Work field

Europe and beyond
The field of work of IBO is mainly in Europe, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall, especially Central-and Eastern Europe. During the old regimes there was often a lack of willingness to improve the living conditions of the socially weak, now there is often a lack of means and possibilities to do so.

At the same time, poverty is a relative concept; in the so-called rich countries too people are set apart as a result of long term unemployment, drug and addiction problems, illness etc. Anyone who is excluded in one field will soon find that he is not welcome in other fields either.

Nowadays, there are also projects in other parts of the world, for instance in Asia, Africa and South-America.

Improvement of housing conditions
IBO’s most important field of work is the improvement of the housing conditions of these people. Directly, or more often, indirectly by helping with the realisation of accommodation for organisations which help the underprivileged: homes for handicapped children, homes for the elderly, orphanages and hostels for the homeless. In this way a building, or improvements to it, is of benefit to many people. Other projects aim to improve the social conditions of people: organising activities for and taking care of children in a foster home, homeless or handicapped people and promoting ecological tourism.

Philosophy
IBO chooses to take on voluntary workers, so reducing the high costs and fitting in with IBO’s philosophy. This means the volunteers value the same things as IBO where respect, openness, reliability and quality are the most important. 

When volunteers from different countries work closely together with the locals, it contributes to the solidarity for one another and the cultural en social awareness of the volunteers. 

'Willingness to help is the principle for a better world'