Find out whether a career in the social sector is for you!
Would you like to do voluntary service, but don't yet know which programme? You can do a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or a Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) in our daycare centres. We'll introduce you to both programmes and explain the differences!
What is a voluntary service?
- You work voluntarily and for a limited period of time in a non-profit organisation. Our KiTas are non-profit organisations because our facilities fulfil an educational, training and childcare mission, which can be found in § 22 SGB VIII.
- Voluntary service can last between a few weeks and a whole year or even longer, depending on the agreement and the extent and nature of the work.
- In any case, the activities are charitable tasks.
- You will not receive a salary for your commitment, but pocket money and other benefits.
Why should you do a voluntary service?
As a volunteer, you not only support important charitable causes - as we do in the daycare centres - but you also gain a good insight into the daycare centre field, gain practical experience and learn a lot about yourself. Here are a few examples:
- Get a taste of what it's like to work as a childcare centre teacher: experience everyday life in a childcare centre and help shape it with the support of the teachers
- Try it out: Find out which tasks and activities in the daycare centre suit you well
- Use the time: Use the time between school and an apprenticeship or degree programme wisely
- Your ideas and commitment are needed: Plan and organise projects, offers, excursions or small events for the children together with the teachers in our facilities
- Exchange and meetings: Exchange ideas with other volunteers, meet up with them
What are the differences between FSJ and BFD?
Criteria | FSJ | BFD |
Age limit | From completion of compulsory full-time schooling until the age of 27 | From completion of compulsory full-time schooling | no upper age limit
|
Duration | 6 months to 18 months, in exceptional cases 2 years | 6 months to 18 months, in exceptional cases 2 years
|
How often can the service be provided? | once | Multiple repetition possible after every five years
|
Working hours | Full-time | Full-time | part-time (min. 20h/week for volunteers aged 27 and over)
|
Pocket money | 453,00 € | 453,00 €
|
Social insurance
| Protection exists | Protection exists |
Holiday | 26 days per year | 26 days per year
|
Child allowance | Claim exists | Claim exists
|
Housing allowance
| In principle, it is possible to apply for housing benefit. Please seek advice from your housing benefit office | In principle, it is possible to apply for housing benefit. Please seek advice from your housing benefit office |
Travelling expenses | VBB-Ticket
| VBB-Ticket |
Our partners for your FSJ adventure with us
If you have decided to do an FSJ in one of our KiTas, the KiTa is your place of work. You conclude the FSJ contract either with the
- ASB - Berlin Regional Association or
- DRK - Berlin Regional Association
association. We have been cooperating with both organisations for years. They are responsible for the implementation and organisation of your FSJ placement (e.g. seminars).
If you have any questions or need help with your application, just get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you!