Meridian e.V.

CULTURAL BRIDGES

The cultural and social union Meridian has been a member of AGSA organization (Auslandsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt e.V.) since 1999. The organization supports the integration of the people from Eastern Europe living currently in Germany by multifaceted events in the area of art, education, culture and sports. All age groups from kids at the age of 5-6 years and pupils up to the pensioners are included in the events of Meridian. The Auslandsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt (AGSA) is a NGO with more than 38 member organizations, working in the areas of development policy, European and international exchanges and the integration of immigrants into German society. Volunteers of AGSA are involved in international and local youth projects. The service is funded by the European Solidarity Corps.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Supporting intercultural and education events for teenagers in the One-World House and other places in Magdeburg,
Design a multilingual online newspaper with youngsters from Zaporozhe and Magdeburg,
Organizing dancing studios and theatre studios for children and youth,
Support the multilingual work at the web page of the organization arrange exhibitions
Create publications, leaflets and more,
Visiting events as a representative of Meridian and AGSA,
As Meridian is a member organisation of AGSA, the volunteer also has the chance to support the organisation of international youth project “Eurocamp” and participate there as a Trainer.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Motivated to organize artistic, educational, cultural and sport event for both pupils and pensioners
Good knowledge of German and Russian language

Start of the project

Depending on how the situation evolves, it is also possible to start your voluntary service from your home country and come to Magdeburg as soon as possible.

Accommodation

You will stay in a flat-sharing community with 2-3 other ESK volunteers. You will have your own bedroom with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is also included.

Food and pocket money

In the beginning of the month, you will receive the money to cover your food expenses (the rate is decided by the national agency) and pocket money for your own expenses. Currently, it is 8,60€/day for food and 5€/day for pocket money. During workshops, training, seminars the volunteer will be provided with complete catering (3 times per day). For those days the volunteer will receive no food money.

Local transport

You will receive money to cover the monthly ticket for tram and buses in Magdeburg.

Travel costs

You will receive money for travel costs after providing all the necessary invoices. The maximum amount is calculated based on the distance from your country to Magdeburg. Visa costs can also be reimbursed after providing corresponding invoices.

Health insurance

A European health insurance will be provided by Cigna in combination with your European health card (if you have one).

Language support

Prior to your ESK, you will have access to Erasmus`s Online Linguistic Support (OLS). During the project, you will have an opportunity to participate in an intensive German course.

Work

The volunteer works normally 32 hours per week, the exact working hours and the daily core time will be decided by the mentor and the volunteer. Depending on the area and nature of work, the working hours of the volunteer can be also flexible. In case of overtime the volunteer will be compensated by additional days off corresponding to the hours worked.

Holidays

The volunteer has 24 days per year (2 days per month) vacations. The days of the vacations should be agreed with the mentor of the volunteer, who is responsible for his/her hosting project. In case of participation in Eurocamp 2020 and in before and after training for Eurocamp 2020, the volunteer is allowed to have additional vacation days. The number of days should be agreed with the project manager of Eurocamp.

Training during the project

During your ESK, you will have two obligatory seminars: On-Arrival Training and Mid-Term Seminar. Once a month you will have a meeting with all volunteers of Magdeburg to discuss the current situation, organize activities together or visit the other projects. There also will be opportunities to participate in some other seminars and workshops. Important is that they should not overlap with your main tasks and activities.

Other recommendations

You should bring your regular clothes and personal hygiene products.