Slovakia and Hungary
Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through ELCA Global Mission has positions available in Slovakia or Hungary for ELCA young adults,
ages 21-29. Volunteers must be flexible and able to work cooperatively, in good physical health, emotionally resilient, and culturally sensitive. They must also be willing to engage in issues related to race, poverty and class, serve in diverse communities (both racially and socio-economically), have a commitment to live simply and to learn basic communication skills in the language of the region.
College degree or equivalent life experience required.
Context
The injustices faced by the
Roma people may be the major human rights issue in Europe today. Who the Roma are and where they come from is a topic of some debate, but throughout their history the Roma have been subjected to persecution, forced assimilation, enslavement, and even genocide. Roma continue to face rejection, mistrust, fear, and banishment from the dominant culture. The situation of Roma presents challenges to European society and the church. In response, churches, faith-based groups and non-government organizations are cooperating in an initiative that uses volunteering as a means for building inter-cultural awareness, understanding, sensitivity and solidarity with Roma.
In this program, Gadje (non-Roma people) from Europe and the U.S. are paired together for service in Roma projects, particularly in education, after-school activities, youth work and church-based programs. Inter-cultural dialog and learning is at the heart of the program, and seminars with Roma and Gadje volunteers are designed to promote understanding of the root causes of the social, cultural, political and religious issues facing Roma in society today.
What Opportunities Are Available?
The ELCA administers the Slovakia/Hungary program through a cooperative venture of several partners:
- Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Slovak Republic, manages the volunteer program in Slovakia
- Önkentes Diakonie Ev (ÖDE), manages the volunteer program in Hungary
- Roma-Gadje Dialogue through Service (RGDtS), provides networking and learning opportunities in support of volunteers
in Roma placements
- Ecumenical Diaconal Year Network (EDYN), umbrella organization for young adult volunteer programs in Europe
In this program volunteers are selected to serve in Central Europe, with country and placement assignments determined in late spring/early summer. Each country program has volunteers serving in both Roma and non-Roma placements. ELCA and European volunteers participate together in orientation and retreats/seminars, with additional seminars scheduled for volunteers working
in Roma placements.
The placements are made through churches, schools, social service agencies and with local Roma community projects in several locations in Slovakia and Hungary. Some examples include working with children in education and after-school activities, youth work
and church-based programs.
Websites for more information
What Is Provided?
As a Young Adult in Global Mission, you will have the opportunity
to learn more about yourself, grow in faith, and increase in understanding of your place in God’s world. In addition, you will receive:
- 35-40 hours per week work assignment
- Housing (varies depending on the site – home stay, shared housing, apartments, on-campus housing, etc.)
- Food (either provided with your housing arrangement or
by cash allowance)
- Pocket Money
- Vacation time as determined by country program
- Orientation in the US at the start of service
- Training conferences, retreats, and seminars throughout your period of service
- Opportunities for reflection, study, prayer and community building
- Supervision and support through your placement and an in-country program coordinator
- Airfare to and from your home and Slovakia
- Medical Insurance
- Student loan deferment
What Is My Commitment?
- Attend the Discernment Event weekend in mid-April
- One year of service, beginning in mid-August with orientation
- Raise at least $4,000 towards program and support costs (let staff know if you have questions or concerns)
Applications received by February 15 will be given first priority. Final deadline for applications is March 1.