Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) is an independent, non-profit, non-political, volunteer organization that offers children, youth, and adults the opportunity to make new friendships worldwide and to understand and appreciate different cultures. While CISV offers many different programs, the philosophy of CISV can be summarized as a commitment to promote peace education, to learn about other cultures through close friendships and to accept others without prejudices or stereotypes.

We are a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through our educational programmes. We are founded on our belief that peace is possible through friendship - and that the real difference can be made by starting with children.

Our values

Friendship

Inclusiveness

Enthusiasm

Engagement

Cooperation

CISV is a charitable, independent, non-political, volunteer organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship.

Our work focuses on the following key areas:

We provide opportunities for individuals to learn by experience to live amicably with others irrespective of cultural background.

We contribute through research to a science of international relations and non-violent conflict resolution.

We cooperate with other organizations having similar purposes.

We inspire people of all ages to strive for a more just and peaceful world.