Topic of the Month June

Federal Volunteer Service in Germany – Top or Flop?

© panthermedia.net/James Steidl

One year ago the so-called “Bufdis” displaced the “Zivis” in Germany. REHACARE.de enquired: Has the Federal Volunteer Service established itself and can it substitute the Civilian Service? The opinions diverge. Some report about a surprising success and some of a lack of candidates. See for yourself in our Topic of the Month June: Federal Volunteer Service in Germany – Top or Flop?

They are the new people doing community service: So called Bufdis, engaged people of every age and gender who can espouse different social projects in the Federal Voluntary Service. So far, so good. But how is this possibility of social commitment accepted? REHACARE.de got an idea of it on site at a senior citizen's home.

Many people were critical when the alternative service in Germany was put out one year ago and, instead, volunteers should take over the same tasks. However, the Federal Volunteer Service functions better than expected. Even Dr. Jens Kreuter, leader of the team Voluntary Services in the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth is surprised about the unexpected development of the new offer for volunteers.