VJF was founded in March 1990 as an independent, non-governmental workcamp organisation, obliged to the ideas of solidarity, humanism and mutual understanding among young people from all over the world.

Common work and other activities should make young people think about such problems as the maintenance of peace, the preservation of the natural environment, solidarity with developing countries and the fight against old and new fascism, against racial hatred and all forms of discrimination; social, racial, sexual, political or religious.

Activities of VJF

German girls doesn`t like russian paparazzi:)

The VJF organises international workcamps, seminars and projects corresponding to the ideals of voluntary service mentioned above for youth between 18 and 26 years old and trilateral teenage camps for youngsters aged 16 and 17.

We also participate in similar activities, which are organised by our partners in foreign countries all over the world. However, VJF is not just about workcamps. One of our other activities is an annual ecological programme in Berlin. During a 12 month period 50 volunteers study and work in ecological centres and on experimental projects.

We also have a “project and meeting centre” situated in the forest on the bank of the “Langer See” in Berlin.

This centre is used for many different purposes: workcamps take place there, meetings are held and it is also used as a holiday resort for school children and families.

Workcamps of VJF

Our workcamps are usually during the summer and last for 2 or 3 weeks. These camps involve environmental projects, monument restoration, especially historical sites; clean up of rivers, parks and protected sites; restoration of historically significant buildings and the organisation of activities for children and handicapped persons as well as antifascist and study projects about special topics.

Ads...

The work can be done by international groups of 8 to 20 (untrained) volunteers, who will work mostly 5-6 hours per day (weekends are free). Tasks are not separated according to sex because men or women can do most jobs with equal ease and no special skills are required.

A camp leader who is a volunteer like the other participants makes sure that the camp runs smoothly and coordinates all activities. There is also quite a bit of free time. The participants can take advantage of this to discover the region and its inhabitants. They can organise short trips, discussion groups and social events.

Though the camp leader can make suggestions, the cultural program is always the result of the inspiration and initiative of the participants themselves.