JAO Jugendwerk Aufbau Ost E.V.

The JAO Jugendwerk Aufbau Ost JAO gGmbH is a dedicated provider of facilities and services in child and youth welfare as well as in the area of voluntary social and ecological years. Founded in May 1991, the organization is committed to counteracting stigmatization and negative career paths of children, youth, and their families through alternative offerings.

• Child and Youth Welfare: The JAO gGmbH operates 22 daycare centers in five districts of Berlin and offers support in several child, youth, and family centers. These facilities include services for educational assistance and connect youth welfare offerings with school activities[4][5].
• Voluntary Years: As an accredited provider of the Voluntary Social Year and the Voluntary Ecological Year, the JAO gGmbH offers young people and young adults the opportunity to engage in social and ecological areas. As part of the Voluntary Ecological Year, participants can work in nature conservation stations, gardening schools, environmental education facilities, and in companies focused on sustainable technologies[1][4].
• Career Orientation and Labor Market Integration: The JAO gGmbH supports young people in career orientation and improves their chances in the labor market[4].

The main mission of the JAO gGmbH is to empower children, youth, and their families through comprehensive support offerings and to provide them with positive development perspectives. The values of the organization include promoting inclusion, combating stigmatization, and supporting families in their daily lives. Another focus is on promoting health and movement, as exemplified in the project "The Active Family," which emphasizes sports, relaxation, and healthy nutrition[5].

The JAO gGmbH is actively committed to sustainability and environmental protection. As part of the Voluntary Ecological Year, participants work in various environmentally oriented placements, such as nature conservation stations, environmental education facilities, and in companies focused on sustainable disposal and recycling. Through these initiatives, youth and young adults learn to connect entrepreneurial action with environmental protection concerns and contribute to promoting sustainable practices[1].