A Vision for Peace
Following the WWII, the desire for long-term peace grew world-wide. To promote intercultural respect, justice and peace, child psychologist Dr. Doris Twitchell Allen founded CISV in the late 1940s. To this day CISV focuses on helping children grow into ambassadors for a just world.
Trusted Origins
Dr. Allen believed friendships between children from different cultures foster peace and mutual respect. She created CISV to provide safe, enriching experiences for teenagers and adolescents. Since 1950, CISV has built a legacy of trust and positive impact. The first traces of CISV in Belgium go back to 1961. A few years later, CISV Belgium started sending delegations and participants all over the world.
A Proven Program
As early as 1951 the first CISV Village camp was hosted. Children from nine countries, including Germany, and Sweden, came together in Cincinnati in the United States. Today, CISV has organised over 7,000 programs in more than 300 locations.
Evolving and Expanding
CISV continues to adapt to the modern world, growing its educational offerings with different Peace Programs. More than 9,000 participants join CISV programs annually, building lifelong skills.
A Safe Path for Your Child
CISV remains rooted in Dr. Allen’s vision of safety, education, and friendship. Parents can trust CISV to offer life-changing experiences for their children. Together, we inspire young people to create a more peaceful future.
CISV in Belgium
CISV has been active in Belgium since 1961. We’re proud to be organising a Village in the summer of 2024, welcoming 40-50 children with their youth leaders from a dozen countries for three weeks.