Partner conference in Ecuador

It focused on volunteers’ mental health, and the regional networks and PFIF, the association of former volunteers, also gave presentations on their work. The changing behaviour of volunteers and the resulting challenges were also discussed.

First-hand impressions

We interviewed Julia Zumvenne from the weltwärts Coordination Unit (wCU), who attended the Partner Conference (PC) in Ecuador from 13–17 October 2025. Her engagement and insights offer valuable perspectives on the role of civil society and the challenges faced by volunteers.

What was your overall impression of the PC in Ecuador?
Julia: I was very impressed by the dedication of civil society there. What struck me in particular was just how much the partners do behind the scenes and how much responsibility they take on. It is remarkable how well they look after the German volunteers. The host families have been integrated into the programme extremely well and show a great deal of responsibility. For example, they ask the volunteers when they will be coming home in the evening and expect them to announce their arrival and departure – almost as they would if they were in their own homes.


What was particularly important to you at the Ecuador PC from the wCU’s perspective?
Julia: Supporting network-building was a key issue. There is already an abundance of knowledge and qualified individuals out there, but often they are unaware of one another. In the countries represented at the conference – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru – there are many examples of best practice that could also work in other countries. I thought it was great that there was enough space at the conference for building such networks or for continuing discussions. It is important that new partner organisations in particular can benefit from existing knowledge and experience, whether on topics such as crisis management or visa-related matters. There are often finer details of the visa process that you need to be mindful of, and it is helpful when organisations can share their experiences.


What did you feel was particularly successful?
Julia: The atmosphere throughout the conference was great. We sat at round tables, which made the conference more relaxed. There were many interactive elements, and every evening a group of volunteers led an energiser to reflect on the day. This created a strong feeling of connection. Another highlight was an emotional film that the participants created behind the scenes on their own initiative. Everyone was invited to contribute through spontaneous questions. The film conveyed emotion and captured the mood of the conference in a completely different way to a dry-sounding report. Some of those in charge were moved to tears when they were surprised by it at the end of the conference.


Which topics would you have liked to address in greater depth?
Julia: One topic I would have liked to address in greater depth is how volunteers in Germany are selected. It would be important to involve the partner organisations more closely in this process and explain how the selection process works. Changing behaviour among young people is another topic that requires more attention. There are often preconceptions that volunteers are ‘difficult’ or ‘demanding’. I would have liked for there to be more dialogue between sending organisations and partner organisations to clarify how we can better understand volunteers’ needs, particularly with regard to specific requirements, such as those of transgender individuals.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?
Julia: I consider the role of former volunteer representatives at partner conferences to be very important. This perspective is often more direct and highlights what volunteers really need. It was helpful that PFIF was represented as a network of returned volunteers, as it promoted understanding of the challenges and issues that young people currently face. For example, environmental awareness is often high among young people. However, the active volunteers are not the ones who opted against a long flight. We should look at this in a nuanced way. It is important that we work together with young people and adapt, rather than labelling them.