SERBIA Young Researchers of Serbia - Voluntary Service of Serbia 2008

SR 01 TRSIC, Loznica
Environmental/Study
Dates: 19/05 – 29/05
Number of volunteers: 10
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
Number of volunteers: 15
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
Number of volunteers: 15
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
Number of volunteers: 12
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
Number of volunteers: 12
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
Number of volunteers: 5 international + 5 local
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
Number of volunteers: 5 international + 5 local
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
Number of volunteers: 7
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 (visual art workshop), Uzice
ARTS – Contemporary Art
Dates: 01/08 – 15/08
Number of volunteers: 7
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
Number of volunteers: 7
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
Number of volunteers: 7
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
Environmental
Dates: 27/07 – 09/08
Number of volunteers: 10
Grza well is one of the largest karst springs in Serbia. In the last 15 years the maintenance of Grza has been quite neglected. The mountaineer’s home and the track to the spring are in a very bad shape. Intensified unplanned building of summer cottages ruins the environment and illegal tree cutting intensifies erosion.
Work: Project consists of several phases: making trash bins, clearing forest trails and vegetation; marking tracking paths. In the last phase of the project, volunteers will make photos of the area, which will be used for promo material (postcards, brochures, exhibition, etc.).
Accommodation: In the mountaineer’s cottage: a local cook will be in charge of preparing food.
Language: English
Location: Grza is situated 25 km from Paracin and 3km from the nearest village.
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remarks: Visits to monasteries in the surroundings, tracking tours and visits to nearby villages, the fair and local concerts in Paracin are planned.
Special requirements: Volunteers should have any kind of photo camera with them and be interested in photography.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 13 TIMACUM MINUS, Knjazevac
Art/Heritage
Dates: 03/08 – 13/08
Number of volunteers: 10
Serbia once was a part of the great Roman Empire. Some of the emperors were born in Eastern Serbia where important archeological sites still exist, such as Viminacium, Felix Romuliana, Timacum Minus. Knjazevac is a region of indescribable beauty, a mixture of ethno motifs and tradition with these late Roman archaeological sites and monuments. The Regional Museum in Knjazevac is in charge of preserving Timacum Minus and as the host of this workcamp plans to involve volunteers in the project “Roman emperors’ routes”.
Work: Volunteers will work close to this late–antique Timacum Minus site. The work will include its promotion by presenting the Roman garments (dresses, suits, togas), which they will make by themselves, and the promotion of Roman celebrations (religious and other important days).
Accommodation: In a renovated school for students of archeology.
Language: English
Location: village Ravna, 8 km from Knjazevac in Eastern Serbia, 280 km from Belgrade.
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remark: Volunteers with special interest in archeology are welcome.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 14 OBEDSKA BARA, Pecinci
Environmental
Dates: 03/08 – 13/08
Number of volunteers: 15
Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara is one of the oldest protected areas in the world and a wetland of international importance (listed as a Ramsar site). Obedska bara, a famous ornithological site, is an oxbow lake surrounded by marsh and forest habitats. Wetlands are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems and this one has been gravely degraded, the most important problem being the overgrowing and disappearance of wet meadows.
Work: Volunteers will be included in the project of wet meadows revitalization “Return of the Ibis’’ by removing tree branches and clearing other vegetation. This will be the eleventh camp we organize here; because of our activities, several bird species have returned so far and the working site has the richest bird fauna in the reserve.
Accommodation: in the hotel “Obedska bara”. Food will be provided in the hotel restaurant.
Language: English
Location: Obedska bara is located 50km from Belgrade
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remarks: Lectures on wetlands and Obedska Bara’s recent environmental problems will be given. An excursion to a medieval church and a fortress in the area, a visit to the local bread museum and a trip to the nearby Belgrade are foreseen as well. Volunteers can also swim in the lake and the Sava River, row a boat across the lake, watch the birds and explore the beautiful nature of the area.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 15 ZASAVICA, Sremska Mitrovica
Environmental
Dates: 04/08 – 13/08
Number of volunteers: 12
The Special Nature Reserve Zasavica is located west of Belgrade, along the Sava River, and covers 671 ha. This is one of the reserves with a very strong management system and in the last five years it organized very successful international voluntary workcamps. Surrounded by the fragments of marshes, hygrophilous forests and meadows, the river ecosystem dominates the area. It is characterized by the presence of rare and endemic species of animals, being endangered not only in Serbia but also in Europe, such as the fish Umbra krameri and others. However, scientists discovered that a number of invasive alien species spread on account of native species. This condition made us realize the need for clearing the Reserve from the introduced species.
Work: The volunteers will clean the Reserve Zasavica from invasive alien species that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically.
Accommodation: In a house inside the Reserve, with several bedrooms.
Location: Zasavica (www.zasavica.org.yu) is located one hour by bus from Belgrade.
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remark: This area offers educational and recreational possibilities, including bird watching (with a short course), sport fishing, camping and hiking.
Participation fee: 15 €
Language: English

SR 16 YOUTH CENTER – Making Tradition, Valjevo
Construction/Renovation
Dates: 15/08 – 25/08
Number of volunteers: 10
On its 35th anniversary, the local NGO (www.istrazivaci.co.yu), started reconstructing their old premises and establishing the Valjevo Youth Center. Since 2005 workcamps give their contribution to its construction.
Work: This year Research Society organizes the camp with the same aim as in the previous two years – finishing this building construction and promoting it. Volunteers will help creation of this building in many different ways – from the work on its promotion to some real construction work.
Accommodation: in the family houses of the Youth Center members; food by local municipality or in restaurants or in camp kitchen.
Language: English
Location: Valjevo, small town in western Serbia approximately 100 km South West from Belgrade.
Special remarks: Several days of the camp will be organized in such a way as to introduce participants to the Research Society activities including special excursions (considering trekking, caving, watching stars, etc.); participation of the locals included in the project.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 17 STARA PLANINA, Knjazevac
Environmental/Renovation/Agriculture
Dates: 17/08 – 27/08
Number of volunteers: 10
Stara planina is the largest and most beautiful mountain in Eastern Serbia. It is a Nature park,  protected for its extraordinary natural values. Unfortunately, this area is neglected and most of the natural and tourist potentials are unrecognized and unused. The idea is to show values and possibilities of sustainable tourism development.
Work: The group will continue with the last year’s workcamp activities: reconstruction of tracking paths, creation of marking signs. Volunteers will also help old local people in their everyday duties in the countryside.
Accommodation: In a renovated school.
Language: English
Location: village Custica, 30 km from Knjazevac in eastern Serbia, 280 km from Belgrade
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remarks: Volunteers with special interest in sustainable tourism and with certain experience in this subject.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 18 DELIBLATO SANDS, Kovin
Environmental/Construction
Dates: 17/08 – 31/08
Number of volunteers: 15
Deliblatska pescara (Deliblato Sands) used to be a real small desert some 150 years ago, when most of its area (approx. 300 km2) was forested to prevent sand from further spreading by wind. However, some of its habitats have remained untouched and are under protection as special nature reserves. Its precious natural resources have not been used sufficiently for educational purposes. This camp is the continuation of the activities of Young Researchers of Serbia on revitalizing the Deliblato Sands areas.
Work: The volunteers will assist in constructing a house – the information point at the entrance of this protected area – and in renovating forest paths.
Accommodation: In a house.
Language: English
Location: Deliblato is between towns of Kovin and Vrsac, 70 km away from Belgrade.
Terminal: Belgrade
Special remarks: During the workcamp the participants will be shown the area of Deliblato Sands. Excursions to lakes near the town of Bela Crkva and the Danube (and swimming there) are foreseen. Workshops and lectures on nature conservation of this endangered habitat are planned as well.
Special requirements: Some experience in manual and handicraft work, not obligatory.
Participation fee: 15 €

SR 19 GRADAC, Valjevo
Environmental
Dates: 01/09 – 10/09
Number of volunteers: 10
Local NGO Research Society “Vladimir Mandic – Manda” and Ecological Society “Gradac” are organize this camp with the theme of helping building a small “eco” dam at the upper course of the river Gradac. This dam will prevent fish from migrating to the parts of the river which run dry during the summer, thus it will save them from massive dying.
Work: Together with the locals, volunteers will build the dam by putting rocks, pebbles and branches into the basis prepared beforehand.
Accommodation: in tents, placed on a big sunny field by the river. A small cottage with electric power will be used for food keeping, but might be used for sleeping as well, if it rains. Sleeping bags are necessary.
Language: English
Location: The camp will take place at the Gradac River, approximately 15 km away from Valjevo, a small town in Western Serbia, 100 km away from Belgrade.
Special remarks: Each day will be organized in such a way as to introduce participants to the Research Society activities considering caving, watching stars, and, of course, living with the nature.
Terminal: Belgrade
Participation fee: 15 €