‘LIODAS’ PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERING FOR EVERYONE
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM – VOLUNTARY WORK IN PELION
The Pelion Development Institute is a non-profit organisation in Pelion, in Argalasti. Since 2001, there are various programs for the development of Pelion.
AIM OF THE PROGRAM
The aim of ‘Liodas’ program is to:
- Make Pelion known all over the world.
- Acquaint the trainees with the Greek-Orthodox civilization (churches, monasteries), traditions, customs and reinforce the religion tourism.
- Provide the opportunity to the participants to have free vacation at mount Pelion in combination with their training.
- “Boost the tourism development in Pelion” : one of the fundamental objectives of our Institute.
- Acquaint the participants in the program with the native hospitality, culture and cuisine, so that they can promote the beauty of Mount Pelion all over the world.
- Help spread the idea of volunteering and at the same time help people realise the importance of volunteering. The program aims at the personal development of everybody.
WHERE THE PROGRAM TAKES PLACE
The ‘Liodas’ program has its base at the premises of Pelion Development Institute at South Pelion and specifically in Argalasti, capital of the municipality of Argalasti. Its activities take place in the following areas:
South Pelion: villages of the municipalities of Argalasti, Sipiada and Trikeri.
Central Pelion: municipalities of Milies, Afetes, Artemida, Agria, Iolkos, Portaria and Makrinitsa.
Eastern Pelion: municipalities of Zagora, Mouresi and Keramidi.
Additionally, part of the program will take place on the island of Skiathos.
TARGET GROUP
This program concerns men and women aged 18 to 60 years old, from all over the world.
PERIOD OF THE PROGRAM
‘Liodas’ program will take place during 2010, from 10/4/2010 till 30/6/2010 and from 1/9/2010 till 30/11/2010. For the year 2011 it will be held from 1/3/2011 till 30/6/2011 and from 1/9/2011 till 30/11/2011. Note that the program will go on till the year 2015.
DURATION OF THE PROGRAM
The program lasts at least seven days. The duration of voluntary work is eight hours on a daily basis. The weekends will be free for excursions and various other activities.
FUNDING OF THE PROGRAM
The ‘Liodas’ program is funded by the Pelion Development Institute through its own resources as well as through financial support provided by municipalities, organizations and various other sponsors.
ACTIVITIES FINANCED THROUGH THE PROGRAM
Τhe program provides:
- Accommodation in lodges with 4 beds (bunk beds), schools or tents.
- Cleaning services, once a day (educational and dining spaces)
- Meals-only the ingredients. The preparation and cooking of meals will be a responsibility of the participants under the supervision of an Institute’s member. Thus, the trainees will learn to prepare their meals and live on their own.
All the food and ingredients will be biological and traditional greek products.
TRAINING
Τhe schedule and the type of training is strict and all participants have to respect it.
The training regards the following eras:
- Environmental protection – cleaning off shores, planting trees, cleaning the sea bottom, trails, the newly founded park of environmental training “PATHS-STUDY OF NATURE”.
- Give a boost to social service and support the traditional jobs.
- Promotion of the cultural heritage, restoration of traditional buildings (churches, monasteries, stone – paved paths, oil presses, fountains, water mills e.t.c.)
- Local development, recreation grounds, camps, public spaces (schools, squares, playgrounds).
Greek language – greek folklore dances and music
TIMETABLE
The training timetable is strict, as determined by the program and no change of the hours is possible. By this way the trainees learn to be accurate and precise.
PERSONAL ITEMS
There will be a specially provided place where the trainees can wash and iron their clothes in their spare time.
CLEANING
The places of stay and training will be cleaned once a day by a special team of the Institute personnel. Hereinafter, the trainees are responsible for keeping their place and themselves clean.
TRAVEL EXPENSES
All travel expenses from the volunteers’ countries as well as all transfers during the program are covered by the participants.
PARTICIPATION
In order to participate in the program a special application form must be submitted at least 20 days before the beginning of the program and after contacting the Institute for determining the day of arrival and the period of stay. For the countries for which a Visa is necessary the application form should be submitted at least 2 months in advance so that the Institute can contact the embassy in order to provide it.
CONDITIONS OF STAY
The accommodation of the trainees will take place in lodges, schools or tents. During the training and the various other activities the trainees must wear t-shirts of the program which will be provided by the Institute.
EXCURSIONS
Apart from the excursions in various areas around mount Pelion which are part of the training, an optional, day lasting excursion to the monasteries of Meteora will be available.
For those staying for 14 days there is also the opportunity to have a 2 day excursion to Mount Athos (Agio Oros). The cost for the first is 50 euro per person as for the second 100 euro per person.
LANGUAGE
The program “Liondas” is taught for Greeks in Greek language and for foreigners in English and, if there is such possibility in the mother language of the participants.
BOOKS-BROCHURES
All the books and brochures used during training will be available in Greek and English and wherever it is possible in the mother language of the participants.
TRAINERS
The trainers of the program are volunteers (professors at universities, priests, lawyers, journalists and other professionals familiar with the subject of training).
HOLY COMMUNION
Every Sunday the participants can visit monasteries and churches from 8.30 to 10.30 in order to be present at the Holy Communion.After that Greek coffee will be offered.
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
At the end of their stay each trainee will be given a special certificate of participation in the program.
CONTACT US
You can contact us regarding the program by e-mail: pilioinsliodas@gmail.com
More information about Pelion at the websites:
www.pilio.net www.pilio.tv www.peliononline.gr
The Board of Pelion Development Institute wishes you: HAVE A NICE STAY, A GOOD TRAINING AND A GREAT TIME!!!
