Learning by Helping: Young Germans Do Volunteer Work Abroad. Sozial-Report

A tradition of service abroad by Germany's youth has a long history. Many of the earlier activities by German overseas organizations developed after the First and Second World Wars as an attempt to promote peace and reconciliation between Germany and other countries. Reconciliation work is stil...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Akalin, Cem
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published Inter Nationes, Kennedyalle 91-103, D-5300, Bonn 2, Federal Republic of Germany 01.10.1987
Subjects
Developing Nations
Foreign Countries
International Programs
International Relations
Public Service
Student Volunteers
Voluntary Agencies
Volunteers
West Germany
Young Adults
Youth Agencies
Youth Opportunities
West Germany
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Summary:A tradition of service abroad by Germany's youth has a long history. Many of the earlier activities by German overseas organizations developed after the First and Second World Wars as an attempt to promote peace and reconciliation between Germany and other countries. Reconciliation work is still being done in Israel, the Netherlands, and Poland. The "International Civilian Service" and the Christian Peace Service were formed after the First World War to promote pacifism. The Action Committee World Peace Service serves as an umbrella organization for three reconciliation services whose goal is to promote peace between Germany and the countries it fought during Second World War. A second purpose for the youth exchange between Germany and other European countries is to instill a sense of European awareness and identity in the young people. A third reason for service abroad is to provide young people the opportunity of showing solidarity with developing nations and becoming actively involved in community projects in those countries. The 1969 Development Volunteer Act (amended in 1986) forms the legal basis for West Germany's Development Service, which provides support for young Germans serving in a developing country. Most of the programs today are directed toward social problems, ecology, peace and international solidarity, all of which are subjects in which young people show deep interest. The range of projects is broad, enabling each individual to make a choice close to his or her personal inclinations. (SM)