Are you ready to turn your ideas into action, build real-life skills, and make a meaningful difference? Zarika Association is thrilled to announce the open call for PIRINvolve, a 5-month European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project.
We are looking for four passionate young people to join our team in the beautiful mountain town of Bansko, Bulgaria, from November 3rd, 2026, to April 2nd, 2027 (151 days of project activity + 2 travel days).
Before reading further, you can check out the Full PIRINvolve Infopack for a complete overview of the project, accommodation, and activities!
About the PIRINvolve Project
At Zarika, we believe in a world with less apathy and more empathy. Our mission is to create spaces where young people discover their potential, connect with inspiring peers, and become active drivers of change in their communities.
For this project, we are focusing on expanding learning opportunities for youth in small towns and rural areas, promoting inclusion, active citizenship, and building sustainable partnerships for deep social impact.
What Will You Do?
As a volunteer, you won’t just follow a schedule—you will help shape it! Your daily life will involve:
- Creating Community Impact: Organizing workshops, campaigns, and events covering entrepreneurship, arts and culture, active citizenship, and global education.
- Youth & Social Work: Delivering interactive, non-formal educational activities in schools, youth spaces, and social services.
- Digital & Creative Media: Producing episodes for the Zarika Podcast, creating engaging social media campaigns, and designing educational materials.
- Local Initiatives: Developing and implementing your very own local projects or workshops in Bansko.
- Eco-Awareness: Promoting sustainable lifestyles, green practices, and environmental consciousness.
What is Covered?
This project is fully funded by the European Solidarity Corps, meaning your essential costs are covered:
- Accommodation: You will live in a shared volunteer house in Bansko, sharing a twin room with another volunteer of the same gender, with full access to a kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas.
- Financial Support: A monthly pocket money and food allowance of 300 EUR.
- Travel Costs: Travel from your home country to Bulgaria and back is reimbursed up to the limit calculated by the European Union’s distance calculator.
- Visa Support: Visa fees are covered up to 200 EUR (Zarika will provide an official invitation letter for your application).
- Health Insurance: Complete medical coverage through the Henner insurance system.
What Will You Gain?
Participating in PIRINvolve is a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. By dedicating 5 months to this project, you will acquire a diverse set of skills, receive hands-on training, and gain official European recognition:
Professional NGO & Skill Development
- Real-World NGO Experience: You will gain practical experience navigating diverse working environments and performing professional office work in the context of an active NGO.
- A Powerhouse of Transferable Skills: Your daily activities are designed to actively improve your teamwork, communication, cooperation in intercultural environments, digital skills, taking initiative, adaptability, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities.
- Daily English Practice: Because English is the main working language of the project, you will naturally practice and refine your English communication skills on a daily basis.
Guided Support & Structured Training
- Official ESC Training: You will participate in on-arrival training and/or mid-term training organized by the Bulgarian National Agency (NA) that manages the European Solidarity Corps. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet, build connections, and share experiences with other international volunteers based in Bulgaria.
- A Dedicated Local Mentor: You will not navigate this journey alone. You will have the full support of the Zarika team—including a dedicated mentor (a local young person) who will meet with you regularly to ensure that all of your needs are discussed and, hopefully, met.
Intercultural Immersion & Local Life
- Free Language Lessons: International volunteers will have the chance to learn Bulgarian through free online courses, adding a new language to their portfolio.
- The Bansko Lifestyle: You will get to fully experience life in a multicultural town with strong local traditions and amazing nature, turning this unique mountain community into a space for adventure and deep local connection.
Formal European Recognition
- YouthPass Certificate: At the end of your 5-month project, you will be awarded an official YouthPass certificate. This widely recognized European Union document serves as formal proof of the specific non-formal learning outcomes, skills, and knowledge you gained during your service, making it a valuable addition to your CV as you take your next professional steps.
Are You the Perfect Fit?
We want to hear from you if you are:
- between 18 and 30 years old
- a legal resident of an ESC Programme Country*
- interested in non-formal education, creating workshops, and organizing activities for young people and the local community
- кeen on gaining experience in youth and social work
- able to communicate in English
- willing to be creative and engaged in Zarika’s activities
- eager to take initiative and work in a multicultural team
- willing to create content and manage social media
- passionate and willing to learn and promote European opportunities, and ready to take responsibility
*Eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Norway.
How to Apply
To apply for the PIRINvolve project, please follow these two steps:
- Read the Details: Carefully review our Full PIRINvolve Infopack to make sure you understand the living arrangements and project expectations.
- Submit Your Form: Fill out the official application form here: Apply here.
Please note: Applications sent via email will not be considered.
Application Deadline: September 7th, 2026. For any questions, feel free to contact us at esc@zarika.org.