Austria's Voluntary Social Year Marks 10th Anniversary with Record Participation
Austria's Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) celebrates its tenth anniversary with a significant increase in participants, now numbering 1,700. The program, which began in 2012 with just 400 volunteers, has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among women who make up over half of the participants.
The FSJ, an alternative to military service for young men, has evolved over the years. Recent amendments to the Voluntary Service Act have improved conditions, allowing participants to retain family benefits. Anja Oberkofler, vice president of the Austrian Red Cross, proposes further expansion. She suggests lifting budget caps and extending the program to include social companionship and transport services. Additionally, she suggests that the FSJ could be credited towards medical studies or nursing training.
The Red Cross, one of the main organisers, currently has over 500 people doing their Voluntary Social Year, with women making up 60 percent. Nearly half of those who complete the program continue working with the Red Cross afterward.
Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann acknowledges the need for the FSJ to continue evolving. With its tenth anniversary, the program has grown significantly, offering an attractive volunteering opportunity, particularly for women. The proposed expansions could further enhance its impact on Austrian society.
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