The Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR), in cooperation with Friedenskreis Halle e.V. from Germany, invites young people from Serbia to apply for a 12-month international volunteer program in civil society organizations based in Halle/Saale, running from September 2025 to September 2026.

🧩 About the Program

This volunteering opportunity is part of the weltwärts program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The program is designed as a “learning service” – a meaningful experience of learning, exchange, and community contribution through socially engaged work.

Volunteers will work in one of the partner organizations in Halle and will receive ongoing support through seminars and a German language course.

đź“Ś Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: 18–28 years (exceptions possible for persons with disabilities)
  • Completed high school or equivalent qualifications
  • Active knowledge of English (B2 level); German is not required but willingness to learn is expected
  • Strong interest in social engagement and volunteering
  • Readiness for independent living, intercultural learning, and teamwork
  • Preferred: Experience in working with children, youth, or in community settings

🏡 Where Will You Volunteer?

FKH works with several local organizations in Halle, including:

  • Kindergartens and daycare centers (e.g., Kita Marktspatzen, KindElternZentrum Lieskau)
  • Civic and cultural centers (e.g., Passage 13, BĂĽrgerhaus „alternativE“)
  • Friedenskreis Halle e.V. itself
  • Social and educational initiatives (e.g., SCHIRM project)

Detailed information on each organization is attached to this call (at the end).

đź’¶ What the Program Covers

  • Shared accommodation in Halle
  • Monthly pocket money: €162
  • Monthly food allowance: €288
  • Full health, accident, and liability insurance
  • 25 seminar days throughout the year
  • German language course
  • Covered visa and residence permit costs
  • Covered travel expenses (by bus or train)

đź—“ Important Dates

  • Deadline for applications: May 4, 2025 at 23:55
  • Start of volunteering: Early/Mid September 2025
  • Duration: 12 months

đź“ť How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

  1. Completed application form (Excel format – provided by YIHR) – CLICK HERE
  2. Motivation letter (max. 1 A4 page – why you want to volunteer)
  3. CV (resume) – without address or photo
  4. Letter of recommendation (if available; optional)
  5. Copy of passport (can be submitted later, but no later than the contract signing)
  6. Certificate of good conduct (if available; required before contract signing)
  7. Vaccination record (if available; required before contract signing)

🔍 Selection Process

✅ Round 1 – Pre-selection by YIHR (Sending Organization – Serbia)

  • Applicants send full applications to YIHR by May 4, 2025
  • YIHR verifies eligibility and quality of applications (motivation, interests, etc.)
  • The first interview with the applicant is conducted online (optional, depending on the application)
  • Purpose: Assess motivation, independence, and openness to intercultural learning
  • YIHR nominates candidates for Friedenskreis Halle

✅ Round 2 – Interview with Friedenskreis Halle e.V. (Coordinating Organization)

  • FKH conducts second interview (online)
  • Focus: Understanding of values, expectations, and volunteering as a learning service
  • Assessment of suitability for specific thematic areas (e.g., working with children, intercultural settings, etc.)

✅ Round 3 – Interview with Host Organization in Germany

  • FKH and YIHR jointly match candidate with a local host organization in Halle
  • Host organization organizes the third interview (online)
  • Purpose: Mutual introduction, alignment of expectations and daily tasks
  • Topics: Team dynamics, daily responsibilities, community life

🔚 Final Decision

The final decision is made jointly by:

  • Friedenskreis Halle (coordinator in Germany)
  • Host organization (Place of Assignment – POA)
  • Youth Initiative for Human Rights (sending organization)

Once confirmed, the following steps begin:

  • Documentation and onboarding
  • Pre-departure seminars
  • Visa and travel arrangements

đź“© Application Submission & Contact

Applications should be sent to program assistant Irina Radosavljević at:
 📧 irina.radosavljevic@yihr.org
 Deadline: May 4, 2025 at 23:55

Feel free to contact us with any questions – we’re happy to help!

đź“Ž ATTACHMENT: Info on Host Organizations

Volunteers from Serbia can be placed with one of the following host organizations in Halle. Each organization has its own focus and working culture. While you can indicate your preferences, the final placement will be made jointly by the coordinating organizations to ensure the best possible experience for both sides:

1.Kinder- und Jugendhaus e.V.
 🎯 Youth work, creative and sports-based inclusion activities in Halle-Süd
 đź”— kjhev.de

2.Kindertagesstätte „Marktspatzen“
 🎯 Christian-based daycare with focus on creativity and nature for ages 2–7
 đź”— kita-marktspatzen

3.Passage 13 – Sociocultural Center
 🎭 Arts, media, and performance projects with children and youth
 đź”— passage13.de

4.S.C.H.I.R.M. Project
 🤝 Drop-in center for at-risk and socially disadvantaged youth
 đź”— hal-jw.de

5.Friedenskreis Halle e.V.
 đź•Š NGO focused on peace education, non-violence, and civil society work
 đź”— friedenskreis-halle.de

6.Bürgerhaus „alternativE“
 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community center with multi-generational programs and youth events
 đź”— humanisten-halle.de

7.Hort Bartholomäus
 🏫 After-school care in a historical setting with nature-based learning
 đź”— hort-bartholomaeus

8.KindElternZentrum Lieskau (KEZ)
 🌱 Kindergarten with focus on environmental education and community life
 đź”— kulturwerkstatt-halle.de

9.Kulturwerkstatt GrĂĽne Villa
 🎭 Intercultural arts and theatre collective working with youth and migrants
 đź”— kulturwerkstatt-halle.de