Ready for Volunteer Service

How does it feel when a new chapter of life begins? For 15 new North-South volunteers, the onboarding seminar at the Mission House of the United Evangelical Mission (VEM) in Wuppertal marked exactly that moment: their first conscious step into the volunteer programme – filled with information, new encounters, and clear next steps.

The day began with essential organisational matters related to departure preparations: visas, passports, insurance, procedures – and, of course, introductions to the respective placement locations within UEM member churches. At the same time, there was space for the group to get to know one another.

“A volunteer service does not begin in the host country, but with thorough preparation,” says David Kobernick, Programme Officer for the North-South Volunteer Programme, who guided the participants through the day. “When volunteers understand the organisational and cultural framework, they can enter this special period more consciously and confidently. It is important to me that from the very beginning they see themselves as part of a community – among themselves and as part of the global VEM communion of churches.”

Experiences that truly matter

 

A particularly meaningful part of the seminar was the exchange with three former volunteers who shared insights from their service in Rwanda and Indonesia. Their reflections were personal, honest, and practical – including stories of challenges, learning experiences, and intercultural encounters.

Among them was Jaron Flömer, himself a former North-South volunteer. In September 2025, he participated in the UEM General Assembly in Tanzania in his new role as Youth Delegate. During the seminar, he introduced the UEM Code of Conducts and explained the binding standards for respectful and responsible behaviour within an international context.

Exchange and new perspectives

 

Over the weekend, the new North-South volunteers met the current South-North volunteers, who are presently serving in Germany, during a Development Policy Seminar at CVJM Bundeshöhe in Wuppertal  moderated by UEM’s Education Team.

The days were characterised by intensive discussions and perspective-sharing. One focus topic was “Masculinity,” explored from different cultural viewpoints. The concluding worship service centred on “Change and Faith,” reflecting on how service, personal growth, and trust are interconnected.

With many new impulses and clear information, the group now moves into the next phase of preparation. The next seminar of the North-South Volunteer Programme – the departure seminar – will take place in July.