Junge Menschen stehen in Reihen hintereinander und gucken in eine Richtung. Ein junger Mann steht in der Mitte hebt die Hände. Andere lächeln. Eine Frau filmt.

Together we celebrate.

Our Community

Did you know that you are one of more than 50.000 community members? And guess what? Our community keeps growing every day! The weltwärts Community is a hub for all those who have done a volunteer service - North-South or South-North, regardless of their sending organization or placement.

From us - For us⟩Engage⟩Insights⟩Our Team⟩

From us - For us

grenzenlos e.V. - the association behind the community

For the past 25 years, former international volunteers have come together at grenzenlos to drive change. Alumni engagement has played a key role in ensuring that weltwärts volunteers are well supported and thoroughly prepared before and after their service. The introduction of the South-North component was also actively co-designed by grenzenlos. Today, the association advocates for quality and critical volunteer services, transformative education, and the promotion of alumni engagement.

To grenzenlos⟩

Now it's time to put our plans into action. Grenzenlos e.V. is tasked with driving forward the development of the community by providing information, organizing events and networking. “From all of us for all of us” is the motto here - if we are active together, we can achieve more. Because #TogetherIsMore.

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What can you expect?

Exchange and connections

Experience the power of a community where you can share your experiences, thoughts and challenges with others.

Learning and growing together

Find new opportunities to delve deeper into topics, gain qualifications and continue learning together.

Inspiration & Support

Here you can use the collective treasure trove of experiences and contribute your own - for a community that inspires and motivates.

Get involved

Take part in exciting projects and events or contribute your own ideas - whether on site or digitally, everyone will find their place here.

Our vision: a fairer world for all

We strive for a just world where a good life is possible for everyone. As a community, we see ourselves as part of a network that works towards social justice, sustainability and transcultural understanding. The weltwärts community is a place where alumni can share their experiences and insights and together contribute to positive social change.

Eine Gruppe junger Menschen sitzt im Freien. Eine junge Frau sitzt im Schneidersitz, hebt die Hand und lächelt.

Our core values

Openness & diversity

Different perspectives are not only welcomed, but are of vital significance to us. Openness, empathy and respect for different life realities and cultural backgrounds are our basis. Everyone is invited to contribute their own individual experiences and perspectives.

Empathy & understanding

We foster a supportive and respectful environment. Listening to each other, sharing experiences and understanding the realities of others' lives fosters a community that strengthens us all.

Sustainability & justice

Our actions are aligned towards the goal of creating sustainable structures and enabling fair opportunities. We sensitize our members to social challenges such as discrimination and work together for a fairer world.

Find your place in the community

Being part of this community means feeling empowered and connected - for the common journey and the issues that continue to accompany us. Involvement in the weltwärts community can be diverse and flexible. Whether as a listener, co-creator or leader - everyone can find a role here that suits their own capacities and can change again and again. Because we support each other. This way, the community remains a place that motivates and at the same time offers space for new ideas and initiatives.

Community Building Support the Fund

Ein Mann hebt die Arme und formt mit den Händen ein Herz.

Das Portraitfoto zeigt einen jungen Mann in einer Jeansjacke. Er guckt in die Kamera und lächelt.

For me, the weltwärts community means being part of an international community of like-minded people who want to make a difference.

Community Fund

Former South-North volunteers often don’t get the same chances for support, training, or networking as former North-South volunteers. We want to change that! That’s why grenzenlos is building a Community Fund – to give former South-North volunteers outside of Germany easy, no-stress access to funding for projects, training, and local community events. Every little bit helps. Join in and become part of a global community based on solidarity.

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How you can support the Community Fund

Bring your own project to life

Are you a former South–North volunteer living outside Germany and looking to stay engaged after your volunteer service? Whether it’s launching your own project, taking part in a training, or hosting a community event in your region – the Community Fund tries to back you up.

Become a community member

Give back!

With as little as €1 per month, you can join grenzenlos as a community member and support the initiatives, training, and networking of former South–North volunteers worldwide.

Become a member! ⟩

Connect online in the Worldwide-Network

... and find other (former) volunteers, exciting information and projects

The Worldwide-Network (WWN) is the digital platform that connects current and former volunteers from every corner of the world – spanning continents from Indonesia to Germany, Brazil, and across Africa. Do you find yourself asking questions like, "What comes after my voluntary service?" or "How can I make the most of my experiences?" These are common concerns for many. In our community, we have a wealth of experiences to share and learn from.

The various spaces in the WWN enable you to start projects, share resources, or simply engage in discussions on global topics with others. You’ll find regional spaces (e.g. Africa or Berlin), thematic spaces (e.g. on sustainability), and a job/internship board. These spaces are your areas to reflect on experiences and develop new ideas together.

If your journey after weltwärts has already taken you further, you can share your insights and knowledge with others in the WWN. In the "Paths after Voluntary Service" space, we support each other by sharing information and experiences on study programs, time abroad, career entry, or volunteering. Together, we inspire and encourage one another.

Insights

What’s next after your voluntary service? What options are there and what experiences have other alumni gained? Read more about paths after voluntary service here - and get inspired!

From Neuruppin to Cameroon

In 2014, Mary was part of the very first group of volunteers to come to Germany through the South-North strand of the weltwärts program. Ten years later, she is the founder of the Shalom initiative that trains women, gets children back into school, and shows young people what grassroots civic engagement can really look like. This is the story of how one year in Brandenburg became a lifelong mission.

Nine Songs and a Band Tour for the Host Organization in Colombia

From a volunteer service in Bogotá grew an extraordinary initiative: together with his Colombian band, Niko not only brought music to Germany, but also raised thousands of euros for his host organization. His story shows how initiative, cultural exchange, and collective commitment can grow into a long-term community project.

E-Bikes for Uganda

Brian Jeremiah is developing e-bikes in Uganda that make access to education, work, and healthcare possible for many. Through innovation, political engagement, and a clear vision, he is driving sustainable change forward.

Elio & KUMALA in Berehove

Almost ten years ago, Elio joined weltwärts and went to western Ukraine. What began as a one-year volunteer service turned into long-term commitment: today Elio and a team organize creative summer camps for children in Berehove through the project KUMALA – with circus, art, theatre and music. In times of the ongoing Russian war of aggression, the camp has become more than a holiday activity: it is a living expression of solidarity.

First-ever Community Weekend for weltwärts alumni in East Africa

In Arusha, Tanzania, former weltwärts volunteers and partner organizations from Kenya and Tanzania gathered in late January for a three-day Community Weekend. The goal? To share life after volunteering, reflect on shared challenges, and build a regional alumni network.

One Year in Togo, Six Years of Impact: The Story of Woé zon loo

For six years, Woé zon loo has been making a real impact in Togo. Founded by Emily Wilbrand after her weltwärts volunteer year, the organization has raised around €250,000 and won multiple awards. But how did it all start—and how did she make it happen?