Created in 1963, France Volontaires offers young people the opportunity of demonstrating their concrete solidarity with populations in difficulty throughout the world.
In the countries in which it is active, France Volontaires undertakes to support and reinforce the initiatives of local civil societies. Within the context of the multiple problems that weigh on their daily environment, France Volontaires helps these people to design and implement concrete and lasting solutions.
Volunteers intervene in the capacity of experts, organisers and mediators, very often in partnership with national executives. In this way, the France Volontaires endeavours to place a strong emphasis on local human resources.
Since 1963, the majority of volunteers having departed on missions with the Association have been welcomed in French-speaking countries of the African sub-Sahara. Actions have also been implemented in other countries in Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. France Volontaires aims to extend its action progressively to countries in France's priority solidarity area and, more generally, to all regions in the developing world. Contacts already established point to the formation of new partnerships in the near future in the Caribbean, Central America, Asia and France's overseas territories.
Volunteers are commiting for 2 years. Their main function is to provide leadership, advice and support, and training in programmes as varied as : the development of agricultural and craft products, local, regional and group development, planning, construction and hydraulics, professional training and company structure, strengthening of community life, health and prevention, support for people in difficulty, patrimony and the environment.
France Volontaires sees voluntary service as one of the values of the future, part of the global process of social change, and thus establishes the foundations for real long-term development.
France Volontaires is administered by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from member associations, State members and representatives, including the ministry of Foreign Affairs.
