Empower the Youth (Berge near Nauen, close to Berlin)

CODE: DE-SCI 7.21

Description: The Brandenburg Youth Centre is a development facility for underprivileged young people from 14 years onwards, some of whom refuse to go to school, were in trouble with authorities or suffer from psychological problems. The project offers them the opportunity to (re)integrate into society. They live in family-like structures and are being prepared for jobs through development programmes on ecological farming and construction, kitchen work, in a wood workshop and a bicycle workshop. Therefore the Youth Centre includes an ecological farm with grain farming, meadows, constructed wetland, wind power station and various biotopes that need taking care of. An environmental education seminar house, a multipurpose hall and various sports facilities are also part of the project.

Type of Work: The workcamp primarily fosters interaction between the young residents of the Jugendhof and the international workcamp group. Therefore, the camp’s daily routine on working days aligns with that of the young people, and you will eat and work together. Tasks include working in the stables, kitchen, and housekeeping, as well as gardening, woodworking, house and yard repairs, and assisting with the harvest (likely sea buckthorn), always in collaboration with the young people from the project.

Important: Work is carried out on four days per week for eight hours each (including breakfast with the youth), while Fridays and weekends are free. This schedule helps maintain the motivation of the young people, who also work eight-hour days. On Fridays, the workcamp group typically goes on a day trip

Study Theme: The camp group can set priorities according to their interests in the field of ecology (ecological agriculture, ecological construction, environmental technology, alternative energy production) or pedagogy (resocialization, therapeutic horse-riding).

For more information on the sub-projects of the Jugendhof see www.jugendhof-brandenburg.de or on facebook "Jugendhof Brandenburg".

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in two rooms in the seminar building of the project, sleeping on camp beds. On the four working days, meals will be provided by the Jugendhof and shared with the young people. In the evenings and on days off, you will be responsible for self-catering in the kitchen.

Language: The camp language is English. Knowledge of German is beneficial but not required. This workcamp provides a great opportunity to learn and improve your German.

Requirements: Willingness to do physical work and to integrate into the camp group and into the processes at the youth farm. Interest in contact and common free-time activities with the youth! A sensitive approach to the young people is required.

Approximate Location: Berge is located about 45 km west of Berlin in the Brandenburg region of Havelland, known for its picturesque landscapes and numerous lakes. Berlin, the capital of Germany, is approximately one hour away by bus and train. The city offers a wide range of leisure activities and is definitely worth a visit, especially considering its historical significance during World War II and the era of the Berlin Wall.

Notes: Important: alcohol and drugs are prohibited at the Jugendhof! The Jugendhof has a seminar house, a multi-purpose hall and various sports facilities. In addition, the Jugendhof has therapeutic horses that are used internally for regular activities. For leisure activities, bike tours, horseback riding, swimming in the lake, soccer, basketball and excursions to Berlin and Potsdam are possible.

Working hours in this camp are different from normal! You will work 8 hours on 4 days and have 3 days off - instead of just the weekend.

INCOMING FEE for volunteers applying via partner organisations and contacts of SCI: https://sci-d.de/incomingfee
Organization Description: This workcamp is organized by the German branch of Service Civil International (SCI). SCI Germany was founded in 1946 and is approved as a non-profit organisation. We are one of the oldest peace and volunteer organisations. SCI Germany aims to promote peace, non-violence, international solidarity, social justice, sustainable development and cross-cultural exchange through international voluntary work. We cooperate with a network of branches and partners in more than 90 countries. Every year, SCI Germany organizes about 50 international workcamps in Germany.