NextGenBuddies is a program initiated in 2010 by WU, Caritas Vienna, and BILLA to promote educational equality. Through Volunteering@WU, each semester around 130 WU students volunteer as study buddies, music buddies, and sports buddies. They support approximately 260 children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 from various Caritas and Red Cross institutions on a weekly basis.

The guiding principle is mutual learning and collective growth. For the children and teenagers involved, these students serve as exemplary educational figures, bolstering their self-assurance, facilitating their academic progress, and encouraging their social involvement. Meanwhile, the students themselves expand their horizons and develop a sense of accountability. The program employs the method of service learning: students perform volunteer work (service) and complete complementary seminars, supervision, and reflection assignments (learning). They earn 3 ECTS credits each term. After completing two semesters, they are eligible to receive WU’s social skills certificate.

More information about the program can be found here.

Please note that German language skills are required to participate in this program.