The project
The House of Silence in Heiligenkreuz near Graz was founded in 1979 and has since been supported by various construction camps. Today, it is a spiritual center for seminars and retreats, offering accommodation for those seeking peace in a peaceful environment. Summer camps for young people are also organized there. IBO has been a partner for many years, and together we have renovated the dining hall, redesigned the forecourt ("Peace Square"), and renovated the greenhouse. This construction camp is popular with volunteers over 50 and with people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while simultaneously contributing to the common good. At the House of Silence, you can meditate, find peace, or participate in community activities. The common room offers instruments, a small library, and board games, making it a wonderful place to relax in the evenings.
Volunteer work
There are all sorts of jobs volunteers can help with. Together, we will carry out the necessary tasks in the Garden of Silence and the surrounding farmland, ensuring that spaces for spirituality and community are preserved. Work will include renovation, gardening, yard and landscaping, and carpentry. A suitable activity in the house and/or garden will be found for everyone who helps.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in guest rooms within the house itself. Meals (three times a day) are provided directly in the house. Volunteers are requested to bring their own work clothes, gloves, and safety shoes. Participants must also bring a sleeping bag, bed linen, and a towel.
Leisure
In their spare time, volunteers can take a trip to Graz, walk in the surrounding nature or meditate and rest (when there is no reconstruction work going on).
Travel
Volunteers are requested to travel to Graz themselves. There are 2 options to get here. Option 1: Travel to Vienna by train and take the Flixbus (cheap) to Graz train station. This takes approximately 2.5 hours. Option 2: Book a flight to the airport in Graz. All volunteers are picked up in Graz.
IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably with public transport. Sometimes travelling by plane is inevitable. We kindly suggest to compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions through IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
For this project you pay €50 registration fee and €189 participation fee. If you become an IBO-supporter, you don't have to pay the registration fee.
This includes accommodation and meals, local transport, an information pack and (online) preparation meeting. Excluding travel, insurance and any outings.
Register
Go to register to enroll in this project.