What is CISV?

CISV (Children's International Summer Villages) is a world-wide organization promoting cross-cultural friendship and understanding through children. It was founded after World War II by Dr. Doris Allen and is based on the premise that peace is possible if individuals and groups can learn to live together as friends. CISV programs emphasize friendship as an important element in learning to resolve conflicts. At our international programs, children from different parts of the world live together for several weeks in a camp setting and learn to appreciate one another by finding similarities and celebrating differences. Our local programs promote greater understanding and tolerance within our own community.

CISV is an independent, non-political and non-religious volunteer organization affiliated with UNESCO. As an organization committed to the value of each individual, CISV does not practice or tolerate discrimination based on race, religion, political affiliation, social or economic background. There are CISV chapters in over 60 countries around the world. The Montreal Developing chapter is one of 11 chapters in Canada.