2.4 Youth volunteering at national level
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National programme for youth volunteering
The National Voluntary Service (Service Volontaire National, SVN) is Luxembourg's principal program for youth volunteering, targeting individuals who have completed compulsory education and are under 30 years old. This program invites motivated young people to participate in socio-cultural, socio-educational, cultural, or environmental projects, lasting anywhere from 3 to 12 months. Administered and facilitated by the Service National de la Jeunesse (SNJ), the SVN operates under the 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service, which provides a structured legal framework for these activities. The law specifically caters to young adults under the age of 30 who are interested in dedicating a portion of their time to projects of general interest.
Funding
All costs related to Voluntary Services, such as travel expenses, are paid by the SNJ as main coordinating organisation. To ensure its missions in favour of youth, including the voluntary service, the SNJ's division for transition to active life is allocated a budget of 4,300,000 € planned for 2025. A portion of this budget is dedicated to supporting volunteers, covering expenses such as pocket money or payment for specific costs (see 2.4.4 Support to young volunteers).
A large number of voluntary activities (see: 2.2 Administration and governance of youth volunteering) take place in the framework of community life (sports clubs, music society, youth organisations, scouts movement, etc.) and are partly funded by the government. According to the 2016 Youth Law (loi du 24 avril 2016 portant modification de la moi modifiée du 4 juillet 2008 sur la jeunesse), organisations are eligible for subsidies for activities they organise for young people.
Characteristics of youth volunteering
There is a concerted effort in the SNJ to ensure that all young individuals, regardless of their background, can access the National Voluntary Service (SVN) and other volunteer service programs. Consequently, detailed demographic data on participants is limited to preserve inclusivity. Nonetheless, it has been observed that young volunteers participating in international cooperation activities or EU programs tend to have a slightly higher educational level, typically possessing at least a secondary education degree, compared to those who engage in a National Voluntary Service.
The Youth Report 2015 shows main trends in youth volunteering and the characteristics of young people participating in national volunteering in Luxembourg.
Compared to other European countries, Luxembourg ranks among the countries with the highest number of young people registered as members of a club or association and taking part in their activities. However, the proportion of those who are actively involved in their club’s operations is far smaller (data records from Eurobarometer 319a, 2011).
The characteristics of young volunteers in Luxembourg vary notably based on social background, education and migration background. Young volunteers are more likely to have a higher level of education and, usually, a higher income. The majority of these young people have Luxembourg nationality and often come from families with a high level of education and a high level of interest in social engagement. Non-Luxembourgish young people, especially those of Portuguese nationality are significantly underrepresented in volunteering activities–. In addition, young men are more involved in clubs and associations than young women. The various services intended to promote civic engagement are also used almost exclusively by young people of Luxembourg nationality. Most of these young people are under the age of 25, have a high level of education and come from a middle-class family. Many of them are socially engaged in several different ways.
Support to young volunteers
Legislation provides various benefits to young volunteers in Luxembourg. The majority of the expenses that young volunteers face during their service are covered. This includes transportation costs as well as a portion of housing and subsistence expenses. In terms of insurance, the state covers contributions for health, accident, and pension insurance for youths participating in volunteering activities. Additionally, young volunteers receive pocket money to cover their daily expenses. A portion of this pocket money comes from family allowances, which volunteers are entitled to from the age of 18. Before this age, the money is paid to their legal guardians.
Target groups
The voluntary services address young people below 30 years of age who have completed mandatory schooling. There are no other specific criteria for accessing the programs.