UK school groupsVolunteers at Taizé, who are young people between the ages of 18 and 28, share the various practical tasks necessary for running the youth meetings. However, staying as a volunteer is primarily a chance to consider one’s next step in life through reflection, regular community prayer and sharing with others.
At any one time there are about 40 young men and women staying for a few months or a year. They are not only from Europe, but also from Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Oceania. In addition, from Spring to Autumn some young people stay for a number of weeks.
The youth meetings at Taizé are weeklong. Those who stay at Taizé for longer — for example during a gap year — do so in agreement with the community. There is no application form, but in order to stay for longer you must first have become familiar with the meetings.
If you wish to stay for a few weeks then write to meetings taize.fr saying a bit about yourself, whether you have already been to Taizé, and what your plans are. If you already have personal contact with one of the brothers or sisters, it is good to mention with whom.
Those who stay at Taizé for longer than a week have the opportunity to take a step back from their everyday life —to reflect, to share with others and to search inwardly. Each volunteer has regular contact with one of the sisters (for women) or one of the brothers (for men) to talk over his or her ideas and questions.
FAQ
If you are thinking about a longer stay (4 weeks or more), here are some practical points:
What will I do if I stay for several weeks at Taizé?
The meetings at Taizé are organised in a weekly cycle. We ask those who come for a longer stay to spend their first week together with participants who are staying just one week, choosing from among the different groups on offer. Usually, you would then spend your second and subsequent weeks helping with practical tasks —in cleaning and food preparation teams, in the church, the non-profit café, the camping area —or helping lead the meetings in some way —in the 15-16 year old group, the night team, welcoming groups on arrival, etc. It is also possible to choose to spend A Week in Silence at some point during the stay.
What does a typical day look like?
| 8:15 am | morning prayer and breakfast |
| 10 am | practical work |
| 12:20 pm | midday prayer, then lunch |
| 3 pm | practical work |
| 7 pm | supper |
| 8:30 pm | evening prayer |
Twice a week there is a bible study group with one of the brothers.
Do I need to speak other languages?
It is not necessary to speak other languages before you come. English is the main language for the volunteer group. Speaking a little French can be helpful for some jobs. You will pick up communication skills faster than you think possible!
Do I need to contribute financially?
We ask those who come for four weeks or longer to contribute financially for the first week of their stay. After this, you do not need to contribute financially.
Where will I stay?
From the second week on you will be given a place in a dormitory together with others who are also staying for longer. Those who stay long-term have accommodation in single or twin-bedded rooms.
And the meals?
Those who are staying for longer have several meals each week in a smaller group. The brothers organise this for the group of men, while one of the sisters eats with the women.
What should I bring?
a Bible;
a European Health Insurance Card (www.ehic.org.uk) and/or health insurance;
driving licence (if you have one).
And all the other questions I have?
Just write and ask! meetings taize.fr