Volunteering
In Luxembourg, 35% of the population volunteered in 2022, placing the country fourth in Europe in terms of the proportion of volunteers. The voluntary sector and volunteering play a key role in the cohesion and development of our societies. Driven by values of solidarity, citizenship and respect, they are expressed through the free and voluntary commitment of individuals to serve others or the collective interest. Voluntary service offers young people under the age of 30 the opportunity to devote themselves full-time to a project of general interest for a fixed period. In addition, more and more companies are encouraging their employees to participate in corporate volunteering for the benefit of charitable organisations. In Luxembourg, as elsewhere, these forms of engagement contribute to building more inclusive societies.
The Kräizbierg Foundation – a welcoming family
Volunteering Day is celebrated every year on 5 December. During this festive period, the Ateliers Kräizbierg of the Kräizbierg Foundation organise their Jingle Moart. Over two days, visitors can discover the workshops, take a look behind the scenes and purchase original items created by the foundation, perfect as gifts or Christmas decorations. Even Kleeschen doesn't miss this event, which is full of activities, music and treats.
The foundation and workshops regularly seek volunteers to participate in its events, particularly Jingle Moart, but also throughout the year, to help with the production and sale of products. This year, three companies have committed to corporate volunteering. For three days, small groups of employees lent a hand to help organise and run the market. This form of corporate citizenship (CSR) is encouraged by JPMorganChase, LSC360 and FM Insurance Europe S.A. Employees and the foundation benefit from this commitment, which promotes the development of valuable skills, practical assistance, team spirit, a sense of purpose and increased motivation.
The Kräizbierg Foundation, created in 1977, is a Luxembourg organisation dedicated to the inclusion and support of people with physical disabilities. It offers homes, professional workshops and training services to promote their independence and social and professional integration, while improving their living conditions.
Galerie
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - A child meets St. Nicholas together with his father and mother.
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - Entrance sign to the sweet Kleeschenshop
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - Team members dressed up for the Christmas market.
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - Creative workshop for children at the Christmas market.
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - Decorations and candles at the Christmas market.
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
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Ateliers Kräizbierg - Jingle Moart
Image - Visitors in the Kräizbierg workshops.
© Ateliers Kräizbierg, Mélissa Lowin
With us, anything is possible, is its motto.
The foundation is based on strong values such as inclusion, openness, respect and empathy, which guide its daily activities. It has several homes throughout Luxembourg, as well as a day centre. Beneficiaries have access to a wide range of training courses and workshops, including screen printing, gardening, multimedia, accounting, embroidery and pottery.
To get involved with the Kräizbierg Foundation, it is generally advisable to go through the Agence du Bénévolat or to contact the foundation directly for suitable assignments.
Agence du Bénévolat - promoting action, strengthening solidarity
Since 2002, the Agence du Bénévolat has been working to promote and develop volunteer work in Luxembourg among public authorities, organisations that use volunteers and the general public. Its portal www.benevolat.lu presents associations active in Luxembourg and offers a volunteer exchange that allows interested individuals to find activities and associations to recruit volunteers.
Every year, the Agence du Bénévolat awards the Prix du Mérite du Bénévolat, recognising unpaid work and highlighting the valuable contribution made by the many volunteers active in Luxembourg. It also offers a Bénévolat quality label, allowing associations to distinguish themselves through the quality of their organisation and support of the volunteers.
Did you know?
The knowledge and skills acquired through voluntary activities can be officially recognised. Anyone who has participated in a voluntary project or completed training offered by an association can receive a certificate issued by the organisation concerned. This document certifies the tasks performed and the skills developed. In addition, volunteers can apply for Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) from the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. This certification, which is intended for those who have accumulated significant experience in volunteering, can facilitate job searches, professional development or a change of role.
Volunteering – young people get involved
Voluntary service is another form of engagement, allowing young people under the age of 30 to participate in a supervised project of general interest for a maximum of 12 months, in Luxembourg or abroad. Volunteering is an opportunity to combine a commitment to the common good with an experience that allows you to acquire skills that are useful in the professional world, such as self-awareness, autonomy, responsibility and teamwork. It is also a great human experience.
In Luxembourg, the National Youth Service is the main point of contact for voluntary service. The website volontaires.lu provides information on the conditions for becoming a volunteer, organisations offering public service assignments and the necessary training. There are three types of voluntary service: national, European and cooperation. The website is also aimed at organisations wishing to host volunteers in Luxembourg or abroad. Any public or private body established in Luxembourg can apply for accreditation to become a voluntary service organisation.
Good to know
Young people under the age of 30 can obtain a certificate of their voluntary work or volunteer commitment, issued by the National Youth Service. This document describes the tasks performed and the skills acquired. It can be used as additional information when looking for a job or as part of an application for accreditation of prior learning.
When companies commit to a better world
Corporate volunteering is an approach that enables companies to encourage their employees to volunteer with associations. This concept acts as a bridge between the business world and the voluntary sector, creating a win-win situation. Charities benefit from specific skills, human support and increased visibility, while companies strengthen their internal cohesion, boost team motivation and consolidate their local roots. For example, a bank can mobilise its employees to assist a charity with its financial management, while an industrial company can make its teams available to renovate premises or support the logistics of a charity event. The success of such projects depends on rigorous preparation: identifying the needs of associations, clarifying the expectations of companies and organising tasks in a concrete and realistic manner. In Luxembourg, the Agence du Bénévolat plays a central role as an intermediary, supporting both parties in establishing balanced and sustainable partnerships.
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