Since 1990 this workcamp has been taking place in cooperation with the local youth meeting and education centre on the territory of the former concentration camp (KZ) Buchenwald. Built in 1937, KZ Buchenwald was one of the largest concentration camps of the Nazi era. More than 250,000 people from over 70 countries were deported to KZ Buchenwald and deployed to its more than 130 sub-camps for forced labour. More than 56,000 people did not survive Buchenwald and its sub-camps. Many of them died as a result of the terrible conditions of the camp, were murdered, subjected to brutal medical experiments, or killed during death marches. Volunteers will work on the grounds of the former KZ Buchenwald, including carrying out some archaeological projects.

Type of Work: Preservation work at the former concentration camp and at the rail road line, excavation on the grounds of the former infirmary and of a former waste dump. Restoration of findings. Stonemasonry in memory of single deported people from Buchenwald to Ausschwitz.

Study Theme: Examination of diverse aspects on Buchenwald concentration camp history (1937-1945), special Soviet camp (1945-1950) and Buchenwald during GDR (till 1989), “remembrance” of WW2 in Germany, Russia and Ukraine, its relevance to current-day political events, as well as on the history of the concentration camp and its sub-camps. The topics of violence and racism. Trips to the cities of Weimar and Erfurt and the study of their history during National Socialism and the GDR.

Accommodation: In the youth hostel

Requirements: This workcamp has a very extensive study part, so you must have a strong interest in the subject matter. You must also have good language skills since camp language is English, (the study part can be made in another language though).

Notes: This workcamp welcomes German, Ukrainian and Russian volunteers.

Topic: Antiracism, antifascism, remembrance

Work Types: Archaeology / Manual / Study, discussion, research

Dates: 31 July - 13 August 2016

Deadline: 10 july 2016

Apply here: https://www.workcamps.info/icamps/UA-SVI/en/camp-detail