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So Jutta, tell us about…

 …who you are!
My name is Jutta and I am 23 years old. I am from the Rhineland region in Germany and I studied European Studies in Maastricht, NL. In the future I hope to work in the field of international relations or intercultural education, but who knows, I’ll might tell you a different story once I am back. Moreover, I am a passionate party-swimmer, a confident European and lately I started dancing unfortunately I am not any good (yet).

…voluntary services!
To me, the kulturweit-program is a unique opportunity to experience how German institutions that are based abroad function. First, I consider international cooperation to be indispensable for a peaceful coexistence, yet, I expect intercultural exchange to happen within a partnership on equal terms. Therefore, I did not want to participate in a voluntary service that is based on development aid, but one that proudly stresses the personal development of the volunteers themselves as its main goal. To my pleasant surprise, the kulturweit-program discussed post-colonial structures intensively during the preparation seminar, and how they are linked to the partner-associations of the program.
There are quite a few questions that will accompany me during the upcoming 12 months. How can I keep up this critical point of view, while trying to impartially start my work? How can I work in a sustainable manner that leaves an impact? How can we generate chances for people in my host country while keeping an open eye on those aspects, that set an example for Germany as well?
Now stay with me, when I am about to find out!

 …who you are writing this blog for?
In general target group definitions are a major step on the way to success, however, luckily I do not need to earn my money by writing this blog. Thus, this blog shall be open for everyone, yet, I have no interest in making it a required reading. Mainly, I want to share thoughts with my close ones but also everyone else who is interested in voluntary services.

…the possibilities to contact you for questions and comments!
I am looking forward to receive comments and feedback. Also, critical points of view are highly appreciated: juttaattuj94@gmail.com

Jutta, erzähl mal:

…etwas über Freiwilligendienste!
Für mich ist das kulturweit-Programm eine Chance um zu erleben wie deut-sche Institutionen im Ausland arbeiten. Zum einen erachte ich internationale Kooperation als unabdingbar für ein friedliches Zusammenleben, doch möchte ich, dass dieser Austausch durch Partnerschaft auf Augenhöhe geschieht. Daher wollte ich keinen auf Entwicklungshilfe basierenden Freiwilligendienst leisten, sondern einen bei dem offen gesagt wird, dass die persönliche Entwicklung der Freiwilligen im Vordergrund steht. Zu meiner positiven Überraschung hat sich kulturweit auch auf dem Vorbereitungsseminar intensiv mit postkolonialen Strukturen auseinandergesetzt die sich auch in den Partnerorganisationen wiederfinden.