Voluntary Three-Decade Ecological Commitment

Volunteer Ecological Year (VEY) Enriches Bremen and Empowers Young Talents

The Volunteer Ecological Year (VEY) is currently underway in the city of Bremen, providing a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth for young individuals while making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Senator for Environment, Climate, and Science, Kathrin Moosdorf, supports the VEY as a platform for young people to make a difference. "The VEY is a means for young people to do something good for the environment and society," she says.

The VEY offers approximately 60 placement sites in Bremen, providing opportunities for environmental and climate protection. Participants are engaged in areas such as landscape and forest care, climate protection, sustainable urban development, and scientific/technical environmental protection.

VEY volunteers bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the community in Bremen. They contribute by promoting environmentally friendly practices, reconnecting with the natural environment, and engaging in outdoor activities that benefit physical and mental wellbeing, as part of projects like the youth exchange "Back to Nature" which encourages sustainable environmental engagement and cultural exchange.

Young people participating in the VEY have the opportunity to develop their independence and teamwork skills. Through responsible work and personal projects, they gain clarity about their interests and career goals. The VEY fosters committed future talents who often continue to use their experiences and skills in NGOs, scientific institutions, or educational work.

Julia Bloch-Bastian, coordinator at the Social Peace Service Bremen e.V. (sfd), which carries the VEY, has emphasized the valuable contributions of VEY participants. "The VEY enriches the whole city of Bremen through the engagement of its participants," she says.

Kathrin Moosdorf acknowledges the desire of young people to get involved and sometimes change the world for the better. She expresses her hope for many more years of the VEY in Bremen, as it offers young people a chance to shape their environment and make a difference in society.

The VEY provides concrete support in environmental matters for the city of Bremen. It offers a monthly allowance funded by the federal government and the Senator for Environment, Climate, and Science.

In summary, the Volunteer Ecological Year (VEY) is a valuable opportunity for young people to make a positive impact on the environment and society while gaining valuable skills and experiences. It enriches the city of Bremen and is supported by Senator Kathrin Moosdorf and the Social Peace Service Bremen e.V. (sfd).