FÖJ stands for Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr (Voluntary Ecological Year). It is a one-year educational and voluntary service programme that gives young people the opportunity to get actively involved in environmental protection, nature conservation, sustainability, and global responsibility.
An FÖJ is a great way to gain practical experience, develop new skills, and explore possible career paths. Many participants use the year to discover their interests, prepare for future studies or vocational training, and gain valuable personal and professional experience.
The FÖJ offers a wide range of placement organisations (Einsatzstellen) throughout Schleswig-Holstein. These organisations work in many different fields, including environmental education, sustainable development, nature conservation, agriculture, renewable energy, Global Learning, and ecological research.
During your voluntary year, you will become part of a team, take on meaningful responsibilities, contribute your own ideas, and gain insight into everyday working life. At the same time, you will learn more about environmental and sustainability issues and develop important personal and professional skills.
The programme is open to young people who have completed compulsory schooling and who are not yet 26 years old on 1 August, when the FÖJ begins.
In Schleswig-Holstein, the FÖJ runs from 1 August to 31 July of the following year. During this time, volunteers work in one of more than 110 placement organisations across the state.
Throughout the year, all volunteers take part in five educational seminars. These seminars provide an opportunity to meet other FÖJ participants from across Schleswig-Holstein, exchange experiences, and explore important environmental and sustainability topics together.
One seminar is planned and organised by the volunteers themselves, supported by the educational team. Seminar topics may include climate change, biodiversity, sustainable consumption, mobility, renewable energy, environmental justice, and many other current issues.