Gathering of Youth in Wiesbaden on a Global Scale
In the heart of Wiesbaden, the Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich) recently hosted a transformative youth exchange, focusing on the department of youth work's annual theme: "Social (In)Justice - Let's get the good life!" The event brought together young guests from the Arka Youth Center in Shkodra, Albania, for an enriching experience that extended beyond a vacation program, fostering personal encounters, shared learning, and mutual recognition.
The exchange was organized in collaboration with the Wiesbaden International office of the department of youth work, the Arka Youth Center Shkodra, and Spiegelbild - Political Education Wiesbaden e.V., with funding from the EU Erasmus+ Youth program.
A Journey Through Europe
The young participants explored Europe through various methods, including icebreaker and team-building activities, city explorations, and discussions on life realities, opportunities, and inequalities. Highlights included a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, joint cooking, and a rock climbing adventure at the Neroberg climbing forest.
The event culminated with a return trip following a Wiesbaden youth's trip to Albania in summer 2024, during which the participants exchanged perspectives on Europe's role in social justice and Albania's perspective on joining the European Union.
Empowering Agents of Change
The exchange aimed to empower young people to be advocates and agents of change in their local communities by sharing best practices and developing skills in dialogue, leadership, and civic participation. The program was a strong statement by young people for a solidarity Europe.
A Visit to the Town Hall
During the visit, the youth were guided through the town hall by the deputy mayor for social affairs, education, and housing, Dr. Patricia Becher. They had the opportunity to visit the city council chamber and the mayor's office, reinforcing the connection between local governance and European institutions.
Dr. Becher emphasized the importance of young people meeting across borders, listening to each other, and thinking about social justice, stating that they are a strong democratic promise.
Erasmus+ Funding: Breaking Down Barriers
The JUZ Biebrich youth exchange was proudly supported by the Erasmus+ program, the EU’s flagship funding initiative for education, training, youth, and sport. Erasmus+ provides financial support covering travel, accommodation, materials, and organizational costs, enabling young people from various countries to participate without financial barriers.
The funding also supports the preparation and follow-up phases of the exchange, ensuring impactful learning outcomes and sustainability of the projects initiated by participants. Erasmus+ emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging participation from socially disadvantaged or marginalized youth, in line with the social justice aims of the exchange.
For more information about future youth exchanges or to get involved, citizens can contact the responsible department or office. The publisher of this press release is the press office of the city of Wiesbaden.
- The youth exchange, held at the Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich, served as a platform for discussing lifestyle and education-and-self-development, as it aimed to empower young people to be advocates and agents of change by sharing best practices and developing skills in dialogue, leadership, and civic participation.
- The Erasmus+ program, responsible for the funding of the exchange, vigorously advocates for inclusivity, providing financial support to young people from different countries to participate in international events such as this one, thereby breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of solidarity across cultures.
