Slovakia

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through ELCA Global Mission has positions available in Slovakia for ELCA young adults, ages 21-30. The Slovak program offers excellent opportunities for service, relationships and personal growth. 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), an have a commitment to live simply. Young Adults will be expected to learn the Slovak language and will use it in the course of their daily work. A language course is provided during orientation in Slovakia, but study and practice throughout the year will be required. This program site will appeal to those who welcome the challenge and opportunity to learn another language, and who also have a heart for service. College degree or equivalent life experience required.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

The Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Slovak Republic manages the program. Placements are made through the diaconal centers and churches in several locations throughout Slovakia. Positions exist in a wide variety of social and congregational settings. Examples of service opportunities include:

• Working in a youth center (helping with maintenance tasks)
• Working with homeless youth (small group leadership, counseling, teaching basic living skills, spiritual support and programs)
• Assisting people with mental illness in “protected workshops”, crafts and leisure activities.
• Working with the protestant congregation in parishioner services, possibly including Sunday school, youth clubs, activities in local kindergartens and/or elementary schools, transporting parishioners to services, choir, youth band, etc.
• Caring for deaf and/or blind children involving educational and leisure activities at a special elementary boarding school.
• Social skill development aid for orphans at an children’s home operated by the Orthodox church; conduct leisure time activities, arts and crafts
• Working with Roma (gypsy) children at a Lutheran congregation (social work, after school activities, teaching English).

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 April 16-19, 2009
• One year of service (beginning in mid-August 2009)
• Raise at least $4,000 towards program and support costs  (let staff know if you have questions or concerns)

Applications received by February 15, 2009, will be given first priority. Final deadline for applications is March 1, 2009.