History of IBIS

IBIS originates from a world-wide and university-based organisation, World University Service (WUS) founded in the early 1920s.

In the beginning, WUS was involved in social activities for students in Europe. In the 1960s, the scope of work was expanded to the third world, where development projects are supported with roots in university circles, and scholarships are channelled to students.

In the 1960s, Danish WUS was a branch of the National Union of Danish Students, DSF. However, as the political students' movement came to the fore, so did the wish that WUS should become more involved in international political work. Initially in the form of support to the liberation movements in Southern Africa, in their struggle against the Portuguese colonial rulers and the apartheid regime.

During the liberation struggle, the support to Southern Africa was carried out with funds collected by WUS and Operation One Day's Work (the annual collection campaign of high-school students) as well as support from the Danish government. Initially, support went to Angola with focus on education and relief aid to refugee camps. Subsequently, WUS launched activities in South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique.

While cooperation with the liberation movements developed, the Danish WUS detached itself from the international WUS. In 1970, the Danish WUS was still established as an independent organisation. This constitutes the first step towards changing the name to the present IBIS in 1991.

In the 1980s, IBIS - or WUS as it was still called – started working in Central America. This happened as the peoples of these countries were rebelling against decades of dictatorship. IBIS wanted to contribute to the process set in motion, and entered into cooperation with the new governments and popular organisations in Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The work revolves particularly around local development projects and support for the development of civil-society organisations.

At this point in time, democratisation had yet to break through in South America. However, there was a smouldering disaffection in the population, and in 1980 IBIS started a project in Chile, and in Bolivia in1985 . In the 1990s, IBIS also began to cooperate with indigenous peoples in Ecuador and Peru with the aim of strengthening their abilities to claim their democratic rights.

Throughout the 90s, IBIS has undergone major changes. Today, the organisation is thus involved in very few 'bricks-and-mortar' projects. Instead, IBIS is engaged in education, organisational development, local organisation, and support to gain political influence for the poorest. This work is rarely obvious and tangible to the casual observer. Nevertheless, these are central areas to bring a society on the road to development.

Against the background of more than 30 years of experience, IBIS has acquired knowledge and networks, which provide a solid foundation for development work.