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Meeting place for international solidarity

Worldwide Friends (in Icelandic: Veraldarvinir) is a dynamic Icelandic non-profit organization dedicated to environmental protection, peace, sustainability, and intercultural understanding. The foundation organizes exchange projects, teen camps, and volunteer work, bringing together people of all nationalities and backgrounds to protect the unique Icelandic nature while building global friendships.

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Why

In a world that is changing faster than ever, protecting vulnerable ecosystems and promoting mutual respect between cultures is more important than ever. Iceland is facing the direct consequences of climate change, such as melting glaciers. Worldwide Friends exists to provide active, young global citizens with a platform where they can make a positive impact on both the environment and the international community through concrete action.

Impact

Mission & goals

The mission of Worldwide Friends is to inspire and empower people to take action for a sustainable and peaceful future. Their main goals are:

  • Nature and environmental protection: Preserving and restoring vulnerable Icelandic landscapes through active volunteer projects.
  • Intercultural dialogue: Creating a safe haven where international participants live and work together to break down prejudices and build friendships.
  • Education and awareness: Organizing educational tours and sustainability training to promote ecological awareness.
  • Community support: Assisting local communities in Iceland to realize small-scale, environmentally friendly projects.
Actions
  • Organizing international work camps: The organization coordinates camps throughout the year lasting from 10 to 14 days where volunteers collaborate on projects like beach cleanups, tree planting, or maintaining hiking trails.
  • Offering educational programs: They run special programs on climate change and sustainable development, supported by grants and European exchange projects (like the ESC program).
  • Management of teen summer camps: Worldwide Friends organizes inspiring summer camps to introduce the younger generation to nature conservation and international friendship early on.
  • Research and data generation: Volunteers assist in collecting ecological data to support local governments and scientists in environmental issues.

“ sustainability is not just about protecting trees and glaciers, but also about building bridges between people. When we work together for nature, we also restore our connection with each other.”

Tóti Ívarsson – poet and Director of Worldwide Friends

How your donation helps

Your contribution helps Worldwide Friends cover the logistical and operational costs of their volunteer centers in Iceland. With your support, they can purchase tools, trees, and materials for nature projects, and fund scholarships for young people from vulnerable backgrounds who otherwise wouldn't have the chance to participate in these life-changing international exchanges. This way, you're directly investing in the protection of the unique Arctic nature and in a new generation of conscious global citizens.

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