A.
The Franziskus e.V. follows the anthroposophic remedial education principles of Rudolf Steiner. The anthroposophic teaching is Christian in principle but is not bound to a particular denomination and takes an overarching view of body, soul and spirit. An important principle is to accept everyone for what they are and to encourage their development within the bounds of their own abilities.
The Living and Working Community Franziskus is located at the western outskirts of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. Hamburg has a population of approx 2 million, a port (Gateway to the world), a university and various cultural and media instsitutions. Both the North Sea and the Baltic can be reached within an hour.
Franziskus e.V. has been accepting volunteers under the European Voluntary service system since 1998 and often maintains good relationships to ex volunteers after their departure. Franziskus e.V. is in contact with other institutions throughout Europe and takes part in a European theatre project (together with a Polish and French institution) which is financially assisted by the EU within the GRUNDVIG programme.

B.
The volunteers are integrated into the communal lives of the groups. This begins with assisting the handicapped people to get up in the morning, get washed and dressed and accompanying them to breakfast with the carers. On the one hand the people with the handicap should be given their own space, according to their individual needs, on the other hand they should be supported through rhythmically repeated activities such as singing, playing an instrument or acting in role-plays as well as carrying out routine household tasks. All this should lead to a measure of stability. The volunteers are in-volved in all these joint activities and should help the handicapped to give domestic life substance and rhyth; apart from helping the handicapped with their daily routines, the volunteers should make creative suggestions, encourage them to create their own activities, and take part in organising and running group activities especially at the weekends.
C.
The volunteers should above all be open to work with disabled people. They should be interested in this kind of work and be open for new experiences. Previous experience is not necessary. It would be a bonus if they have creative skills such as music, dance or other arty hobbies.

Partnerorganisations will be informed by the coordinating organsation VIA e.V. by mail and phone about vacancies in projects. There is also a possibility to access to projects on website of Youthnetworks. Requests by mail, phone or fax on vacancies in projects will inmediately be answered by the responsible coordinator. All application forms will be forwarded to the projects and in case of reaching a positive decision the project is secluded from the open list.

D. -
E.
During an EVS problems could arise. In the practicethe strategy of solving smaller problems firstly in the project proved of value. The tutor as well as the closest colleagues play the most important role. By regular conversations between tutor and volunteer we are informed in time about the problems and can help to discuss them and give assistance. VIA e.V. interferes first of all by phone. If the problems become more complex a VIA - coordinator visits the hosting organisation and works as (neutral) mediator between volunteer and hosting organisation. At this time the sending organisation has been informed about the situation. In addition the German National Agency offers a professional accompaniment of the volunteers at the seminars.

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_form_en.cfm?EID=6001409901