Service Volontaire International (SVI)

What we do: Service Volontaire International (SVI) is a non-profit, apolitical, and non-religious association dedicated to international solidarity and active citizenship. Our core mission is to prepare, send, and welcome young volunteers for international workcamps organized by local non-profit associations in over 80 countries, including Belgium and France[1][6]. We facilitate intercultural exchanges, enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in social, environmental, educational, and cultural projects that strengthen local communities. SVI is officially recognized by the Belgian Ministry of Youth and accredited by the European Commission to coordinate Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs[6]. We promote a vision of volunteering that is accessible to all, non-commercial, and focused on genuine citizen engagement, actively opposing the negative aspects of voluntourism[6].

Where we are located: Our headquarters is located at Bcle des Métiers 21, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. SVI also has a strong presence in France, with a head office in Lille, and is expanding its activities to Quebec[3].

Short history: SVI was founded in 2009 in Belgium by former volunteers as an independent branch of the Vietnamese NGO SJ Vietnam, established in 2004 with support from the United Nations Volunteers and Belgian Cooperation[1][3][4]. The organization quickly grew from a small group to several thousand members, reflecting its commitment to youth empowerment and international solidarity. In 2011, SVI was commended by the City of Brussels for its civic engagement, and in 2013, it was recognized as a “youth service group” by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation[1].

Organization & culture: SVI is run by and for volunteers, with a collaborative and dynamic culture that emphasizes teamwork, personal development, and mutual learning. Our team consists of 14 passionate employees who support volunteers throughout their journey, from preparation to project completion. We value respect, diversity, and inclusion, and strive to create an enriching environment where every volunteer can thrive. SVI works with over a hundred partner associations worldwide, ranging from small local NGOs to large coordinating organizations with decades of experience in volunteer management[1].

Recent developments: SVI continues to expand its network, now facilitating exchanges in over 80 countries and enabling more than 900 young people to engage in international solidarity work each year. The organization also hosts over 100 foreign volunteers annually in France and Belgium, free of charge, with plans to extend this program to Quebec[6]. SVI remains committed to its founding principles of accessibility, non-commercialism, and active citizenship, regularly organizing free information sessions on volunteering and language stays[6].