Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service and Peace and Social Service Abroad programmes

The aims of the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service and the Peace and Social Service Abroad programmes, which cannot be completed within the framework of an employment relationship, are in particular

• deepening of previous school education;
• becoming familiar with the work at the placement location;
• personal development;
• broadening and applying knowledge in order to acquire skills for social occupational fields,
• vocational orientation;
• strengthening social skills; and
• promoting the social commitment of the participants.

The special objectives of the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service programme is to promote the commemoration of the victims of National Socialism and the associated work of raising awareness and educating people. The special objectives of the Peace and Social Service Abroad programme are to contribute to the economic and social development of a country and the preservation of peace.

The Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service programme takes place at placement locations in Austria and abroad, while the Peace and Social Service programme takes place at placement locations abroad.

The framework conditions essentially correspond to those of the Voluntary Social Year.

After reaching the age of 17, and in exceptional cases even before in the case of special suitability, people who have not completed the relevant vocational education or training may in principle participate, on a one-off basis, in the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service or Peace and Social Service Abroad programme at a placement location designated by a recognised institution.

During their placement, participants are entitled to receive pocket money and, provided they are not older than 24, family allowances.

In addition, a minimum of

• 150 hours of training, pedagogical supervision and support and
• a maximum engagement time of 34 hours per week is prescribed.

Suitable placement locations for the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service or Peace and Social Service Abroad programmes are approved by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, in agreement with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, at the request of the institution concerned, taking into account the foreign policy interests of the Republic of Austria.

In principle, an Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service or Peace and Social Service Abroad programme can be started at any time and lasts between six and twelve months, depending on what has been agreed. More detailed information can be obtained from the approved institutions – freiwilligenweb portal for voluntary work (→ BMSGPK)^{German text}.