Youth Exchange Program: "Social (In)Justice" Returns to Wiesbaden-Biebrich
Gathering of youths from various nations in Wiesbaden
After a successful exchange in Shkodra, Albania, a group of young guests from the Arka Youth Center returned to Wiesbaden-Biebrich for the "Social (In)Justice" youth exchange. Organized by the Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich) in cooperation with the Wiesbaden International Specialist Office of the Youth Work department in the Office of Social Affairs and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra, this cross-cultural initiative aimed to foster discussions on Europe's role in questions of social justice and Albania's accession perspective to the European Union.
A Week of Cultural Exchange and Learning
The program, funded by EU Erasmus+ Youth, brought together young people aged 15-25 from both countries for a week-long exchange filled with workshops, discussions, cultural activities, and community engagement.
Key highlights included:
- Interactive Workshops: Sessions on social justice themes, such as inequality, discrimination, human rights, and inclusion, were led by experts from various fields.
- Collaborative Activities: Group projects and presentations allowed participants to work together, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and understanding.
- Cultural Exchange: Shared leisure activities, such as visiting the Neroberg climbing forest, the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, joint cooking, and an excursion to Rüdesheim, provided opportunities for participants to experience German and Albanian culture.
- Official Welcome and EU Youth Pass: The young people received their EU Youth Pass during an official welcome in the grand festive hall, symbolizing their engagement, learning processes, and growing intercultural competence.
- City Exploration and European Parliament Visit: The subsequent city exploration in Strasbourg made Europe tangible and close, with a special highlight being the visit to the European Parliament on Monday, August 4.
Empowering Young Voices on Social Justice
Dr. Patricia Becher, the Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing, guided the young people through the town hall, emphasizing the importance of young people meeting across borders, listening to each other, and thinking together about social justice. She stated, "Young people who meet across borders, listen to each other, and think together about social justice are a strong democratic promise."
The encounter was a return visit to a trip of Wiesbaden youth to Albania in summer 2024. Europe, according to Dr. Becher, is more than a political project; it lives through the attitude of the next generation.
If you are interested in learning more about the "Social (In)Justice" youth exchange or future editions, please do not hesitate to contact the responsible department or office. This year's exchange was a testament to the power of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in fostering understanding, empathy, and active citizenship among young people.
- The youth exchange program, "Social (In)Justice," focused on education-and-self-development, addressing themes of social justice, including inequality, discrimination, human rights, and inclusion, through interactive workshops led by experts.
- During the week-long cultural exchange, participants continued their education-and-self-development via collaborative activities, cultural exchange experiences, and city explorations, such as visiting the European Parliament.
