Workcamp Details

Description: Draganac Monastery, dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the rolling hills of eastern Kosovo, near the ancient fortress of Novo Brdo. At present, the brotherhood numbers over 10 member. They make incense, wooden crosses, and have an ever-growing garden, along with chickens, goats, and bees. Since 2016, we have been cooperating with the Monastery through organization of voluntary camps.

Type of Work: Volunteers will continue to work on the project that was started two years ago by reviving the old village, taking care of the place, helping monks with their orchard, clean and repair facilities and clear the vegetation which overgrew. Volunteers will have an opportunity to be in the monastery during Slava, on the 26th of July. Slava is a celebration in honour of a saint, it is one of the most important celebrations of Orthodox communities. On that day, the monastery will be visited by a lot of believers so there will be many things that will need preparation in advance, which will include cleaning around the monastery, cooking, welcoming and hosting the guests, etc.

Study Theme: Volunteers will learn about simple and communal lifestyle in remote area, and also about sustainability and how it’s connected to our way of living. Surrounded by nature, volunteers will learn from and about it. Also, they will have an opportunity to learn about cultural and natural heritage. Since our work will be based very close to the monastery and within it, there will be plenty of time to learn more about the monastic way of living, Orthodox Church in general and their customs and traditions.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be sleeping either in a renovated house, tents or in hayloft (in hay). Simple outdoor shower and toilets will be provided. There will be no electricity nor running water, so connection with nature will be guaranteed. Food will be prepared by the volunteers and it will be sustainable, local, vegetarian and seasonal products. Volunteers should bring their sleeping bags and mats.

Approximate Location: Municipality of Novo Brdo is in a beautiful hilly area, near Priština/Prishtine. It was a very important mining centre in medieval period of history. Nowadays it has around 10.000 citizens and it’s a very multicultural area. Novo Brdo fortress was built in the early 14th century to protect gold, silver, iron and lead mines which were abundant throughout the area.