Heritage restoration and conservation

Restoration and promotion of the historic heritage of Viviers
Viviers, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France       July 17 - July 29, 2023

Volunteer project: International participants will join efforts with French volunteers to safeguard and enhance the heritage, in particular the architectural heritage, of the town of Viviers and its surroundings. For almost 10 years, the municipality has been hosting an international volunteer project each year as part of the rehabilitation of part of the «Maison des Chevaliers» (House of Knights) called «Aile Sud» (the South Wing). The House of Knights is the former home of Noël Albert, a former salt merchant, art lover and man of power, he is an illustrious figure of the Vivarois Renaissance. Located in the old center of the town, this monument is now the subject of many rehabilitation and preservation works. If you have a passion for architectural heritage, Viviers awaits you!

The work on the South Wing of the Maison des Chevaliers is part of a major heritage rehabilitation project. On this site, you will carry out various restoration works. You will participate in the repair and installation of a landing door (cutting of the lintel and the straight legs with chamfer), you will carry out small masonry, pitting of coatings, lime pointing, as well as small installation works in the external court (earthwork). You will thus be able to acquire many technical skills in these various fields.
On the project, you will learn to work in team, to be adaptable, to follow safety instructions, to be attentive and to show solidarity. These skills will be reinforced by group life where listening, respect, tolerance and open-mindedness will be necessary.

To carry out the work, you will be supervised by a professional mason, specialized in the restoration of old buildings, a stone cutter and local volunteers. They will share their know-how with you with enthusiasm. Local young people from the youth service and educational center will come and work alongside you. The site is located 10 minutes walk from the accommodation, and you will work 4 to 5 hours a day, in the morning.

Language: English

Leisure activities: You will have the opportunity to meet the local population. You will also be offered tours of the old center of Viviers, of the Lafarge cement factory and its old workers accommodations. Finally, you can hike to the statue of the Virgin Mary, also called the statue de la Joanade, which is also an unmissable viewpoint, as well as explore other hiking trails.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a room with mattresses on the floor. A kitchen and sanitary facilities will be at your disposal.

Location: Located in the south of the Ardèche department, Viviers is an ancient episcopal city overlooking the Rhône Valley. Over the centuries, the town of Viviers has grown around the old center, outside of the fortifications, and today has 3,700 inhabitants.

Nearest terminal: Montelimar

Nearest airport: Marseille

Age range: 18 - 30 years old

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Restoration and preservation of Prambanan World Heritage site
Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia       2 projects of 2 wks in July and August

Volunteer project: This project follows an important global initiative for preservation of World Heritage sites since 2008. Arriving from all across the world, the volunteers will discuss issues related to world heritage and cultural diversity while actively engaging in the preservation of World Heritage sites.
Prambanan temple compounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia which is one of the largest temple compounds in Southeast Asia. It was built in the 9th century dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Wishnu and Brahma). The Prambanan temple compounds consist of Prambanan temple (also called Loro Jonggrang), Sewu temple, Bubrah temple and Lumbung temple with a total of about 240 temples. The temples were damaged by the earthquake in 2006 and volcano ashes from Kelud mountain eruption in 2014.

The volunteers will be introduced to the World Heritage Centre’s activities and campaign, as well as the history and dynamics of World Heritage sites worldwide. The Heritage Centre renders a symbolic dimension to heritage through debates and reflections, contributes to the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage, and improves accessibility and availability of information. The Centre also raises the awareness of the local population by creating a sense of ownership and identification. It also promotes cultural heritage among international volunteers and organizations.

The volunteers will work on restoration projects in the Prambanan temples. Before the restoration work begins, the volunteers will have a one-day orientation. This orientation will teach participants how to perform restoration work and will provide information about the history of the temple. This is a truly educational process, which will enrich the volunteers with cultural understanding and a lot of knowledge about the temples and the process of restoration.

Since the volunteers will be living in the local community of Bugisan, they will also engage in activities with the students of the local school. Volunteers will help promote preservation of the temples and do some activities like student competitions, culture exchange, etc. The volunteers will also campaign about world heritage preservation and preservation of Prambanan Temple in particular among the local community and visitors to the world heritage site.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to Prambanan temple compounds and will learn about the value of history and culture. They will learn why and how this temple was built long time ago by visiting temples and heritage sites around. The volunteers will also be introduced to the Indonesian culture and customs in general, with a special focus on the Javanese particularities. Some cultural visits are also foreseen.

Leisure time: Visiting the nearby World Heritage site, the temples of Prambanan and/or Yogyakarta City.

Language: English

Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in Indonesian host families (basic conditions, sleeping bag and mat needed).

Location: Prambanan Temple Compounds, Klaten regency, Central Java province. Bugisan Village is located 25 km east of Yogyakarta.

Terminal: Adisucipto International Airport (JOG) or Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA)

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 250 Euro for the 1st project (July 24-August 4); 180 Euro for the 2nd project (August 14-19);
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
July 24 - August 4, 2023
August 14 - August 19, 2023

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