Youth Exchange in Wiesbaden Focuses on Social Justice and European Integration
Gathering of Youths on a Global Scale in Wiesbaden
A group of young people recently visited Wiesbaden, Germany, for a youth exchange programme organised by JUZ Biebrich, in collaboration with the Wiesbaden International Desk of the Youth Work department and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra, Albania. The programme, titled "Social (In)Justice - Let's get the good life!", aimed to explore themes of social justice and injustice, encouraging participants to critically engage with contemporary societal issues.
During their stay, the young participants engaged in various activities, including workshops, debates, and interactive sessions. They delved into discussions on equality, discrimination, human rights, and civic participation, fostering dialogue among young people from different European backgrounds. The programme's objectives were to empower youth to become active citizens, understand social inequalities, and develop ideas for promoting social justice in their communities.
As part of the exchange, the participants had the opportunity to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where they discussed Europe's role in social justice and Albania's perspective on joining the European Union. This experience aimed to deepen youth understanding of European democratic processes and encourage their involvement in EU civic life.
The visit to Strasbourg made Europe feel tangible and close for the young participants. Dr. Patricia Becher, the Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing in Wiesbaden, guided the group through the town hall and emphasised the importance of young people meeting across borders and thinking about social justice as a strong democratic promise.
The JUZ Biebrich youth exchange was supported by the EU Erasmus+ Youth programme, which funds education, training, youth, and sport projects. The programme covers travel costs, accommodation, subsistence, and program materials and activities for participants.
Leisure activities during the exchange included rock climbing at the Neroberg climbing forest, visiting the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, participating in a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, joint cooking, and a trip to Rüdesheim. The programme went beyond a vacation programme, enabling personal encounters, joint learning, and mutual recognition.
The visit was a return trip following a summer 2024 visit by Wiesbaden youth to Albania. The EU Youth Pass, a symbol of the participants' commitment, learning processes, and growing intercultural competence, was presented at a formal welcome in the grand hall. The youth also visited the city council chamber and briefly stopped by the Mayor's office during their tour.
This youth exchange was a strong statement by young people for a solidarity Europe, encouraging active citizenship, cross-cultural learning, and cooperation among young people across Europe. For more information on application processes, dates, or participant criteria for future JUZ Biebrich exchanges or details on Erasmus+ Youth funding eligibility, please get in touch.
- To enhance their learning and personal growth, participants in the Wiesbaden youth exchange engaged in skills-training activities like rock climbing at the Neroberg climbing forest and a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof.
- The programme included various home-and-garden elements, such as joint cooking sessions, fostering a sense of companionship and shared experiences among the participants.
- Upon visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg, participants gained insight into career development opportunities within the realm of social justice and European integration.
- For those interested in mixed-martial-arts, the exchange provided a unique opportunity for intercultural learning, as participants were introduced to the sport during their trip to Rüdesheim.
- In addition to the main focus on education-and-self-development and social justice, the exchange also incorporated travel elements, allowing participants to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in European cultures.
