European Solidarity Corps volunteering at Kindergruppe Giraffenland

What is Kindergruppe Giraffenland?

Kindergruppe Giraffenland is a parent-managed children’s group (similar to kindergarten) in 1090 Vienna that offers an autonomy-promoting, respectful childcare for children between the ages of 2 and 6. We offer weekly excursions into nature, organic food and a place where children, carers and parents can feel at home.

More about Kindergruppe Giraffenland here: www.kigru.at

Proposed activities

We’re excited to extend a warm invitation for a volunteer to join our vibrant children’s initiative Giraffenland (“Giraffe country”), engaging with our delightful group of youngsters aged 2.5 to 6 years old. This is a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and to dive into the enriching educational philosophies of Maria Montessori and Emmi Pikler under the guidance of our skilled childcare professionals. The role offers enchanting excursions around Vienna and its picturesque environments, allowing you to discover and share the beauty of this historic city. We encourage you to bring your passions and hobbies into the mix, enriching the children’s experiences and your own. Volunteers often find this role incredibly rewarding, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and reflect on both educational practices and personal developmen

An important aspect of our pedagogy is the encounter with nature far away from playgrounds in order to enable the children to have elementary experiences with water wind, earth, fire and living creatures. This means volunteers are expected to be ready to spend a lot of time outdoors accompanying the children.

As a volunteer, you’ll gain a comprehensive skill set that is applicable across a range of professional and personal scenarios. This includes innovative childcare techniques, diverse educational methods, intercultural communication, and sharp observational skills. Regular meetings with mentors will enrich your experience, allowing you to share and reflect on your journey. Engaging daily with the children will also enhance your German language skills. To further support your language learning, we offer German courses and additional training alongside fellow volunteers in the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna. We look forward to having you bring your energy and enthusiasm to our team

Volunteer profile

You have a strong interest in working with children, particularly in fostering the social and psychological development of young ones aged between 2.5 and 6 years. While previous experience in this area isn’t necessary, we are looking for someone who is self-motivated and personable, with a genuine enthusiasm for sharing their culture and language.

Application and Selection Process

This European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project in Vienna is coordinated by the association Grenzenlos within the MELANGE program. If you want to apply for this project, please fill in the Melange application form and send it together with your CV (curriculum vitae) and motivation letter to application@melange.wien  

Please state the name of the ESC project (Kindergruppe Giraffenland), that you would like to apply for, in the subject of your e-mail. Grenzenlos will forward your documents to us, the hosting project, where the selection will be made.  

Important! Your application will only be accepted if it is complete and if you already have a supporting (sending) organization. 

All ESC placements coordinated by Grenzenlos are generally available to everyone between the age of 18 and 30 who is residing in an ESC program or partner country. However, in the selection procedure a preference is shown for candidates with fewer opportunities. You will be informed about the outcome of the recruitment process after the application deadline. 
For more information, please visit www.melange.wien