Volunteering in Latvia offers a unique opportunity to contribute to education, sustainability, and community development in one of Northern Europe’s most nature-rich, welcoming, and culturally intriguing countries. The Everyday for Future Fully Funded Program, hosted by Ogres Baltā Valdorfskola, is an ideal choice for young people looking to make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on experience in a Waldorf educational environment.
Located in the green and peaceful city of Ogre—just a short train ride from the capital Riga—the school invites enthusiastic volunteers to support teachers, help organize events, contribute to sustainability initiatives, and assist with creative, outdoor, and nature-based educational activities. This ESC-funded program offers a fully supported experience, including accommodation, meals, transportation, mentorship, and structured learning opportunities.
About Ogres Baltā Valdorfskola
Ogres Baltā Valdorfskola is an independent Waldorf school committed to human-centered education, creativity, emotional development, and experiential learning. With 76 preschool and school students, it is a small and close-knit community where teachers, families, and volunteers work together to support children’s growth.
Core principles of the school include:
- Imagination and creativity
- Nature connection and outdoor learning
- Movement, rhythm, and artistic activities
- Respectful relationships and child-centered development
- Partnership and cooperation with families
The school follows the Waldorf philosophy, which emphasizes holistic development—intellectual, emotional, artistic, and practical learning are all integrated into daily activities. Volunteers become part of a warm and collaborative atmosphere where curiosity, compassion, and shared responsibility are fundamental.
Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities
Volunteers play an active and meaningful role in daily school life. You do not need teaching experience—just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to support children and teachers in a respectful and caring manner.
Typical tasks include:
1. Assisting Teachers in Classes
Volunteers help during activities such as:
- Outdoor lessons
- Movement and rhythm games
- Craft projects and artistic workshops
- Nature walks and gardening
- Classroom support and preparation
Waldorf education involves a significant amount of hands-on and creative work, which makes these tasks fun and engaging.
2. Supporting School Activities
The school regularly organizes community events, seasonal celebrations, and creative workshops. Volunteers help with planning, preparation, logistics, and running activities with students and families.
3. Organizing Sustainability Events
A core part of the program is the promotion of environmental responsibility. Volunteers may:
- Create awareness activities
- Help coordinate eco-friendly school initiatives
- Support recycling, composting, or gardening projects
- Prepare events or workshops for students and families
4. Encouraging Sustainable Practices in School
Volunteers can help the school integrate sustainable habits into daily life, such as:
- Reducing waste
- Improving classroom materials reuse
- Supporting eco-friendly choices
- Organizing nature-based learning activities
These tasks allow volunteers to express creativity, leadership, and project management skills.
Accommodation, Food, and Transport Arrangements
This program is fully funded, ensuring that volunteers can focus on learning, supporting the school, and enjoying Latvia.
Accommodation
Volunteers share an apartment located near the school. The accommodation includes:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Necessary furniture and household items
- Shared living space
- Comfortable bedrooms
The living environment is designed to support independence and comfort while allowing volunteers to build friendships with each other.
Food
Meals are partly provided by the school:
- Vegetarian lunch and afternoon meal during school days
- Additional food money is provided so volunteers can prepare their own breakfasts and dinners
This combination allows volunteers to enjoy healthy meals and also experience Latvian cooking at home.
Transport
Ogre offers reliable public transportation, including direct connections to:
- Riga (the capital)
- Nearby towns
- Other cities across Latvia
Volunteers also receive a bike, offering convenient mobility and encouraging eco-friendly transportation.
Training and Support During the Activity
To ensure a meaningful and enriching experience, the program provides structured training and continuous mentorship.
Initial Training
Upon arrival, volunteers receive training on:
- Working with preschool and primary school children
- Waldorf educational principles
- School routines, expectations, and values
- Safety guidelines and communication
Ongoing Mentorship
Each volunteer is paired with a mentor who provides:
- Regular check-ins
- Learning support
- Help identifying personal goals
- Guidance in documenting progress
- Assistance in creating the official learning validation tool
The mentorship system ensures volunteers feel supported, included, and able to grow personally and professionally.
Participant Profile: Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for young people who are creative, patient, and excited about working with children in a cooperative, nature-oriented environment.
You will enjoy this project if you are passionate about:
- Crafts and handmade activities
- Storytelling and imaginative play
- Music, rhythm, or movement games
- Gardening, nature work, outdoor activities
- Supporting teachers and helping children learn
- Organizing sustainability-focused activities
Apply Here
No prior experience is required—what matters most is a supportive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Why Choose Volunteering in Latvia 2026?
The Everyday for Future program offers a rare opportunity to:
- Participate in a fully funded European Solidarity Corps experience
- Learn about Waldorf education
- Strengthen creative, social, and communication skills
- Enjoy a peaceful natural environment while being close to a modern capital city
- Contribute to sustainability and community development
- Join a warm, caring school community that values volunteers
- Gain valuable experience for future careers in education, youth work, social sciences, ecology, or community engagement
This program offers a meaningful balance between personal growth, cultural immersion, environmental awareness, and community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need teaching experience to volunteer?
No. The school provides training, and volunteers assist teachers rather than lead classes alone.
2. Is the program fully funded?
Yes. Accommodation, meals, local transport, and pocket money are all covered under the ESC program.
3. What languages are required?
No specific language level is required. English is helpful for communication.
4. What type of accommodation is provided?
A shared, fully equipped apartment near the school.
5. What sustainability tasks will I do?
You may help organize events, run eco-workshops, support recycling initiatives, or promote sustainable habits among students.
6. Can I explore Latvia during my free time?
Yes. Ogre has excellent transport connections, making it easy to visit Riga and other cities.
7. What age group will I work with?
Primarily preschool and primary school students.