Voluntary ecological year: Apply now for 2025/2026!

Voluntary ecological year: Apply now for 2025/2026!

In Schleswig-Holstein, the voluntary ecological year (FÖJ) is offered for young people from August 1, 2025 who want to get involved in the protection of nature and the environment. This program is organized by various providers and is aimed at people who have completed their school and are under 27 years old. If you had interest in such a valuable year, participation in a FÖJ could be an excellent opportunity - not only to expand your own perspective, but also to actively contribute to nature.

The application deadline for the upcoming FÖJ ended on February 15, 2025, but there are still places available for 2025/2026. Around 180 to 190 volunteers start their föj every year. The participants will win a monthly compensation of 430 to 450 euros, which includes pocket money as well as grants for accommodation and meals. In addition, voluntary entitlement to 26 vacation days, work clothes, tools and a volunteer ticket.

insights into the sponsorship

There are two main bearers of the FÖJ in Schleswig-Holstein. On the one hand, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, which offers ecological voluntary services Koppelsberg, mainly in the areas of environmental education, nature conservation and ecological agriculture. On the other hand, the sponsoring community at the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, which includes the WWF and NABU. These organizations offer young people an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in nature - yes, to be very uncomplicated to the pulse of nature.

The FöJ started in Schleswig-Holstein as a model project in 1991 with only 30 participants. Today it is an established part of the voluntary services and has continuously developed since then. In 2024 there was criticism of the planned cuts of the funds for voluntary services, but the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs promised the stability of funds by 2028, which offers the providers hope that the work will continue to be secured in the future.

Another interesting development is the creation of ten places especially for young refugees who have been available since 2017/18. This initiative shows how important it is to promote integration through commitment and environmental awareness.

a year for the environment

But what exactly does young people expect during their föj? First of all, the applicants have to specify three desired operations and submit a letter of motivation and a résumé. These are important steps to find the right place where the volunteers can make their contributions. Skills in the areas of ecosystems, sustainability and environmental education are deepened in various seminars during the year.

At a welcome seminar of the international participants in August 2024, which offered a special experience with typical courts, the volunteers were also connected. The responsibility of the sponsors includes the selection of the deployment points and the support of the participants to ensure a completely positive experience, as oeko-jahr.de reports.

The voluntary ecological year is not only a way to actively work for the environment, but also an opportunity to establish new friendships and to develop your own skills. So if you are interested in the coming year 2025/2026, you have the opportunity to find out more on various platforms - because the application is open to all young people between 16 and 26 years.

With a clear focus on environmental protection and a committed community of volunteers, the FÖJ can be a formative experience for many young people. It is important to inspire the young talents of tomorrow for nature and the environment and enable them to become active themselves. The committed work in Schleswig-Holstein is made by ndr.de as well as bundes- voluntary service.de accompanied and shows how valuable and important a year can be for the environment.