In the 1990s Manfred Monnighoff, a German entrepreneur developed the Peace Villages Foundation, the first known Non-Profit Franchise Concept. For this Monnighoff left his successful business career in Holland behind to become a social activist. He joined grassroots NGO's around the globe and worked as a volunteer with the intention of helping to create and promote a Culture of Peace. Learning to put his entrepreneurial skills to work and gaining important NGO management experience, enabled him to set up replicable and self-sustained aid programs first in Venezuela and later the Dominican Republic based on the support of many volunteers.

They are independent from political, religious or business interests and maintain independence by completely funding and operating their programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers and interns.

THEIR MISSION

They promote a Culture of Peace through enriching cross-cultural exchange for people of all races and nationalities and they practice voluntary community service where they provide additional opportunities in education, sports, health care and skill training. They assist their beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives.

THEIR VISION

Offering Volunteers & Interns the great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish and immerse oneself in the Latin and Caribbean culture. They share the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of cultural values and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Their Volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a Culture of Peace as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict.

The beginnings in Venezuela and the ongoing struggle against political instability

Monnighoff started in 1995 his first humanitarian project in Merida, Venezuela, thanks to the collocation of his own life savings in form of a rotational credit. The work in Merida focused on children rights. Efforts were made to integrate street children and at-risk youth into a more stable environment, and at times into foster families. With the aim of creating a registered NGO in Venezuela, he succeeded in 2001 with the establishment of Fundacion Aldeas de Paz in Caracas, Venezuela. For thirteen years Aldeas de Paz has been based in Santa Elena, Venezuela, focusing its resources and volunteer support on cultural exchange and social development programs in the region.

During 2014 the social and political situation in Venezuela became increasingly difficult and volunteer placements had to be temporarily suspended until the social and political situation allows again for a safe and enjoyable environment so that international volunteers and interns feel comfortable to come and join efforts in Venezuela.