There are several types of work the volunteer can do. During the first week the volunteer will be able to choose and decide which activities s/he would like to focus on more. Therefore s/he will be provided with detailed information about the organisation’s activities and its main programs. With the mentor s/he will work out a working plan. S/he will also be able to get to know the program which was worked out by previous volunteers and a specialist (a psychologist/pedagogue, who can be contacted).
There are a lot of things to be offered to the volunteers. S/he will have the chance to choose the work to her/his liking and have the possibility to change or combine different kinds of activities in order to try out everything during the long-term period and to get an insight into different fields.
Possible options can be the following:
Help in teaching: The volunteer will lead a workshop (development group) for mentally retarded children aged 10-25, doing handicrafts as little toys, drawing, painting, knitting, pottery etc. Last EVS volunteers also made some music classes. For this the volunteer will be constantly guided and supported by the coordinating organisation and the specialist. As another option the volunteer can teach English to children and teenagers. Skills in teaching are recommended, but not necessary.
There is also a need for the children and youngsters in “Math” skills – counting, geometry etc. So the volunteers which are motivated and interested to lead Math workshop will get the possibility to know about the educational conception of Zaizev which is quiet famous and successful in Russia – one of it direction is “Interesting, exciting math”.
Preodolenie center also has some Montessori equipment, so volunteer will be able to choice the direction of development games based on the Montessori principles to each children some practical skills.
Managing: The volunteer can help to arrange leisure time activities for the children together with their parents and the staff and actively participate in preparing and arranging different events during several holidays, e.g. theatre and cinema visits, picnics, walks, birthdays, other feasts. This option is very necessary to ensure the social integration of handicapped children and simply allows the children to enjoy and experience something special. Also, such activities help the volunteer to create a closer contact and relationship to the children.
Visiting children who are not able to come to the Centre due to a high level of physical and mental disability. The volunteer will organize the same activities for them as in the centre. S/he can play games, tell about her/his own country, create contact with other children or teach writing and simple mathematics etc.
Work in “Gals”, branch in Semenov: “Gals” is a branch of Preodolenye Association for disabled children with different kinds of mentally and physical disabilities in Semenov. The volunteer will be asked to visit Gals one time during a week. It’s quiet important task as before Gals was opened there was no organization in NGO or governmental level which supported disabled people. There is a complex of activities development workshops, arts&crafts and music lessons etc.

The volunteers will have the possibility to get work-experience in social work with disabled children and youngsters, to get experience and knowledge in development game, Montesorri methods, “Intersting Math conception” etc. during the EVS. Working time per week will be 30 hours. S/he has two free days a week and 11 days of holidays.

selection:
The volunteer should be motivated and show interest in social work. He/she should be enthusiastic, creative, communicative, friendly and active. He/she should be committed to work with disabled children considering their peculiarities and specifics. It would be good if the volunteer had some experience of working with handicapped children, studied or made some researches in this field, especially concerning Montessori methods.
Basic skills of Russian language are necessary, since the volunteer is supposed to communicate with the children and establish good contact with them. However, he/she will be certainly helped and supported by the staff.
Skills in sewing, designing clothes, knitting and tailor skills would be of huge advantage. Music, art and dancing skills are also very welcome, but at least the volunteer should show interest in drawing, painting, doing handicrafts etc.
This project requires a high level of mobility and independent work. Nevertheless, additional preparation and support can be provided. But unfortunately, the infrastructure and development in Russia concerning food, local transport, health care and medical supply are still not comparable to European standards. Therefore, it might be problematic to ensure the stay of volunteers with special needs, as e.g. people in wheelchairs or blinds, volunteers with special dietary needs. Still we think that it is possible to check the possibility of participation individually in every case.

specific selection:
The volunteer should be motivated and show interest in social work. He/she should be enthusiastic, creative, communicative, friendly and active. He/she should be committed to work with disabled children considering their peculiarities and specifics. It would be good if the volunteer had some experience of working with handicapped children, studied or made some researches in this field, especially concerning Montessori methods.
Basic skills of Russian language are necessary, since the volunteer is supposed to communicate with the children and establish good contact with them. However, he/she will be certainly helped and supported by the staff.
Skills in sewing, designing clothes, knitting and tailor skills would be of huge advantage. Music, art and dancing skills are also very welcome, but at least the volunteer should show interest in drawing, painting, doing handicrafts etc.
This project requires a high level of mobility and independent work. Nevertheless, additional preparation and support can be provided. But unfortunately, the infrastructure and development in Russia concerning food, local transport, health care and medical supply are still not comparable to European standards. Therefore, it might be problematic to ensure the stay of volunteers with special needs, as e.g. people in wheelchairs or blinds, volunteers with special dietary needs. Still we think that it is possible to check the possibility of participation individually in every case.

specific tasks:
Leading daily classes for disabled youngsters of the age 11-20 to develop of social-economic skills of teenagers – count, bye things in the shop, learn to cook.
Prepare team of youngsters from the centre to participate in Special Olympics – sport competition.