Salesian Youth Centre Rakovnik
Site Overview
Salesian Youth Centre Rakovnik is a welcoming community in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia, dedicated to supporting the growth, learning and well-being of children and young people. We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where young people can build relationships, discover their talents, develop responsibility and feel that they belong. Our centre offers a wide range of activities, including youth clubs focused on non-formal learning, educational support, sports (volleyball, basketball, football, circus), creative workshops, music, cooking and holiday programmes. Volunteers become part of our team and take an active role in everyday youth work, working alongside local staff and young volunteers.
Available Ministries
- Education
- Parish
- Social Work
- Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Language
Ministry Background
The centre works with children and young people of different ages and backgrounds, offering a place to spend free time, receive educational support, develop interests and take part in community life. An important part of our work is the involvement of young volunteers, who help organise activities and grow into responsible and active members of society. International volunteering adds a valuable intercultural dimension to our work, allowing young people and volunteers to learn from one another and discover new perspectives.
Purpose & Objectives
Our mission is to accompany children and young people in their personal, social, educational and spiritual development. Following the Salesian preventive system of St. John Bosco, we seek to create an environment based on reason, faith and loving-kindness, where every young person feels welcomed, respected and encouraged to grow. We aim to promote inclusion, solidarity, creativity, responsibility and community life, while giving young people opportunities to discover their abilities and actively participate in society.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
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Summer Oratory: A multi-week holiday programme with games, sports, creative activities, workshops and excursions for children, supported by a large team of young animators.
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School Holiday Programmes: Activities that provide children with a safe, active and engaging way to spend their school holidays.
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Creative and Practical Workshops: Cooking and baking, arts and crafts, music, drama, model-making and other activities based on the interests and skills of volunteers.
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Community Events: Helping prepare youth events, tournaments, workshops and activities that bring young people together.
Duties & Responsibilities
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Supporting daily activities in the youth centre and building positive relationships with children and young people.
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Taking care of social media; taking pictures and making videos.
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Participating in sports, games, creative workshops, cooking and other recreational activities.
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Helping prepare and lead activities based on personal interests, skills and initiative.
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Taking part in the preparation and implementation of summer oratory and school holiday programmes, where applicable.
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Sharing their language, culture, ideas and talents with the local community.
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Reflecting on their learning and personal development throughout the volunteering experience.
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
No specific academic qualifications are required. We welcome volunteers aged 18–30 who are motivated to work with children and young people and are willing to learn through practical experience. Volunteers should be interested in youth work, community life and intercultural learning. The ability to share a hobby, talent or practical skill is an advantage, but curiosity and a willingness to participate are more important than previous professional experience. Previous experience with children, teenagers, volunteering, youth groups, camps, sports or creative activities is an advantage. Experience is welcome but not required, as volunteers will work alongside our team and receive guidance and support. We are looking for volunteers who are:
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Open, friendly and communicative.
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Responsible, reliable and willing to take initiative.
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Patient and respectful towards children and young people.
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Flexible and willing to work as part of a team.
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Creative and ready to share their ideas and interests.
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Interested in learning about Slovenian culture and the Salesian approach to youth work.
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Willing to participate in everyday community life and try new things.
Involvement with the religous community
Although volunteers do not live with the Salesian religious community, they become part of the wider Salesian family at Rakovnik. They work closely with Salesian staff, youth workers and local volunteers, participate in community activities and experience the Salesian approach to education and youth work. Volunteers are welcome to take part in prayer, Mass and other spiritual activities according to the community’s programme and their personal interest.
Area Information
Volunteers will mainly work in our youth centre and its activity rooms, where children and young people meet for educational, social, recreational and creative activities. Depending on the programme, activities may also take place outdoors, but all in the bounds of the youth centre.