Join
International Volunteer HQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization, and support the
Upcycling for Social Good Volunteer Project in Portugal.
This program is based at a local skate-park and gives volunteers the chance to help upcycle single-use plastic into sports items, such as skateboards and tennis racquets. This equipment is available to marginalized groups and children, to give them a chance to integrate into the local community through fun sporting activities. It also helps fight plastic pollution by turning one person’s trash into another’s toy!
Volunteers on Lisbon based projects will be accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel with other volunteers in Estoril which is a 5 minute walk from the beach.
The program has
start dates every Monday throughout the year.
This program ranges from 1-12 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. Detailed pricing information for your duration is available
on our website.
Your Impact
The ultimate goal of this program is to raise awareness to single-use plastic while having a positive and social impact in a neighborhood of marginalized groups.
Environmentally, the project fights single-use plastic by turning 1.4 kg of plastic into skateboards, ping pong paddles, and beach tennis rackets. The plastic is a hard plastic that comes from bottle caps, and the project has partnerships with local restaurants and schools, which is where they collect the bottle caps from.
Socially, this project focuses on aiding the social integration of marginalized communities that live in the neighborhood. Having the project’s headquarters located at the skate-park democratizes access to skateboarding by allowing kids to skate anytime they want.
By engaging in this comprehensive project, volunteers actively take part in an initiative rooted in sustainability, ecology, social justice, and innovation. This project offers a profound insight into the interconnections between diverse issues and their corresponding solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of these intricacies.
Volunteers will be on the placement from 2:30PM - 6:30PM and duties can vary day-to-day, but generally include:
- Separating plastic
- Shredding plastic
- Helping with the production of the skateboards and paddles
- Assisting with the children at the skate-park
- Raising awareness for this incredible initiative
Program Highlights
IVHQ’s Portugal programs are available year-round, starting every Monday.
IVHQ provides the most affordable and
top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration
on our website.
You’ll be joining a global network of 132,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.
Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community.
Academic credit is available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record partnerships with University of Montana (1-5 credits) and Warren Wilson College (6-16 credits), that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.
Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.
How to Apply
Apply for free: Complete an online application form via the IVHQ website.
- Select your start date & duration: All IVHQ volunteer programs are available year-round and you can choose to volunteer for durations on this program ranging from 1 to 12 weeks.
- Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Registration Fee.
- Pay your Program Fee: This is only due 30 days before your program starts.
Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 14 days before you start.
