Youth Exchange Program: JUZ Biebrich, Arka Youth Center (Shkodra) & Wiesbaden-Biebrich Youth
Gathering of Youth in Wiesbaden on Global Scale
The Youth Exchange program, held in August 2024, brought together young people from Wiesbaden-Biebrich (Germany) and Shkodra (Albania) to explore and discuss the theme of social justice. The program, organised by the Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich), the Wiesbaden International Specialist Office of the Youth Department in the Office of Social Work, and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra, aimed to promote intercultural understanding, raise awareness about social inequalities, and empower youth to become active agents of social change in their communities.
Overview
The Youth Exchange was a collaborative international project that took place at the town hall of Wiesbaden, guided by Dr. Patricia Becher, the Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing. The event was funded by the EU Erasmus+ Youth program and focused on fostering dialogue, learning, and personal encounters between the participating youth.
Key Themes and Topics Explored
During the exchange, the young people approached the topic through various methods and formats, including city explorations, joint reflections, and cooperation tasks. They delved into Jewish history in Wiesbaden and its current significance, in collaboration with Spiegelbild - Political Education Wiesbaden e.V. The youth also discussed the role of Europe in questions of social justice and Albania's perspective on joining the European Union.
Program Activities
The program included interactive workshops, group discussions, cultural exchange events, and community projects. A special highlight was the visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday, August 4. Leisure activities included visiting the Neroberg climbing forest, the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, joint cooking, and a trip to Rüdesheim.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the Youth Exchange included increased awareness and understanding of social justice challenges in two different European contexts, stronger intercultural friendships and networking among youth from Germany and Albania, enhanced skills in critical thinking, dialogue facilitation, and project planning, concrete follow-up community projects initiated by the groups to promote social justice locally, and greater motivation for youth to participate in social justice causes and positive societal change.
Impact
The Youth Exchange contributed to building a more inclusive and socially aware generation in both countries. It strengthened European youth cooperation and created a model for addressing complex social issues through dialogue and practical action. The youth received their EU Youth Pass as a visible sign of their engagement, learning processes, and growing intercultural competence. Dr. Patricia Becher stated that young people who meet across borders and think about social justice are a strong democratic promise.
For more specific details about the dates, participant numbers, or funding and coordination, please contact the responsible department or office directly. The publisher of the press release is the Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden.
- To promote their personal growth and social media engagement, participants of the Youth Exchange spent a day at the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, learning about interactive communication and its role in fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse cultures.
- In alignment with their pursuit of home-and-garden skills and education-and-self-development, several youth groups took on a community project, refurbishing a local park in Wiesbaden, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal and promoting environmental consciousness.
- As part of their career development and skills-training, they engaged in a day-long workshop led by professionals from various sectors, learning about potential career paths, creating effective resumes, and developing essential interviewing skills.
- The Youth Exchange delved into entertainment by organizing a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate their cultural diversity through dance.
- To educate participants about personal-growth opportunities and continuing their learning journeys, the exchange offered learning resources focused on skills-training, allowing youth to improve their capabilities in dialogue facilitation, project planning, and critical thinking.
