The Grenzenlos campaign aims to build recognition of the ICYE long-term volunteering programme in order to increase the number of volunteers and host families by highlighting the benefits of non-formal learning inherent in volunteering exchanges and strengthen their local network of volunteers. To achieve this, the campaign will focus on improving their promotion on social media platforms by sharing volunteer’s stories and interviews, enhancing their visible profile, opening calls for photographic competitions on Instagram and making it possible for volunteers to post experiences directly on Grenzenlos’ website. In addition, they will host Info meetings on a regular basis for persons interested in volunteering and will present ICYE projects at public events.

New Website

On 16th February 2017, Grenzenlos launched its new website with a new design that improves its usability and makes it easier for the user to find the information they seek. The website is now also mobile friendly and connects with Grenzenlos’ social media channels. Click HERE  to visit the new website.

Info-Sessions

From January – June 2017, Grenzenlos has organised 5 info-sessions for young Austrians interested in volunteering abroad. The meetings each had a different focus e.g. “Africa”, “Asia” and “America”, so that young people interested in volunteering in those regions could get specific information about volunteering opportunities and host projects in the particular region. Each meeting had between 10 and 20 participants, who were reached through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The meetings provided information on the benefits of non-formal education and introduced the participants to the ICYE programme and volunteering opportunities.

On 28th March 2017, an Info-session entitled “50Plus” was organised for adults over the age of 50 providing information on the volunteering opportunities with ICYE. The session was attended by 25 people from the 50Plus age group.

BeSt – the Job, Training and Education Fair

From the 1st – 4th March 2017, Grenzenlos took part in the BeSt Exhibition, the Job, Training and Education Fair, in Vienna, Austria for students of all ages, parents and teachers. The BeSt Fair is the biggest and more important education fair in Austria, where approximately 350 exhibitors had stands and shared information and knowledge. Exhibitors included universities, providers of post-secondary courses, Fachhochschulen (advanced technical colleges), academies, private providers of educational programmes, language schools, interest groups, as well as companies providing informing about jobs and in-house training programmes. More than 75.000 people visit the fair from 1st- 4th of March.

Grenzenlos had a stand where they informed visitors about ICYE and its volunteering programmes, as well as providing information about the benefits of non-formal education and volunteering. Approximately 940 people visited the Grenzenlos stand and requested more information about volunteering opportunties.