The project
The Tibet House Onlus, founded in March 1990 under the auspices of the Dalai Lama, is a non-profit cultural center located in Votigno di Canossa (Reggio Emilia), just a few kilometers from the famous castle, the site of the historic mediation between the Papacy and the Empire in 1077, which was facilitated by Countess Matilda. The Tibet House, the first of its kind in Europe and unique in Italy, was founded by the physician Stefano Dallari from Reggio Emilia. The center houses a Tibetan museum, a Tibetan temple, spaces for meditation, and halls for round-table discussions, seminars, and courses. The complex is situated in the green hills of Reggio Emilia, within the old walls of a charming medieval village, which has been brought back to life thanks to a long and careful restoration by artisans and volunteers from all over the world.
Volunteer work
Expected tasks: - Maintenance within the hamlet, as well as the care of green areas, vegetable gardens, and animals; - Cleaning and setting up a space for an exhibition dedicated to Fosco Maraini, the renowned anthropologist and photographer, author of important works and studies on Tibet; - Assisting with the organization of planned events. Flashlight, sturdy shoes, work gloves, sleeping bag or sheets and pillowcase, personal medication, mosquito repellent, swimwear. If you play a musical instrument, please bring it along.
Accommodation
Meals are provided by the host organization. Within the group, meal preparation is divided among teams, and all meals are eaten in the hamlet. There are various rooms in the hamlet: 2 double rooms, 2 triple rooms, 1 dormitory for 5 people, and 1 dormitory for 8 people, with shared bathroom facilities.
Leisure
In addition to supporting association activities, there will be educational sessions on topics related to Tibet House: Buddhism, Shamanism, Tibet, and meditation. Other possible activities: - Yoga at sunrise/sunset - Mindfulness course - Tasting at Azienda Agricola Strada del Casalino
Travel
The nearest airport is Bologna or Milan Bergamo and Milan Linate. Continue by train to Reggio Emilia train station.
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.
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.
Important note: You can register until half April. Spots are populair.