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Three young adults are involved in social institutions in southern Hesse.
Weiterstadt. Working, learning, and doing good in Germany for a year – three young people from Mozambique as part of the new South-North program by ADRA Germany . The program is part of the weltwärts volunteer service of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and promotes intercultural exchange, development education , and civic engagement .
“This year, we have reversed the concept for the first time,” explains Natalie Luetjens , Head of Department for Voluntary Service and Development Education at ADRA. “After many years in which young people from Germany have performed voluntary service worldwide, we are now welcoming participants from the Global South to Germany for the first time.”
Engagement at three locations in southern Hesse
After a multi-day preparatory seminar on topics such as culture shock, resilience, identity and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the volunteers started at their placement sites:
- Nelsone supports the team of ADRA Deutschland eV in Weiterstadt and contributes to the project work of the aid organization.
- Jermina works in a preschool facility Freie Kinderschule Sozialpädagogische Praxis eV
- Rema is involved in the women's and family center Szenenwechsel eV in Seeheim-Jugenheim, especially in a children's nursery and in the family center.
Since the beginning of September, the three have been permanent members of their teams. At the same time, they regularly attend language courses to improve their German skills.
Positive experiences and lived exchange
“Since the start of my volunteer service, I have only had positive experiences. The team at ADRA has helped me a lot to settle in. I feel that I can rely on everyone,” reports Nelsone .
Rema also enthusiastic: “I work with wonderful people and enchanting children – they make every day meaningful. I feel like I am doing something important here.”
The feedback from the deployment sites has been consistently positive – the project is perceived as an enrichment for all involved .
The program continues
“We are gaining very valuable experience with this first cohort of the South-North program,” says Natalie Luetjens . “Next year, we will again be looking for families willing to host volunteers, as well as placement organizations that can make this international engagement possible.”
The South-North Programme will continue in 2026/27 and is intended to continue contributing to global understanding and strengthening social engagement .
Further information about ADRA Germany eV and the volunteer services can be found online at www.adra.de
(RED/PM/ADRA)
Featured image: From left to right: Nelsone, Rema and Jermina. Photo: ADRA Germany eV
