Gathering of Youth from Around the Globe in Wiesbaden
The Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich) in Wiesbaden, Germany, recently hosted a group of young guests from the Arka Youth Center in Shkodra, Albania, as part of the EU Youth Project "Social (In)Justice". This collaborative Erasmus+ Youth exchange program aimed to explore themes of social justice and social injustice through intercultural dialogue and activities.
The event took place on Tuesday, August 5, and was a return visit following a trip by Wiesbaden youth to Albania in the summer of 2024. The youth exchange was organized by JUZ Biebrich in cooperation with Wiesbaden International's youth department and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra.
During their stay, the young participants explored the topic through various methods, including icebreaking activities, city explorations, and discussions on life realities, opportunities, and inequalities. They delved into Wiesbaden's Jewish history and its current significance, in collaboration with Spiegelbild - Political Education Wiesbaden e.V. Leisure activities included rock climbing, visiting museums, attending a breakdance contest, joint cooking sessions, and a trip to Rüdesheim.
A highlight was the visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where they discussed Europe's role in social justice and Albania's potential EU accession. The visit to the European Parliament made Europe feel tangible and close. The youth were led through the town hall by Wiesbaden's Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing, Dr. Patricia Becher.
Dr. Becher stated that "Young people who meet across borders, listen to each other, and think together about social justice are a strong democratic promise." Europe, according to Dr. Becher, is more than a political project; it lives through the attitude of the next generation.
The event aimed to foster intercultural understanding and new friendships. The youth received their EU Youth Pass, symbolizing their engagement, learning processes, and enhanced intercultural competency.
This initiative is typical of Erasmus+ youth exchanges, which serve as platforms for young people across Europe to share experiences, develop social skills, and engage with important societal topics such as social inequality, inclusion, and civic participation. The participation of centers like JUZ Biebrich and Arka Youth Center highlights a focus on cross-cultural cooperation between Western and Eastern European youth, fostering solidarity and awareness of social challenges in different European contexts.
Citizens can contact the relevant department or office with any questions regarding the project. The publisher of the press release is the Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden, located at Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden. The youth department's annual theme was "Social (In)Justice - Let's get the good life!". The event's theme was a reflection of this broader focus on social justice and the pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
Participants of the EU Youth Project "Social (In)Justice" engaged in education-and-self-development activities during their stay at the Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich in Wiesbaden, Germany. Through various methods such as discussions and city explorations, they delved into themes related to social justice and social injustice, fostering intercultural understanding and new friendships in the process.
