Every year, around 15 young people from 18 to 30 volunteer for a year in social and educational structures in Belgium via the SPJ. Volunteers are hosted either via the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), via other national programmes or via our internal Diaconal Year programme.

Which fields can you volunteer in ? 

We are currently working with diverse structures in the following sectors:

  • Institutions for adults with intellectual disabilities
  • Educational support in shelters for children from difficult situations
  • Youth activities in a church district
  • Activity center
  • Activities in a care home for the elderly
  • Living communities for individuals in distress

The hosting projects will offer you, in collaboration with SPJ, tasks that will allow you to make the best use of your skills, gain new experiences, and open up to new horizons.

Volunteering in the social field means contributing in various ways to the well-being of individuals in difficulty: accompanying people in their daily lives, giving some of your time, being there to listen, activities…

In child-care settings, this means being present outside of school hours simply through the volunteer’s presence, helping with daily life, assisting with homework, leading recreational activities, and supporting a safe space.

Discover all our structures here !

Come to Belgium

If you come via a country in which we have an EDYN partner, you can contact this partner directly :

Or write to us directly : info@spj.be


How much does it cost ? 

There are no costs for volunteers under the ESC programme.
You benefit from a round trip from the country of origin to Belgium up to a certain amount, health and civil liability insurance.

If you are non-ESC, you must pay the international transport costs and must be sufficiently covered by insurance. You may have to pay a fee to your sending organization.

All volunteers, whether they are ESC or not, will benefit from :

  • Board and lodging 7/7 usually in the institution
  • €220 per month in pocket money
  • In-person French courses where possible
  • Support in the form of mentoring, seminars and visits

The seminars

Throughout the year, we organize around 15 days of meetings for volunteers.

All our activities start at the beginning of September with a welcome seminar.

The seminars are meetings in a multicultural group, with an exchange and reflection on experiences in the different hosting structures. They are also a chance to realise the intercultural dimension of the programme.

Volunteers hosted as part of the ESC programme will also have on-arrival training and a mid-term seminar organized by the National Agency. 
Hosting structures must allow volunteers to participate in all seminars as part of their “working time”.

During our seminars the following themes are covered:

  • Belgium as a host country, its institutional and social context
  • The ESC programme
  • How to deal with critical moments during the year (homesickness, loneliness, problems in the hosting structure, etc.)
  • Contacts with professionals working in similar structures
  • Rights and responsabilities of volunteers
  • Intercultural work, artistic and fun activities
  • Cultural visits

A spiritual reflection on the time of service is offered to those who wish and there is also plenty of time to relax or simply to talk, to share your joys and fears.

Volunteers can also participate in activities offered by the SPJ 

Our stories

There are no words strong enough to describe this experience, but if I had to try, I would say: incredible, human, and above all, enriching. But you have to live it to truly understand.
— Caitline, volunteer at « La Chatâigneraie », a residential service for children

This year has been full of meaningful encounters. Through the eyes and journeys of many people, it has allowed me to discover and understand the world a little better. This experience is also perfect for self-discovery, personal growth, and fulfillment through feeling useful!
— Jérémie, volunteer at Home Saint-Joseph, a residential service for eldery and in the United Protestant Church of Belgium

Contactez nous

Envoyez nous un email et nous reviendrons vers vous dans les plus brefs délais.

Générer un autre code. captcha txt

Commencez à taper et appuyez sur ENTRÉE pour RECHERCHER