About Us

We are a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through our educational programmes. We are founded on our belief that peace is possible through friendship — and that the real difference can be made by starting with children.

What is CISV?

CISV is the outcome of an inspirational idea and an unquenchable belief in the future of mankind. As a charitable, independent, non-political, volunteer organization promoting peace eductaion and cross-cultural friendship, CISV is unique — the majority of its programs are conducted for 11-16 years olds, whilst most youth exchange programmes begin at 16.

Children’s International Summer Villages was founded in 1950 by Dr. Doris Allen as an independent, non-political volunteer organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship. CISV has grown from a conviction that peace is possible if individuals and groups can learn to live together as friends.

Doris Allen passionately believed that if children were able to form meaningful friendships across ethnic and religious barriers before they were influenced by received prejudices, they could ultimately act as a source of leadership, working actively towards respect for cultural diversity, human rights and the physical environment.

She has never wavered in this belief, and now, more than fifty years on, remains the inspiration to the thousands of dedicated CISV volunteers who strive to “dare to make our dream a fact.”

What is CISV’s purpose?

CISV endeavours to stimulate the development of intercultural respect, international understanding and cooperative skills within individuals to prepare them for effective leadership roles in creating a peaceful society.

In 1956 a Constitution was adopted which created CISV as an International Association with affiliated National Associations committed to:

• Providing opportunities for individuals to learn by experience to live amicably with others irrespective of cultural background.
• Contributing through research and experience to a science of international relations and non-violent conflict resolution.
• Complementing and cooperating with like-minded organizations.

How does CISV work?

CISV operates primarily through education, offering young people who exhibit cooperative skills, communication ability and leadership potential the chance to become fully involved in CISV peace education programmes. CISV programmes are based on the premise that there is hope for the future and that actions of individuals can and do have significance in community, national and international affairs. Emphasizing friendship, CISV educates through action, stressing co-operation rather than competition in activities based upon organizational goals of inspirational and educational value. CISV experiences form an important component in developing a global perspective and philosophy in life and desire to work for peace.

Who participates in CISV?

CISV’s International work is accomplished via a network of local, national and international members of all ages who serve as volunteers in conjunction with the staff members at the International Office.

CISV programmes and activities are offered to qualified participants irrespective of sex, race or social / economic background.