Our History and Partnerships

Service Civil International (SCI)

Service Civil International (SCI) was established in 1920 at the inspiration of the famous Swiss pacifist Pierre Ceresole. Ceresole organised the first workcamp in Verdun, France. In 1920, volunteers from Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain and Hungary worked side by side to rebuild a village destroyed during the First World War, fostering grassroots reconciliation between the former enemies.  Today, there are branches, groups and partner organisations in over 60 countries worldwide.  In 1987, The United Nations awarded SCI the title of "Messenger of Peace" in recognition of its work in furthering peace and international understanding.

International Volunteers for Peace was established as part of the SCI network in Australia in 1988.

The 90th anniversary of SCI was marked in 2010. Take a look at the "Provoking Peace" project being undertaken by the SCI archives to commemorate the beginnings of SCI.

Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA)

Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA) was established in 1997. International Volunteers for Peace is a founding member of the network.

NVDA has a specific focus on the Asian region with member organisations in South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

While IVP does not exchange volunteers with all the member organisations of NVDA, we do try to offer Australians as many volunteering opportunities in these countries as possible.

By developing international voluntary service in Asia/Pacific, NVDA aims to:

a) improve local/global situations of nature environment, culture, poverty & human rights

b) support local NGOs, and self sufficiency and human development of local community

c) promote friendship, understanding and solidarity among world youth and local people.