What is CISV?

CISV (Children's International Summer Villages) is a world-wide organization promoting cross-cultural friendship and understanding through children. The organization was founded in 1951 by Dr. Doris Allen, a psychologist at the University of Cincinnati. Her premise was that teaching children to live together as friends could create true and lasting global peace. Her idea led to the formation of a "Village" experience for 11-year old children. The first Village had 55 eleven-year-old participants from nine different countries. There are now over 60 member countries and many types of programs!

CISV programs emphasize friendship as an important element in learning to resolve conflicts. In CISV programs, children from different parts of the world live together and learn to appreciate one another by finding similarities and celebrating differences. As an independent, non-political and non-religious volunteer organization committed to the value of each individual, CISV does not practice or tolerate discrimination based on gender, race, religion, political affiliation, social or economic background.

CISV is independent of any government, political party, religious body, or umbrella organization. CISV endeavours to stimulate the development of inter-cultural respect, international understanding and cooperative skills within individuals to prepare them for effective leadership roles in creating a peaceful society.

Related Websites:
CISV Canada
CISV International