Environment of the village

The first inhabitants came to live in Maarja Village in 2003, first volunteers from Europe followed in 2004, first EVS volunteer arrived in 2006. Maarja Village locates in Southern Estonia, nearby the village of Kiidjärve. We are surrounded by forests, only 0,5 kilometres away we have beautiful Ahja River, 2 km away Lake Kiidjärve. Both are very nice for swimming, fishing and boating. At the Ahja River we have 2 rowing boats. Nearest town Põlva situates 12 km, there is a direct bus connection 4 times a day. 45 km away we have the town of Tartu with its university, libraries and nightlife. Direct bus connection with Tartu is 3 times a day.

We do not have specific rules for the volunteers other than anyone else. As it is a live-in community, volunteers have their accommondation in the village. Volunteers do not live in the same house with mentally handicap young people. If they wish so, it can be arranged. Volunteers will be asked to accompany our inhabitants in different situations, also outside the village. Volunteers will not be asked to accompany inhabitants in their personal care and hygiene procedures. Volunteers will have their free time also during the day. We encourage volunteers to run their own projects with inhabitants like making movies and plays, giving lessons, organising events. There is a mentor always available for volunteers.

Maarja Village has following areas for activities:

• Workshops - fluoristics, clay, woodwork, handicraft, garden
• Living houses - everyday life, lots of discussions about life with mentally handicap young people, cooking, cleaningForest - hiking trips, sports
• Vocational school - 3 year study program for mentally handicap people.
• Theraphies - hipotheraphy, physiotheraphy, music theraphy
• Village life - cultural activities, creativity, sports, sauna, swings

What do we offer?

• houses as a house assistant.
• workshops and garden as a workshop assistants.
• vocational school as a support person.