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Heroes of the future: 360 young volunteers start Berlin's Ecological Year!
On September 3, 2025, Andreas Kraus welcomed 360 volunteers to the FÖJ in Tempelhof to promote environmental and climate protection.
Heroes of the future: 360 young volunteers start Berlin's Ecological Year!
On Wednesday, Andreas Kraus, State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment, welcomed 360 young people who are starting their Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ). The ceremonial event took place in the ufa factory in Tempelhof took place and, in addition to the new volunteers, also attracted former participants, employees of the sponsoring organizations and other guests. Kraus honored the commitment of the young people who want to work for environmental friendliness and sustainability in Berlin in the next 12 months.
Kraus acknowledged the support of all those who have contributed to the success of the FÖJ for 32 years. The sponsoring organization, which has supported over 7,000 young people in voluntary service, received special recognition. Financial support for the FÖJ comes from the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. Kraus emphasized the importance of the FÖJ as a central building block in achieving Berlin's climate goals, in particular the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045.
Commitment to the environment and society
The FÖJ offers young people between the ages of 16 and 27 the opportunity to get involved in ecological and socio-political issues. Competencies in the area of education for sustainable development (ESD) are promoted. According to information from FÖJ Berlin There are individual coaching sessions and practical seminars to develop and implement your own ideas. Aside from the personal benefits of such involvement, it also raises awareness of current environmental issues.
From pollution to climate change to declining biodiversity, the challenges are enormous. Young people should be encouraged to integrate new thinking and sustainable actions into their everyday lives.
Perspectives and possibilities
The FÖJ enables participants to actively contribute to environmental protection before studying or starting a career. The duration of the program is usually twelve months, with a minimum duration of six months and a maximum of 18 months. In exceptional cases, the FÖJ can even last up to two years. It is open to people between the ages of 15 and 26, regardless of their school qualifications, origin or income.
Interested refugees or people from abroad have the opportunity to apply provided they have a work permit in Germany and good knowledge of German. Classic positions range from landscape and forestry maintenance to work in national parks and environmental protection associations, as on the website Youth voluntary services is to be experienced.
The application period for the FÖJ usually begins between August and September, and interested applicants should submit their documents approximately six months in advance. During the FÖJ, volunteers receive social security, pocket money and, in many cases, can expect support with accommodation and food.