DAGTEK SERVICEENHET offers services for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder as a part of Western Uusimaa wellbeing services county (Västra Nylands välfärdsområde in Swedish). The activities Dagtek offers are divided into several sections in different areas.
FIXtv is a web-tv channel made by people with intellectual disabilities together with a tutor. The goal is to give people with disabilities positive visibility in society. FIXtv:s programs can be seen on our website, https://fixtv.fi.
Location
Dagtek is located in Ekenäs (Tammisaari in Finnish), which is a small town with about 15 000 inhabitants situated by the sea in Southern Finland. Dagtek is located in the centre of the town. The majority language spoken in Ekenäs is Swedish (81%) and about 17% of the population speaks Finnish. Ekenäs is a part of the Raseborg commune (28 000 inhabitants).
Volunteer’s role and tasks
The volunteer’s role at FIXtv is to support and assist the clients in their daily activities. That means mainly everything that has to do with filmmaking. The volunteer will participate in planning, filming, editing and sharing our programs. One task is also to create content to FIXtv:s social media together with the clients.
The volunteer will also help the clients in their daily activities related to mealtimes, walks outside, as well as helping the clients when they arrive and leave Dagtek.
Volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps program have become an important and highly valued resource in our activities. Through European Solidarity Corps volunteer cooperation, we wish to offer our community members the possibility to build networks and get a wider perspective on the world around us.
At the same time, we hope to have one more person to be present for the clients and assist them in the daily workshop activities, as well as in social and practical situations during the day. Our clients have the opportunity to make their own international contacts and practice their English. Volunteers enrich our community by sharing their skills and being a part of our social community.
The volunteer will also write articles for Dagtek’s own Magazine (Dagtek Chronicles). The work with the magazine is done together with the clients and other staff members.
A couple times a year the volunteers will also plan parties for Dagtek. For example, a disco party or a summer party. This will be planned and arranged together with the staff members.
Volunteer’s profile
We are looking for volunteers interested in working with adults (18–60-year-olds) with different types of intellectual disabilities, autism disorder, or minor learning disabilities. It is important that the volunteer is socially active, flexible, and motivated to participate in community life, meaning being there for the clients and communicating actively with them.
It is also important that the volunteer has open communication with the staff team and shares their ideas and observations with them. The working language of Dagtek is Swedish, so it is important to be motivated to learn Swedish. It is also important to be able to tolerate fast-changing situations.
Volunteering at FIXtv is especially suitable for candidates who have a strong interest in filmmaking. Having filming and editing skills is beneficial, as is knowledge of using the editing program Premiere Pro or a similar one.
Accommodation, food, transportation, and holidays
- The volunteers will live in a shared flat of three volunteers.
- Lunch will be offered at Dagtek. Other meals will be cooked by the volunteer and the volunteer will get a food allowance.
- In July, the volunteers will have holidays for 2 weeks when the workshops are closed.
Training during the volunteering period
The volunteer will have an on-arrival training camp and mid-term evaluation camp organised by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps.
The volunteer will get access to the Online Language Support (OLS) tool of the European Solidarity Corps to support learning Swedish.
Accessibility
The physical environment of Dagtek is also suitable for people with physical or (minor) sensory disabilities, depending on the needs of the person. Wheelchair access is possible and there is an accessible toilet in the building. Since Dagtek works with people with different disabilities, our staff has experience in providing extra support and can sometimes support the volunteer, if needed. However, there are no resources to provide continuous intensive support for the volunteer. If you have a disability, please, feel welcome to contact us for consultation via the coordinating organization Maailmanvaihto: esc@maailmanvaihto.fi.
Themes
Creativity and culture, disabilities – inclusion – equality, health, and wellbeing
How to apply
Further information
If you wish to ask something about the open position for volunteering at Dagtek, please, see answers to frequently asked questions and the European Solidarity Corps program page.
If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact us at Maailmanvaihto at esc@maailmanvaihto.fi. Do not contact Dagtek directly via e-mail, phone, or WhatsApp or other channels.
Please note that you can only apply for the open position through Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland by following the application instructions linked above. (You cannot apply directly through the voluntary workplace.)