Le Moulin Solidaire is an association that has its roots in the Haute-Saintonge region, in the commune of Cercoux, and that extends to the surrounding area. In addition to its activities - recycling centre, library, solidarity shop and bicycle repair shop - it organises a wide range of events for local residents. This year, the association is joining forces with Maison des Bateleurs to organise an international project. For two weeks, volunteers from all over the world will help renovate the building's shutters and create a bicycle repair area. The second week will be marked by bicycle workshops and other collective activities, encouraging intercultural exchanges and the sharing of know-how.
Volunteer work
You will have two main tasks on this site: First, you will give the building’s shutters a new lease of life by stripping them, repairing them, repainting them and reassembling them. Then, you will help create a space dedicated to bike repairs. After cleaning up and preparing the area, you will work with the association’s employees to design the layout of the new workshop. It will be a place where local residents can come and repair their bikes with the help of a specialized volunteer. Secondly, you will take part in the association’s new season and its reopening to the public. You will lead workshops to help people discover cycling and promote soft mobility. You will help visitors repair their bikes, give them advice and offer introductory courses suitable for everyone. No previous skills are required: you will learn how to clear the undergrowth, sand, paint and repair bikes throughout the project. An unforgettable multi-support project, combining renovation, creativity and sharing!
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in tents and part of the group will be able to stay in a building loaned by Cercoux Town Hall. You will need to bring your own warm duvet and pillow and the project partner will provide air mattresses. Food will be provided for all meals, with a budget managed jointly by the group and the leaders. You will take turns preparing the meals, using local resources and taking into account everyone’s dietary requirements (hot, cold, vegetarian and vegan dishes).
Leisure
At the crossroads of several charming villages in the south of Saintonge, you can take full advantage of the local heritage. When you are not working on site, you can take part in summer activities such as the music festival, evening markets and visits to local producers and tastings of their products. Excursions to the city, La Rochelle, Rochefort or Angoulême and a day at the ocean can also be organised. Cognac and St-Emilion, the wine cities of France, are also nearby!
Travel
Volunteers travel to Cercoux themselves. There you will be picked up by the project partner.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via 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.
Cost
IBO asks €50 registration fee. In addition, you pay a participation fee of €189 for this project. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee.
Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Register
Register as a volunteer at IBO here.