German community service for UK German community service for UK Summarised from a letter in The Independent from Elizabeth Wardle of New Barnet, Herts, monitored for the Institute by Yvonne Ackroyd. All school-leavers should take a 'year off' before going on to higher education or training and take part in some form of community service, either at home or abroad, for a basic wage. The system works in Germany under the name of Zilvildienst, which is a popular alternative to military service for boys and involves working in institutions such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes that could not otherwise afford enough staff.
German friends say that their sons benefit enormously from the experience.
Before the unions start crying 'cheap labour', let them suggest a better way of giving all young people an insight into working life and the needs of the community before they choose a training and career, plus the self-esteem that comes from doing a useful job. You can give a rating to this scheme overall. Click 0-10 below and press the Submit button. DoBe.org or click on the image below.