Volunteering with Kids & Teenagers: What you can expect
Volunteering with kids and teenagers means accompanying and supporting young people in an important phase of their lives. Kids and teenagers today grow up under very different conditions. Some experience poverty, educational disadvantage or a lack of social support, while others are simply looking for reliable caregivers outside the family. This is exactly where volunteering comes in.
In this article, you will find out why volunteering with kids and teenagers is so important, what challenges young people in Germany face and how organizations and volunteers can help in concrete terms. We also show you what you should look out for when volunteering and how you can find a suitable volunteer position via vostel.de.
Contents:
- The situation of Kids & Teenagers in Germany
- How organizations & volunteers support Kids & Teenagers
- What you should look out for when volunteering with Kids & Teenagers
- Find your volunteer position with children & young people on vostel.de
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about volunteering with Kids & Teenagers
1. The situation of Kids & Teenagers in Germany
How many kids and teenagers live in Germany?
Around 14 million kids and teenagers under the age of 18 live in Germany. This corresponds to around 17% of the population (source: Deutschlandatlas). How they grow up, what support they receive and what opportunities they have shapes their development and has a long-term impact on our society. The living conditions of young people are very different and not everyone starts life with the same opportunities.
Child poverty and social inequality
Child poverty is a key issue. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 15.2% of kids and teenagers under the age of 18 were at risk of poverty in 2024, which corresponds to a good 2.2 million young people in Germany (source: Federal Statistical Office).
Poverty not only affects the financial situation of families, but also shapes many areas of everyday life. The UNICEF report on the situation of children in Germany shows that over one million children are affected by material deprivation and have to do without things that others take for granted (source: Unicef). Limited opportunities for education, leisure and participation can become entrenched as a result and have a long-term impact on the future lives of kids and teenagers.
Mental stress in childhood and adolescence
In addition to material challenges, psychological stress is also on the rise. Studies show that many kids and teenagers suffer from stress, anxiety or other mental health problems. In 2022 alone, over 20,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 17 were treated as inpatients for depressive episodes. Pressure to perform, social expectations, digital media and social crises characterize the everyday lives of many young people and place additional burdens on them.
Why support is so important
Not all children and young people find sufficient support in their family or school environment. However, reliable caregivers, co-determination and positive social experiences are crucial for healthy development. Supplementary activities outside of school and family therefore play an important role. This is precisely where volunteering can come in and help to strengthen children and young people in their everyday lives.
2. How organizations & volunteers support Kids & Teenagers
What non-profit organizations do
In Germany, there are many non-profit organizations that support kids and teenagers and create services that complement family and school. They respond to different life situations and needs, such as educational disadvantages, a lack of leisure opportunities or the desire for greater participation.
Organizations such as the German Child Protection Association (Deutscher Kinderschutzbund), the Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk and SOS Kinderhilfswerk are committed to improving the living conditions of kids and teenagers throughout Germany and organize local projects that support young people in their everyday lives. Organizations such as UNICEF Germany and the children’s and youth charity Die Arche are also committed to the protection, support and participation of young people.
How volunteers are involved
Volunteers are an integral part of this work. They support existing services and, above all, contribute their time, attention and personal care. As a rule, they work closely with full-time professionals and are supervised by them.
Their tasks are geared towards the needs of the kids and teenagers and range from accompanying them during learning or leisure activities to providing support in open meeting places and long-term personal support. Volunteers become additional caregivers who are there reliably, listen and show an interest in their everyday lives.
Typical fields of activity in voluntary work with kids and teenagers
Volunteering with kids and teenagers can look very different. Typical fields of activity are, for example
- Support with learning, reading or homework
- Accompanying leisure activities, excursions or vacation activities
- Work in youth centers or open meeting places
- Mentoring and personal support over a longer period of time
- Support for creative, sporting or cultural projects
- Support for participation projects in which kids and teenagers are involved
What all activities have in common is that they offer children and young people time, attention and reliable reference persons. Volunteers do not replace professionals, but complement existing services in a meaningful way.
3. What you should look out for when volunteering with Kids and Teenagers
Responsibility and reliability
Kids and teenagers need adults they can rely on. That’s why it’s also important to keep to agreements and schedule time regularly when volunteering. Reliability creates trust and gives young people security in their everyday lives.
Personal connection and professional distance
An appreciative and caring approach is key, but clear boundaries are also needed. Volunteers provide guidance and support, but do not take on the role of parent or therapist. Organizations provide a clear framework that offers guidance.
Sensitive handling of different life situations
Kids and teenagers have different experiences and backgrounds. Some have experienced stressful situations or face particular challenges. Respectful, patient interaction and openness towards different realities of life are therefore particularly important.
Protection of kids and teenagers
Many organizations work with protection concepts to protect kids and teenagers from boundary violations and assaults. These include clear rules of conduct, fixed contact persons and, in many cases, an extended certificate of good conduct. These measures serve to ensure the safety and trust of all those involved.
Assess your own role realistically
Volunteering can achieve a lot, but it is no substitute for professional support systems. Those who realistically assess their own role can remain committed in the long term and avoid being overwhelmed.
Accept support and ask questions
Nobody has to know or be able to do everything when volunteering. It is important to exchange ideas with full-time employees and other volunteers in order to clarify questions, address uncertainties and shape your own commitment well.
4. Find your volunteer work with Kids & Teenagers on vostel.de
On vostel.de you can find suitable volunteering opportunities with kids and teenagers in one place. You can search specifically for projects that match your interests and time frame.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about volunteering with Kids & Teenagers
Do I need pedagogical training to volunteer with kids and teenagers?
No. For many voluntary positions, no previous educational knowledge is required. What is most important is reliability, openness and respectful interaction with kids and teenagers. The organizations support volunteers and provide clear framework conditions.
How much time should I schedule for my commitment?
The amount of time involved varies greatly. Some commitments are long-term and regular, others are flexible or limited in time. You can find more information on vostel.de directly in the project descriptions.
What specific tasks do volunteers perform?
For example, volunteers provide support with learning, accompany leisure activities, get involved in mentoring programs or help with creative and sporting projects. The tasks are clearly defined and are geared towards the needs of the children and young people.
Do I need to submit an extended certificate of good conduct?
An extended certificate of good conduct is required for many voluntary positions involving kids and teenagers. This serves to protect kids and teenagers and is an important part of responsible volunteering structures. The respective organization will inform you about this in advance.
Can I volunteer even if I don’t have much experience?
Yes, many projects are explicitly aimed at people with no previous experience. What is important is the willingness to learn and get involved in the role. Support and contacts are usually available through the organization.
Why is volunteering with kids and teenagers so important?
Voluntary activities complement family and school and create additional spaces for support, encounters and reliability. They help to strengthen kids and teenagers in their everyday lives and enable them to have positive experiences.
Your vostel.de team wishes you lots of fun with your voluntary work with kids and teenagers!
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