AAUMa is composed of several teams organized into departments and sections, integrating 150 young volunteers, including current and former university students, non-university Madeiran youth, and even young people under the European Solidarity Corps.

The volunteer will primarily contribute to the activities of the Madeiran Heritage program, which is part of their project. This initiative, designed and promoted by the University of Madeira Students’ Union, offers cultural experiences such as guided tours, educational visits, concerts, book launches, exhibitions, and other events. The program engages international audiences while supporting initiatives for local university students, youth, and children.

For more details, visit: madeiranheritage.pt.

Tâches du volontaire:

The primary duty of volunteers is to conduct guided walking tours through the streets of Funchal. Each tour lasts two hours, and volunteers typically lead two tours per day. If necessary, they may be called to lead a third tour, with a scheduled lunch break.
These tours are delivered in English and the volunteer’s native language(s) (such as French, German, etc.) and cater to diverse audiences of various nationalities, cultures, beliefs, ages, and physical abilities. Volunteers are expected to respect and embrace diversity, aligning with the principles of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

Volunteers in the Madeiran Heritage program will be involved in a variety of tasks that contribute to the cultural and educational experiences offered at the Jesuits’ College of Funchal and the Funchal Ecological Park. Their main responsibilities include:
Guided Tours
Leading historical and cultural walking tours in Funchal, primarily in English and their native language.
Engaging with diverse audiences, including tourists, students, and other visitors.
Studying and preparing tour content during the initial three-week training period.
Cultural Events Support
Assisting in the organization and promotion of concerts, exhibitions, book launches, and poetry slams.
Supporting logistics, welcoming guests, and providing information during events.
Visitor Services
Assisting in the reception area and ticket office at the Jesuits’ College.
Helping in the heritage shop and supporting customer interactions.
Educational Activities
Conducting short guided visits within the Jesuits’ College for local schools or Summer Camps.
Assisting in translation tasks for materials and guided tours.
Ecological Initiatives
Participating in monthly environmental activities at the Funchal Ecological Park, including reforestation and nursery work.
General Maintenance & Promotion
Helping with basic cleaning and upkeep of cultural spaces.
Contributing to photo and video documentation for ESC and AAUMa’s promotional materials.
Helping manage social media content related to the program.

Gesichten Profil

For the success of the Madeiran Heritage program and to ensure a high-quality cultural experience for our visitors, volunteers must adhere to the following guidelines:
Punctuality is essential for the smooth coordination of guided tours, concerts, exhibitions, and other activities. Volunteers must strictly follow their schedules to maintain a professional and welcoming image.
Dress Code: Volunteers should wear appropriate attire for cultural and educational events. Clothing such as mini-skirts, sports shorts, or flashy sneakers is not suitable. A neat and respectful appearance enhances the experience for our guests.
Identification: To facilitate interaction with visitors and promote inclusivity, volunteers must always wear their identification badges.
No Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited during working hours to maintain a healthy and professional environment for visitors and fellow volunteers.
Approachability: Volunteers should maintain a friendly and welcoming attitude, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable and engaged. Avoiding rigid or intimidating behavior helps create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Communication: Clear and effective communication is key to the success of the program. Volunteers should report any issues or concerns promptly and provide feedback for improvement. They are also encouraged to ask questions whenever needed.
Breaks: To ensure that visitors receive proper attention and assistance, volunteers must take their breaks as specified in their schedules.

Volunteers work five days a week, with Saturdays, Sundays, and local public holidays (Portugal, Madeira, and Funchal) off. However, on a rotational basis, volunteers will conduct a guided tour on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. In such cases, they will receive an additional day off during the following week. The volunteer will be accommodated in a double or triple room, shared with other ESC volunteers or University’s students, in a student residence in Funchal.