Volunteer service and learning: the foundation

As a member of the International Association for National Youth Service (IANYS), Katimavik is well recognized within the international community. We participate in international symposia and bring back best practices to our organization. The United Nations Economic and Social Council has granted Katimavik special consultative status. This acknowledgement reflects the organization’s contributions, expertise and international leadership for youth, particularly national youth service.

The foundation of Katimavik’s brand of national youth service is an innovative pedagogical approach based on learning through volunteer service. This approach builds on traditional forms of national volunteer service, which focus mainly on the accomplishment of tasks. Learning through service ensures that volunteers learn from their period of service and carry this knowledge through to their personal and professional lives.

Both the young volunteer and the community benefit equally from this approach. During the Katimavik journey, young adults:

• Go beyond their assigned volunteer tasks and provide durable services to the community
• Develop a sense of personal responsibility toward their community through a reciprocal relationship between volunteers and work partners
• Reflect on the personal and social impact of their work
• Cultivate a commitment to lifelong civic engagement and skills they will eventually use in both higher education and the workplace