Author:
Green Steps
Short summary:
2 European Solidarity Corps volunteerships will start in April 2026 at Green Steps. After 5 consecutive years hosting volunteers in Europe, we have updated our Quality Label and can from 2026 onwards train 3 ESC volunteers in place-based learning.
EuROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS
Green Steps hosts since 2021 ESC volunteers for a duration of 12 months in St. Pölten to train as Nature Guides and spread their insights back to their home countries. Since then 7 volunteers have not only gained insights in place-based learning, but have also supported our local efforts in developing innovative environmental education formats. Check out the team intro section in our library to learn about past volunteers.
QUALITY LABEL
The Quality Label is a process that certifies that an organisation is able and willing to carry out high quality solidarity activities in compliance with the principles, objectives and quality standards of the European Solidarity Corps. We have updated our Quality Label with an interims report to the national Erasmus+ agency, in which we feature our Green Steps ARK supported 3-step training structure.
Stage 1 - Community Mentor Training (3-6h training and project related practice during the first month of volunteership)
• Learning objective: moderate and guide a community / class
Stage 2 - Commons Mentor Training (3-6h of training and project related practice during the frist 3 months of volunteership)
• Learning objective: moderate a commons and support communities
Stage 3 - Ecoregion Mentor Training (3h of training and project related practice starting from 4th month of volunteership)
• Learning objective: moderate an ecoregion and support commons
These 3 key stages are the background to our project-based work with regional primary and secondary schools as well as municipalities. We support our clients in the design of permanent “outdoor classrooms” which make it easier for teachers to integrate the official curriculum with primary experiences in and about the ecosystem we call home.
3 ESC volunteers AT Green Steps starting from April 2026
Our training structure and our impact record seems to have convinced the national Erasmus+ agency since our request for a thrid volunteers was approved this month. This means that Erasmus+ has indeed turned into a vital force for Green Steps financing from April 2026 not two but in future three ESC volunteers for 12 months each.
WHere to Apply?
Starting now, candidates can apply directly with Green Steps. We are particularly interested in young teachers or young adults who want to become teachers. Make sure to read the application guidelines published on the ESC portal since only complete applications are considered: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/26121_en
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