents real oasis of fresh air. The area of the Sport Centre is a very pleasant place ideal for camping, sports and picnic activities.

Work: The volunteers will repair the existing and construct new resting places and benches, clean the Tvrdenjava lake surroundings within the Sport Centre and should take part in putting in order vegetation nearby the foot and bike paths.

Accommodation: in a school, sleeping bags and mats are needed; breakfast and dinner will be prepared by the volunteers themselves in the school, lunch will be provided in the local restaurant within the Sport Centre.

Language: English

Location: Surcin

Terminal: Belgrade

Participation fee: 15 €

SR 06 RAVNI I, Uzice   Kids/Environmental/Education   Dates: 10/07 – 20/07

Ravni village is situated on the mountain Zlatibor, a well-known tourist resort near Tara Mountain National Park and the authentic ethno village of Sirogojno. Mokra gora and the famous film director Kusturica’s Ethno–village Mecavnik are also nearby. Zlatibor offers unforgettable scenery and a unique climate. The Ravni summer camp aims to provide fun, education and safe environment for children, in order for them to enjoy the school holidays period. The children are between 10 and 15 years old and the scheme is open to 40 children per one camp.

Work: The international volunteers will work on preparing the summer camp activities together with the staff (educators, organizers, a nurse and a doctor) and local volunteers. The volunteers will help in supervising the group of children while doing a variety of indoor and outdoor activities (arts, field studies on local biodiversity and environment, crafts and games, sport events and excursions). Volunteers will supervise the children, help them to develop their English language skills and will conduct some workshops for children on their own. Tasks will also include helping in daily preparations of the scheme and cleaning up after it.

Accommodation: In a school with beds. Sleeping bags are required for two nights outdoor – in tents near the bank of the river Rzav.

Language: English

Location: Ravni village is located 230 km from

Belgrade.

Terminal: Belgrade

Special Requirements: Volunteers must send a motivation letter that describes their experience in working with kids, as well as their thoughts and suggestions for specific activities (games, sports, crafts, etc.)

Special Remarks: Volunteers must have a good level of English and be very motivated to work with children. Smoking and drinking of alcohol is permitted only when volunteers are away from the children.

SR 07 RAVNI II, Uzice   Kids/Environmental/Education   Dates: 21/07 – 31/07

Ravni village is situated on the mountain Zlatibor, a well-known tourist resort near Tara Mountain National Park and the authentic ethno village of Sirogojno. Mokra gora and the famous film director Kusturica’s Ethno–village Mecavnik are also nearby. Zlatibor offers unforgettable scenery and a unique climate. The Ravni summer camp aims to provide fun, education and safe environment for children, in order for them to enjoy the school holidays period. The children are between 10 and 15 years old and the scheme is open to 40 children per one camp.

Work: The international volunteers will work on preparing the summer camp activities together with the staff (educators, organizers, a nurse and a doctor) and local volunteers. The volunteers will help in supervising the group of children while doing a variety of indoor and outdoor activities (arts, field studies on local biodiversity and environment, crafts and games, sport events and excursions). Volunteers will supervise the children, help them to develop their English language skills and will conduct some workshops for children on their own. Tasks will also include helping in daily preparations of the scheme and cleaning up after it.

Accommodation: In a school with beds. Sleeping bags are required for two nights outdoor – in tents near the bank of the river Rzav.

Language: English

Location: Ravni village is located 230 km from Belgrade.

Terminal: Belgrade

Special Requirements: Volunteers must send a motivation letter that describes their experience in working with kids, as well as their thoughts and suggestions for specific activities (games, sports, crafts, etc.)

Special Remarks: Volunteers must have a good level of English and be very motivated to work with children. Smoking and drinking of alcohol is permitted only when volunteers are away from the children.

SR 08 KOSJERIC I – SOUNDING, Uzice   ARTS – Contemporary Art   Dates: 01/08 – 15/08

Kosjeric is a small town in the western part of Serbia, well known for its beautiful nature. A group of young people initiated workcamps to increase and affirm cultural and tourism potentials through interaction between the citizens and the volunteers in an international atmosphere.

Work: The idea for the music workshop is based on image and sound interaction and wider communication, as well as on a possible collaboration with other workshops taking place in Kosjeric camps (mural, graffiti and theatre workshop). The work process will be divided  into three phases: a) Sound and spaces – the participants would create music for the video material that will be recorded in various localities; b) Sound and movement – the participants will make several improvisations together with the theatre workshop that will take in hand stage movement; c) Sound and colour – in cooperation with the mural workshop; the participants will produce several compositions connected to murals and graffiti and they will be performed during the camp. There will be a mini lecture on synthesis and interaction among different kinds of art expressions. Visit: www.ktowngroup.org.yu/artcamp

Accommodation: local host families

Language: English

Location: Kosjeric, a small town in Western Serbia, 130 km south of Belgrade

Terminal: Belgrade

Special Requirements: It is necessary to be able to play at least one instrument.

SR 09 KOSJERIC II – ARTBURG HILL, Uzice   ARTS – Contemporary Art   Dates: 01/08 – 15/08

Kosjeric is a small town in the western part of Serbia, well known for its beautiful nature. A group of young people initiated workcamps to increase and affirm cultural and tourism potentials through interaction between the citizens and the volunteers in an international atmosphere.

Work: The aim of the workshop is to create permanent art installations on different town sites. The idea is to present gradation/degradation of the human living soul through its life stages. On the specific town locations, every stage of the human life would be presented through a symbol: childhood (rocking chair), love life (bench), sorrow (altered piece of rock), festivity (table) and old age. The workshop will consist of two phases. In the first – brainstorming for ideas, leaning on our past experiences and building up the theme. In the second – implementing the idea either in the studio or in the open. The materials used could be wood, stone, ceramic tiles, glass, etc. The main goal is to create discrete and enduring interactive town exhibition that is to stay with the Kosjeric locals. Visit: www.ktowngroup.org.yu/artcamp

Accommodation: local host families

Language: English

Location: Kosjeric, a small town in Eestern Serbia, 130 km from Belgrade

Terminal: Belgrade

Special Requirements: basic tool skills, basics in drawing, painting... (It is not necessary to be a professional, especially not a sculptor, nothing classical anyway).

SR 10 KOSJERIC III – STREET GALLERIES: mural and art of making graffiti, Uzice   ARTS – Contemporary Art   Dates: 01/08 – 15/08

Kosjeric is a small town in the western part of Serbia, well known for its beautiful nature. A group of young people initiated workcamps to increase and affirm cultural and tourism potentials through interaction between the citizens and the volunteers in an international atmosphere.

Work: The workshop will consist of two groups organized around the idea of “street galleries”. First group’s task will be painting murals and introducing innovations to the technical procedure of the wall painting itself. The basic medium shall be acrylic façade painting. However, interventions and experiments with the third dimension are also sought after. The primary goal of the second group work is introducing new forms of expression, graffiti art and spreading popular culture through interaction with young people. An art that’s been marginalized throughout decades and classified as subculture gets its own legitimate place and recognition through a phenomenon of a “street gallery”. Synthesis and collaboration between these two groups is possible depending on ideas and agreement among members. According to their own affinities, the participants will decide between two groups in order to express their creativity to the full extent. First camp days will pass in getting acquainted with basics of mural painting and graffiti, as well as in exchanging ideas among participants themselves. Apart from the masterpiece, there is also a possibility of creating stencils, tags. Visit: www.ktowngroup.org.yu/artcamp

Accommodation: local host families

Language: English

Location: Kosjeric, a small town in Western Serbia, 130 km from Belgrade

Terminal: Belgrade

Special Requirements: Participants are expected to have basic art skills

SR 11 KOSJERIC IV – PERFORMING ARTS, Uzice   ARTS – Contemporary Art   Dates: 01/08 – 15/08

Kosjeric is a small town in the western part of Serbia, well known for its beautiful nature. A group of young people initiated workcamps to increase and affirm cultural and tourism potentials through interaction between the citizens and the volunteers in an international atmosphere.

Work: Throughout the series of the specific performing techniques and improvisation process, the work will explore the possibilities of creating theatre images and stories in everyday life situations (on the park bench, in the restaurant, etc.) Within easy-to-follow theatre games and workshops, the participants will create a material which will not depend on text. Dramaturgy based on a dream–like logic allows combining theatre images, actions, sound and text. The accent is put on exploring the interaction between the performers themselves and the relationship performers–audience–space, rather than on creating a finished theatre piece. Visit: www.ktowngroup.org.yu/artcamp

Accommodation: local host families

Language: English

Location: Kosjeric, a small town in Western Serbia, 130 km from Belgrade

Terminal: Belgrade

Special requirements: The workshop is intended for non–actors, but also for experienced performers willing to enjoy group dynamics.

SR 12 GRZA, Paracin