{"id":16613,"date":"2026-01-06T11:52:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T10:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vostel.de\/blog\/?p=16613"},"modified":"2026-01-07T09:23:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:23:56","slug":"volunteering-with-kids-and-teenagers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vostel.de\/blog\/en\/volunteering-with-kids-and-teenagers\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering with Kids & Teenagers: What you can expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contents:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. The situation of Kids & Teenagers in Germany<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. How organizations & volunteers support Kids & Teenagers<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. What you should look out for when volunteering with Kids & Teenagers<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Find your volunteer position with children & young people on vostel.de<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. FAQ – Frequently asked questions about volunteering with Kids & Teenagers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/ol>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        1. The situation of Kids & Teenagers in Germany<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \"Intermediate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        How many kids and teenagers live in Germany?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Around 14 million kids and teenagers under the age of 18<\/strong> live in Germany. This corresponds to around 17% of the population<\/strong> (source: Deutschlandatlas<\/a>). 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Child poverty and social inequality<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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<\/strong>, which corresponds to a good 2.2 million young people in Germany <\/strong>(source: Federal Statistical Office<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        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<\/strong> shows that over one million children are affected by material deprivation<\/strong> and have to do without things that others take for granted (source: Unicef<\/a>). 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Mental stress in childhood and adolescence<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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<\/strong>. Pressure to perform, social expectations, digital media and social crises characterize the everyday lives of many young people and place additional burdens on them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Why support is so important<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2. How organizations & volunteers support Kids & Teenagers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \"Intermediate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        What non-profit organizations do<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Organizations such as the German Child Protection Association (Deutscher Kinderschutzbund)<\/a>, the Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk<\/a> and SOS Kinderhilfswerk<\/a> 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<\/a> and the children’s and youth charity Die Arche<\/a> are also committed to the protection, support and participation of young people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How volunteers are involved<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Typical fields of activity in voluntary work with kids and teenagers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        \"Intermediate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Volunteering with kids and teenagers can look very different. Typical fields of activity are, for example <\/p>\n\n\n\n